Dual Action... Only thin lines?

What airbrush is it?
What needle and tip is in it?
How far away are you spraying from?

Mike

Which tip do you have?? Hmm... doesn't matter, nvm, you said "gravity feed". The only thing wrong is that it sprays too fine a line?? Might be the air pressure, I have never gone higher than 20-22 psi to paint, I did my tank at 20 psi for full coverage and 3-8 psi for the fine lines, but ABs are all different, you obviously don't have interchangeable needles so...try pulling back, changing air pressure, the thinner shouldn't have an effect on it. Heck, I know you know all these things, just tryin' to help, You know about putting a little ammonia in a spray bottle of water and spraying all your fittings on the hose, air gauge, etc... to see if any leaks are there. Anyway on the Iwata you can take that needle cap off to make finer lines, don't take it off otherwise. Dang, all I can think of is your air pressure and/or you are too close. Well, I am sure someone with much more knowledge will come and tell you what the problem is! Sry James, here is an opportunity to help you and thats all I got to tell you.
P.S. If your AB is like the one on the bottom, the 2nd screw thing you mentioned does not adjust anything, it holds the nozzle in place.
Say, does your trigger pull all the way back??
Now don't get mad at me, Is your AB totally clean??
Just for fun, take it apart, clean it, and put it back together, weird things can happen[:0].


Good luck bro,
Bill

what airbursh james?? I never spray at 30 psi for anything mind you. for general spraying i spray around 18 psi with my hp-bcs and badger 155.

it's a custom made AB... it's just like the Paschee something or other.. ya know, Bill you do raise an interestion point, it worked beautifully before (tried it on the hull of my tiger I with acrylics) Maybe that has gummed it up. I did take the nozzle off and I did pull the needle out (yes it is interchangeable) I'll have to look at it in the morning and see what's up..

Hey James, So, you have diff size needles for it?? like a Badger? Sm, Med, & Lg? With interchangeable tips? The reason i'm asking these silly questions is... could there be a mix up? like a Lg needle with a med nozzle or tip, or vice -versa? Anyway, I hope all that's wrong is that it's a little gummed up.

Cya tomorrow,
Bill

James-Sorry if you know this but are pushing down on the trigger and pulling back too for more flow? There is also a small set screw to keep the trigger at one setting.

QUOTE: Bill you do raise an interestion point, it worked beautifully before (tried it on the hull of my tiger I with acrylics) Maybe that has gummed it up.

Most likely the nozzle or air passage is plugged with dried paint and limiting the amount of paint flow. Did you clean it thoroughly after the last use?

Sounds like you're getting good help here. I would clean it thoroughly, and I never paint anything at a PSI higher than 20psi.Probably more like 18psi.Obviosly the thicker the needle the wider the pattern. I shoot Paasche brushes and thier needle s have small rings at the back end to identify the size. You must make sure you've got the right tip/needle combo.Good luck. Andy

Mornin' James,
Just checkin' to see if you got your AB workin'. If Music City thinks it just needs cleaning, that is probably it, can't think of anybody around who knows more 'bout the subject.

Good Luck & when you get it workin' have Fun,
Bill

QUOTE: Originally posted by sonic_boom If Music City thinks it just needs cleaning, that is probably it, can't think of anybody around who knows more 'bout the subject.

Yes, I taught him well but he is still a young Jedi.

Mike

QUOTE: Yes, I taught him well but he is still a young Jedi.

Ah, Master Obi-Mike is here!

He's right, he did teach me well. If I know anything about airbrushes (which is in itself questionable) it's because of his help.

[:0], Wow, nice! Two Masters at once. I'm trying, practicing alot! But soooo much to learn

Be good,
Bill

Bill,

Here is a picture of my airbrush stash.


Mike

QUOTE: Originally posted by sonic_boom [:0], Wow, nice! Two Masters at once. I'm trying, practicing alot! But soooo much to learn Be good, Bill

You must learn the ways of the Jedi young Skywalker.

Holy cow MikeV!!! Do you paint 20 modles at a time? Or do you use each AB once before cleaning all of them through the dishwasher?

QUOTE: Originally posted by Jabbe Holy cow MikeV!!! Do you paint 20 modles at a time? Or do you use each AB once before cleaning all of them through the dishwasher?

