Just received my first airbrush; a few questions!

Lady Jemima wrote:

I am so, so excited!  I just recieved my brush (Anthem 155) from Dixie Art this afternoon--now I'm waiting on the compressor!   I know I'm going to have a long list of newbie questions as I go through the manual, and here are the first three! 1. I ordered the $3.80 non-oil based lube (found at the bottom of the Badger page on Dixie's website).  It says on the label that it's to be used on the needle and trigger; are those the only two mechanisms that need lubrication? 2. The airbrush did not come in anything but one of those triangular cardboard kits.  What is the correct way to store an airbrush, as well as airbrush accessories? 3. I don't love the rubber trigger pad that was included with the kit. I would like one that is rounded rather than dipped.  Can I buy one of these somewhere that will fit my Anthem? More to come soon, I'm sure!

In answer to your question.

1. Visit the Badger website and/or follow the instructions with your airbrush.

2. To store your airbrush - a. Clean is the best way to store it. b. Protect the needle (do not drop it or the airbrush) c. Mixing bottles and additional items should be stored clean and empty. d. Store is a sealable container keeps dust out during long periods on non-use.

3. Check the website for your airbrush for additional accessories available.

I hope this helps you.

Cheers;

Gregory

LJ - congrats!  that's a nice brush.. I have one myself that was replaced by my new Iwata..

As far as storage if you don't use it frequently, some type of cloth bag or a small box it fits in should be fine.  My Iwata and Badger 175 stay on the airbrush holder but I use mine everyday and clean them every day.  Oh yeah and keep the protective cap on at all times when not spraying, the needle is exposed on that model and if you drop it you risk having to get a new one.  Which if you have a Michaels Arts and Crafts chain store near you, can be gotten there without having to go online for it.  (They sell that airbrush there, for a lot more than you paid for yours!  But the needles are reasonable, about $7 or so)

That's the only two places that need lube.  Just put a drop on the needle and smear it into an even light film is all that is needed.  Otherwise you might gunk up the needle bearing if you put too much.  A drop or two into the trigger mechanism and you're ready to go!  With acrylics I lube the needle right before I start spraying, and if spraying for long periods about every 3rd color cup I do it again after cleaning the needle.

I didnt like the dimpled thing either at first but I got used to it.  I don't know about a round one.. you might look on Badgers site as mentioned.  You can also use it without the rubber piece if it is more comfortable.  It will probably grow on you if you try it a few times.  If it keeps coming off, a little silicone caulking (you can get small squeeze tubes at Wal Mart and such) on the metal then sticking the rubber piece on and allowing 30 or so minutes to dry will help keep it on. 

Congrats again!! Can't wait to hear how you like it!

Needle lube is best used after the final cleaning of the day on the forward part of the needle. If you decide to lube the trigger, remove the needle and lift the trigger out and lube the stem very lightly. When I say lightly, I mean lightly. You don't want to over lubricate and gum up the works. If you are very careful, you can disassemble the air valve and lube the innards. Scott ( Music City ) recommended this to me and it does wonders. You can also disassemble the needle guide tube and lube the return spring to get Iwata style smoothness. Of course, if don't feel comfortable doing all of this, just lube the needle and you will be fine. As far as the trigger pad goes, some people love this, but I have very big fingers and the pad irritates me. The bare trigger is the same one on the 100/150/200 series, so I am used to it. You can order a nice plastic storage box from Badger for about 12.00 bucks. These have custom fit foam interiors and a place to store a couple of bottles. Good luck, you will love this brush. It can be modified for fine detail work with a few extra Badger parts, but that's another story for another day.

E

Tom, we were posting at the same time! I hadn't seen your advice to lube at the beginning of the session. Of course I wouldn't disagree with one of the resident experts :)! I was thinking from an enamel perspective only. Take care.

E

This airbrush was my workhouse before I switched to Iwata few days ago. Great overall brush.

1. I never used any lube and used my Anthem regularly for the last year. But yes, I don't think any other parts need to be lubricate. Maybe a small drop on the nozzle thread (which you will remove at each cleanup)

2. I got a cheap X-acto kit, which I took the plastic box. I put some absorption thing in and make myself a small box for it. My Iwata now come with one.

3. I "lost" the Rubber trigger few weeks after I got the brush. I think it's a very cheap part and I just trow it away. No need of that.

Eliott - I'm no expert!  and your answer was the same as mine in a way...  After the final cleaning would mean it is ready as soon as you are ready to spray!     I don't think it would matter much as long as it goes on before the paint gets there.

I've never tried the air valve thing... I may have to give that a whirl, glad I saw that!