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Need some help with my airbrush, or is it time for a new one?

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  • Member since
    November 2005
Need some help with my airbrush, or is it time for a new one?
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 1:46 PM

Well this is my first post here and I have a bit of a problem. I apologize in advance for being longwinded. It might be a big problem or a small one I'm really not to sure, which is why I'm here asking.

I've been lurking around FSM for some time mainly reading the boards and looking at all the terrific work, well I decided to register (Finally!).

I currently have a Paasche VL airbrush which I've had for well, roughly 12 years. In that 12 years for the most part it's served me well, though I have a few complaints about it. It's helped complete a wide range of airbrushing tasks. Having said that, let's get to the issue at hand and the reason for this post.

I un-packed my airbrush along with what few other meager supplies/tools that survived 2 moves and almost a year in storage to discover some build up on the threads (it's on all threads), it's not terribly thick or out of control but it is problematic as I noticed my trigger doesn't pull as smoothly. I fully disassembeled the airbrush and looked at it. The build-up smacks of water corrosion, looks like a weathered penny with that greenish/blue buildup. I'm not sure what this body is made out of, so I wont say for certain that's what it is. My wife asked if it was paint, I won't say it's not, but I doubt it as I clean it after every use. Sure some paint is bound to stick around but this much and this bad? I've never even sprayed a color remotely resembling this LOL.

Well I placed the airbrush in some thinner to see if that would help any. Nothing, so I went to re-assemble the brush to store it while I figured out what I need to do and the handle wouldn't screw back into the body. I ended up buggering the threads on the plastic handle, though the threads inside the body (where the handle screws in appears to be fine other than the aforementioned problem).

So...?

Does anyone know where I can get another handle for my Paasche VL?

I checked with DixieArt via the web and couldn't find one, perhaps I overlooked it though.

Any takers on what to do about this build-up problem and how to safely remove it?

I will try to take some pictures of the problem areas and post them but I doubt seriously they'll turn out to really help.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 2:05 PM

Ok I shot about 6 pictures and only one turned out ( if you could call it that ) so that I could post it.

See the "turqoise" buildup? Well that's what I'm dealing with in several areas, and in some worse than others.

Again thanks!

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Peoples Socialist Democratic Republic of Illinois
Posted by Triarius on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 2:30 PM
That looks like copper or brass corrosion. You may be able to save the brush, you may have to buy some replacement parts, or you may need a new brush.

Carefully scrub it off with baking soda. Do not scrape! If you need sterner measures than a cotton swab or a heavy (industrial grade) paper towel, use a worn "scotch-brite" or similar nylon fiber pad. At most, a brass wire brush—but if you have to go that far, it's probably a wasted effort.

Then polish each part with Brasso or better, a fine metal polish such as Flitz. Then examine the parts under the highest magnification you can—10X would be great. If you see any pitting, the part probably should be replaced, as polishing the pits out will be labor intensive, and may ruin the precision fit.

Good luck!

Ross Martinek A little strangeness, now and then, is a good thing… Wink

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 2:43 PM

Thanks for the reply, I was wondering what to get it off with, I'll give the baking soda a try!

I really would like to save this brush as it works well enough, it is a bit of a pain changing colors though. That's my main complaint about this brush throughout the years, it's also a pain to spray small parts even with the 1/4 oz paint cup, as you either have to much paint in the cup or not enough to be siphoned out.

I've been eyeing the Thayer&Chandler Omni 4000 and plan on picking one up sometime, but I would still like to keep this around and in working order for spraying larger parts and areas.

Again thanks.
 

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Tacoma WA
Posted by gjek on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 4:47 PM
Between you and me, it sounds like the time for an upgrade. You have corrosion, damaged threads and you are not fully satisfied with the airbrush. Don't spend a lot of time and energy to not be satisfied.  Maybe a Badger 100, or an Iwata eclypse would be a good start.    Greg
Msgt USMC Ret M48, M60A1, M1A1
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Hayward, CA
Posted by MikeV on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 7:10 PM
 gjek wrote:
Between you and me, it sounds like the time for an upgrade. You have corrosion, damaged threads and you are not fully satisfied with the airbrush. Don't spend a lot of time and energy to not be satisfied.  Maybe a Badger 100, or an Iwata eclypse would be a good start.    Greg


I opt for the Badger 100LG, awesome airbrush!