No I only use one at a time.

Mike

QUOTE: Holy cow MikeV!!! Do you paint 20 modles at a time? Or do you use each AB once before cleaning all of them through the dishwasher?

The force is strong in this one!

I have a video around here somewhere of him. Sitting in a chair watching TV, reading a magazine, eight airbrushes just kind of floating out there just spraying away. They get done, the paint hops out, the thinner separates and goes back into its bottle and the paint into their bottles.

What was this topic really about?

QUOTE: Originally posted by MusicCity QUOTE: Holy cow MikeV!!! Do you paint 20 modles at a time? Or do you use each AB once before cleaning all of them through the dishwasher? The force is strong in this one! I have a video around here somewhere of him. Sitting in a chair watching TV, reading a magazine, eight airbrushes just kind of floating out there just spraying away. They get done, the paint hops out, the thinner separates and goes back into its bottle and the paint into their bottles.

You too will learn the ways of the air-force and be able to do the same.

LOL, well, the the topic was James and his "fine line only", I guess he got it fixed, hope so anyway.
UMMM.... can a wanna-be apprentice ask the two Masters; is there something to help supplement my learning? Do either one of you have any literature or videos that could help me??

A lowly servant,
Bill

QUOTE: You too will learn the ways of the air-force and be able to do the same.

I dunno ... I'm having trouble getting past the two-airbrushes-in-the-air mental block.

QUOTE: UMMM.... can a wanna-be apprentice ask the two Masters; is there something to help supplement my learning? Do either one of you have any literature or videos that could help me??

You don't need a book or video, you have everything you need right now. The key is practice and trying different things. Practice on plastic soft drink bottles or empty plastic milk bottles. Try different things; change your thinning ratio or pressure and see what happens to your spray pattern. Try to spray about 1/4" from the surface. Notice how you have to thin the paint and adjust your pressure to make it work. Try high pressure and low pressure and see what works for you, which gives better atomization with your combination of airbrush and thinning. Everything you try will add to your knowledge and make you better. That's the only book you need.

Okey-doke, been pretty much doing that and will certainly keep on now. Thx, just wanted to make sure.

Bill

QUOTE: The force is strong in this one!

haha, thanks. Perhaps someday I can be a Airbrush Master too! Can I wear it around on my side and spray bad people? Will I be able to pull a Airbrush into my hand by using the force? And will I be able to close my eyes, and spray a perfect german mottle pattern on a 1/72 ME 109?

sorry to get back to you so late, lol the fiancee has me running around doing wedding things like there is no tomorrow, I guess three months away is pretty much the same thing right? anywho, now I've done it!!!! I broke the nozzle when I was taking it off using the wrench provided... heh, yup, it was gummed up with acrylic paint.... which might explain why I was getting a spattering on the outside edges... all I need to learn now is how to minimize overspray. I'm tellin you guys, this is my first time REALLY using an airbrush, I did all my other models with spray cans or brush painting. I guess I need to get a new nozzle to get it working again right? there are two needles for this one, but I don't know which is which, I'm going to have to contact my airbrush manufacturer to find out I guess... It's a good brush, maybe too much for me to handle, but I've gotta have the best to fit in with the big boys, though the brush was inexpensive... it's an airbrush city make, and it really is a good brush... they just don't give you good tips on how to use it! Cheers.. and any advice you have would be excellent!

