Paasche VL airbrush and other help needed...

tn_prvteye

Member since
September 2003

Paasche VL airbrush and other help needed...

Posted by tn_prvteye on Friday, April 30, 2004 1:38 PM

Okay, in my glorious return to scale model building, I bought the Paasche VL airbrush. I had used this airbrush over a decade ago with much success. I was able to paint very thin lines, and do camo patterns free-hand.

So I thought I'd buy another one...AND the Paasche compressor to go with it.

I've got a problem though, no matter what ratio of paint/thinner I use, I get HORRIBLE splatter. I use Testors Model Master paints (just as I had years ago), and I've tried the different needles that came with the brush. Still no good.

I've noticed that there's alot of air blowing out of the hose where it connects to the airbrush, and I don't remember that being normal.

Is there something I'm forgetting here? And does anyone know what PSI the Paasche compressor is set at? There are no manual settings.

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MikeV

Member since
April 2003
From: Hayward, CA

Posted by MikeV on Friday, April 30, 2004 2:10 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by tn_prvteye

I've noticed that there's alot of air blowing out of the hose where it connects to the airbrush, and I don't remember that being normal.

Is there something I'm forgetting here? And does anyone know what PSI the Paasche compressor is set at? There are no manual settings.

Did you hand tighten that airhose connector to the airbrush or did you use a wrench?

I believe the Paasche D-500 compressor (I think that's the one you mean) puts out around 20 psi but it pulsates the airflow pretty bad.

Mike

“Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon

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tn_prvteye

Member since
September 2003

Posted by tn_prvteye on Friday, April 30, 2004 2:22 PM

Well, the leak isn't coming from the actual connection, but from the 'gimble' point (is that the right word?), the place where the brush pivots...a sort of ball and socket type thing.

20 PSI? Did I get a crappy compressor? If so, is there anything I can do?

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MikeV

Member since
April 2003
From: Hayward, CA

Posted by MikeV on Friday, April 30, 2004 2:38 PM

I know what you are talking about as I used to have a VL myself.
If the fitting is not tightened with a wrench then that swivel point you are talking about will leak if I remember correctly. Just don't tighten it too much as the airbrush is brass and will strip if tightened excessively.

No you did not get a crappy compressor, that little D-500 is a diaphragm model and it only puts out about 20-22 psi working pressure.
http://dixieart.com/PaascheD500.html

Mike

“Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon

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tn_prvteye

Member since
September 2003

Posted by tn_prvteye on Friday, April 30, 2004 3:20 PM

I'll try again with the wrench this time...thank you for the help!

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tn_prvteye

Member since
September 2003

Posted by tn_prvteye on Friday, April 30, 2004 4:25 PM

Well, it no longer leaks, but I'm still getting splatter...OR very thin and runny. Can't seem to find a happy medium.

I'll keep at it. Thanks again.

P.S. I have forgotten about how messy I am...I've got little paint fingerprints all over my keyboard now...: Big Smile [:D]

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MikeV

Member since
April 2003
From: Hayward, CA

Posted by MikeV on Friday, April 30, 2004 4:36 PM

Which needle and tip are you using?
I would use either the #3 tip and needle or the #1.
I have had good success at mixing the Model Master in a ratio of either 1:1 or 2:1 with mineral spirits.
What are you thinning it with?

Mike

“Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon

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tn_prvteye

Member since
September 2003

Posted by tn_prvteye on Friday, April 30, 2004 5:54 PM

I'm thinning it with Testors airbrush thinner...

Mineral spirits works with enamels?

I'll try the 1 and 3 tips...been using 5...

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MikeV

Member since
April 2003
From: Hayward, CA

Posted by MikeV on Friday, April 30, 2004 7:19 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by tn_prvteye

I'm thinning it with Testors airbrush thinner...

That is excellent thinner.

QUOTE: Mineral spirits works with enamels?

Yes they do, but what you are using is better actually, it is just more expensive.

QUOTE: I'll try the 1 and 3 tips...been using 5...

That is your problem. Big Smile [:D]

The #5 tip and needle are not designed to be used with paints like Model Master. That tip is for thicker viscosity mediums.
Put the #3 tip/needle in the airbrush and you will see a big difference.

Mike

“Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon

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maddafinga

Member since
March 2003
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

Posted by maddafinga on Friday, April 30, 2004 8:30 PM

Mike to the rescue, way to troubleshoot Mike. Yer the man!

Madda Trifles make perfection, but perfection is no trifle. -- Leonardo Da Vinci Tact is for those who lack the wit for sarcasm.--maddafinga

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tn_prvteye

Member since
September 2003

Posted by tn_prvteye on Friday, April 30, 2004 11:37 PM

You're a life saver, man...

Someone else mentioned a moisture trap...that needed?

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MusicCity

Member since
January 2004
From: USA

Posted by MusicCity on Saturday, May 1, 2004 6:43 AM

QUOTE: Someone else mentioned a moisture trap...that needed?

Given the humidity in Tennessee, it's always a good idea! When air is compressed the moisture gets squeezed out and condenses. That moisture can travel down the hose and spit out at the most inconvenient times, so a moisture trap is always a good idea Big Smile [:D]

Most of them also double as particle filters that will catch dist and dirt that travels down the aistream.

Scott Craig -- Nashville, TN -- My Website -- My Models Page

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MikeV

Member since
April 2003
From: Hayward, CA

Posted by MikeV on Saturday, May 1, 2004 10:43 AM

QUOTE: Originally posted by tn_prvteye

You're a life saver, man...

So did that fix the problem?
What needle/tip are you using now?

Mike

“Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon

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tn_prvteye

Member since
September 2003

Posted by tn_prvteye on Saturday, May 1, 2004 11:03 AM

I replaced the 5 with the 1, but I haven't had a chance to try it yet. Real Life (tm) keeps getting in the way. I'm working on an F-100 in SEA vietnam camo colors. But I managed to get the bottom coat of light gray on without too much trouble...still not a fine as I used to get it. I'm sure with a new needle, and possibly a misture trap, I'll get back up to speed.

Gotta love the internet. 15 years ago, I'd have to wait for a swap meet, or MAYBE the local hobby shop (60 miles away) to get help. I've forgotten how much I've missed this hobby.

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