Under 100 dollars, dual action gravity feed

Don Wheeler

If you send it to them, it should come back like new.

I always remove the head and needle when I clean the Patriot.  It's so easy to do and only takes a minute.  The nozzle should just fall out.  I don't trust merely flushing to do a good job.

Does the head unscrew easy after you break it free?  Or, is it hard to turn the whole way?  If it is, it may be cross threaded.  Whatever, I'm sure Badger will fix it.

Don

 

As to cleaning, some folks follow a "rinse spray" only method. That will indeed get rid of the majority of the paint inside, but guaranteed there will be a fair amount remaining. That can only dry and continue to build up, with successive painting sessions.

My mainstay Badgers are so easy to dis-assemble, that a good cleaning takes just 5 minutes or so. I usually take out the entire innards when through for the day, that will add another few minutes, but I think well worth the time. In addition, the Badger proprietary AB lube named "Regdab," works very well at preserving the precision mechanical components. 

A good airbrush can last for many years and be trouble free, or they can have their useful lives shortened considerably, the maintenance regimen will determine which result an owner experiences.

My 105, and several other Badgers, have proven to be extremely reliable and durable producing results quite suitable for my needs. I have no affiliation with Badger, just a very satisfied customer.

Patrick

If you send it to them, it should come back like new.

I always remove the head and needle when I clean the Patriot.  It's so easy to do and only takes a minute.  The nozzle should just fall out.  I don't trust merely flushing to do a good job.

Does the head unscrew easy after you break it free?  Or, is it hard to turn the whole way?  If it is, it may be cross threaded.  Whatever, I'm sure Badger will fix it.

Don

Oh, i see what you mean now. Sorry, i'm not familiar with the Patriot, so didn't realise it's meant to be finger tight.

Yes, Badger have excellent customer service - i doubt you need a new a/b, i'm sure they'll fix up for you.

Keep us updated.

Thank you for your replies. 

Don Wheeler

I think you should contact Badger about your Patriot.  It should disassemble easily with no tools.  You won't find a gravity fed airbrush that is easier to care for than the Patriot.

I'm assuming you clean it right after use and don't let paint dry in it.

Don

 

Yes, I do. In worst case scenario, I fill the cup with alcohol and mix the alcohol with paint residues on the inside of the cup, and spray it&refill it until no paint comes after every session. I did not bother contacting them at first, but the damage the vise has given to the head starts looking bad. I also tried WC-40 without any luck.

@cml, I am fine with unscrewing with a wrench as long as it is supposed to be unscrewed that way. 

I called Badger today, and the lady I spoke to was very kind, she gave me a number to call on monday. I believe they won't let down a customer.

I think you should contact Badger about your Patriot.  It should disassemble easily with no tools.  You won't find a gravity fed airbrush that is easier to care for than the Patriot.

I'm assuming you clean it right after use and don't let paint dry in it.

Don

Well, i'll put forward my mainstay - the Badger 100LG, however, you do need to use the wrench to unscrew the head assembly and then you need a separate tool (3 corner reamer) to remove the tip.  

But, given your post, i'm assuming you want one that can be done by hand.

The Badger Renegade series have a head assembly that you can unscrew by hand and the tips just sit - no threads, but these are over $100.

Perhaps check out the Iwata Revolution series or Sparmax. I think you can remove those heads with finger pressure, but you probably still need a wrench to remove the tips.

Hope this helps.