[:0] WOW, James! LMAO, Sry bro, just kinda got me there for a sec., You broke the nozzle? mmmm, I hope Scott and Mike don't read this!, kidding.
Yep , your gonna have to get a new nozzle,. Since I have only 2 ABs, don't know bout the others, didn't know a AB came with a wrench[:0]!
1. Is there a art supply store (maybe a really good one.) near you, they might have a replacement nozzle.
2. There are no markings on the needles? like rings etched in it, near the bottom prolly. Must be some kind of recognition code on them, (i would hope). My Badger Crescendo has 3 needles, S,M, and L. They have 1,2, and 3 rings engraved respectivly on the bottom of the needles. If nothing else, put them together under a mag. glass and see which is bigger at the tip, should be noticeable.
3. So you should have a nozzle for each needle, you are not totally out of business, if it is like my Badger, you should have a nozzle, needle, and nozzle cap for each...uhh...size. Do you have little containers for these pieces to keep them safe and seperate?
4. It is NOT too much for you to handle, Saints preserve us, If I can, you certainly can.. But, i'm going to find out real soon, I am doing an Me 262 and gonna do the most difficult cammo pattern I have ever seen[:0]!!
5. Spatter is one thing but a little overspray is another, from what I have seen and done, hopefully Mike or Scott will say something on this, you are going to get "some" overspray, like a faint haze. Just as long as it isn't Lg. pieces of paint, "spatter"? "splatter"? But... this is something I noticed when I started using Acrylics, It seems to me that it dries mucho faster than enamel, and every once in a while it will spit some paint particles , so I have learned to keep a Q-tip handy with Windex to wipe (GENTLY) the needle while I am working with it. I also am retarded..WAIT!! NO!! I mean I use a retarding agent to slow down the drying time, got it at a good art supply store, My MIchael's didn't even know what I was talking about,.
6. Try using alot less air pressure also, everybody has their own style and technique, and some want you to think that theirs is the best, I just want to see their work. Thats why when people like MikeV, MusicCity, or Swanny say something, I listen. But...you say you like my Tiger...so, just an example, I was playing around on it and actually had the pressure turned down so low it really did not register on the guage and I had the needle tip like maybe less than a 1/4" away from the surface and was doing a pretty thin line, like a "hair" width!!! The full coverage was 'bout 20 psi,(16-22psi, whichever I liked) NOW, this is just me, plzz, don't do as I say, just giving another choice besides 30 psi. Now, if the guysabove advise you, I would do it!!
Whew! sry for rattling on but, you helped me so I am just trying to return the favor.
Check your needles, you might still be able to use the AB till you get the nozzle replaced.



Good luck James,
Bill
P.s. Congrats on your upcoming imp...... I mean marriage, yeah, thats what I meant.
No, I really mean good congratulations.

HAHA Bill you're so awsome... I'm glad you were able to help, maybe tonight I will try without the nozzle until I can get a replacement! fingers crossed.... I'll try it on some cardboard so I don't screw the model itself! Thanks bro, and everyone, you've been a big help! Oh and bill, no need to be reserved about offering me advice.... we are all learning new stuff from eachother all the time!!! and thanks for the congrats... hopefully the stress wont end the relationship lol

, Ya, I would lay aside the models for awhile maybe??. BUT....[:0] your really going to try ABing w/o a nozzle??? mmmmm... don't think its going to happen bro! You don't have another one?? for the other needle? looks like you are going to get to take some time off from modeling anyway. Until you get another nozzle. Heh-heh, your fiance will prolly appreciate that!!.
Well, keep in touch James, and be calm!!.


Say hi to all for me,
Bill

hahah yeah I tried and I failed miserable.. it spattered out of the paint reservoir and dripped onto my model.. going to have to do some extra work now... ONCE I get a new AB LOL... fortunately it's under warranty! get a new AB for free.. Bill, I can't afford another AB, lol she'd kill me for sure lol... I can still work on it, do some detailing, like paint the tires on the road wheels, finish the wear and tear of combat in the streets of Berlin, there's much more to be done, so I'm not out of the loop, it'll only take a week to get the new AB!

A week? Man, no prob, . I'm sure there is plenty to do in the meantime. I can understand not being able to get a new AB, especially at a time like this for you. If I had just one more I would send it to you gratis. I still don't quite understand your setup on the Ab, but.... anyhow, glad your able to get a new one so soon. Hey, I got ya on MSN, I will be on until the power goes from hurricane Rita, it's heading right for me[:0], i'm not leaving, LOL, gonna ride it out, but I am prepared, got a generator, plenty food, drinks, Crown Roy... oops..... Power will most likely go out sometime Sat. morning if it goes like it's going, i'm just North of Galveston Island. But... I will still be able to build as the walls shake around me, LMAO. I'll take some pix if anything interesting happens. Well, like I say, I got my comp on alla time if any wants to talk, LOL.

Be good & have FUN,

Bill