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
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 7:40 PM

So which one should I get the Badger 100LG or the Thayer&Chandler Omni 4000? I know Badger now owns T&C.

I was looking at the Omni for the simplicity of 1 tip/needle factor, I just looked at the 100LG for the first time at DixieArt a minute ago, looks like a good airbrush but I noticed that they came in several sizes for the tips.

I wish there was somewhere I could go to try these out first...I really don't want to start an airbrush collection before I find what works best for me.

 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Hayward, CA
Posted by MikeV on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 7:46 PM
I would buy the Badger 100LG with the Medium tip.
If you want almost as precise spraying then get the Omni 4000.

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
  • Member since
    December 2003
  • From: Indiana
Posted by hkshooter on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 7:52 PM

Go get yourself a bottle of Tarnix or The Works bathroom cleaner. Disassemble your airbrush and deposit all the parts except the tip nozzle and the air valve into the cleaner for 15 mins. Run under tap water and blow dry with an air gun. Examine. Repeat if neccesary.

If that don't fix it trash it and get a new brush.

The handles are still available I'm sure.

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: SETX. USA
Posted by tho9900 on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 8:37 PM

I ditto Mike's suggestion of the 100LG..  I don't own one but as it seems you favor Badgers this is a good brush as reported by its' owners... AND with the medium tip/needle you can do anything and MORE that the Paasche did, plus later uptgrade to the fine tip and needle if you deem your skills have increased to that point without having to buy a separate airbrush...

Good luck on salvaging your Paasche though!

---Tom--- O' brave new world, That has such people in it!
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Cornebarrieu (near Blagnac), France
Posted by Torio on Thursday, May 11, 2006 6:31 AM
Hello chap
If you want to stick to your Paasche and it is only a matter of some parts to be replaced, go see the site of Paasche as they have a wonderful commercial department and it must be the best place to get genuine  parts. If the repair turns to brain surgery, then you could consider buying a new one.

Thank you all for coming José

  • Member since
    December 2002
Posted by tyamada on Thursday, May 11, 2006 9:04 AM

I agree with Torio:

Download the parts breakdown for the VL and order the parts on the Paasche web site,  I ordered replacement parts just to have them,  only took 3 days to have them in hand.

Link to parts sheet:  http://www.paascheairbrush.com/2005_parts/V_VJR,VL_VLS%20Airbrushes.pdf

Link to parts pages:  http://www.paascheairbrush.com/cgi-bin/store/search.cgi?category=Parts+%26+Accessories

I ordered over 20 different parts for the airbrushes I have and got a 100% fill on them, excellent service.

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 12, 2006 8:49 AM

Well I will be ordering the Badger 100LG today as well as a "fine" tip to go along with it.

I got all the parts cleaned up( thing looks great ) on the Paasche and a new handle will be in my cart at Dixie Art along with the B100. Thanks for the help and suggestions.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Hayward, CA
Posted by MikeV on Friday, May 12, 2006 8:34 PM
 H2O_MARK wrote:

Well I will be ordering the Badger 100LG today as well as a "fine" tip to go along with it.



Did you order a fine needle also? Confused [%-)]

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
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 12, 2006 8:54 PM

It's in the cart. I actually didn't get around to placing the order today got side tracked with some other things, oh well guess it will have to wait until Monday to ship.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Stockton,Ca
Posted by Hippy-Ed on Saturday, May 13, 2006 10:04 AM
what is their shipping time? I just ordered from them yesterday & am curious as to when to expect it to come inSmile [:)] 
If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, May 13, 2006 10:09 AM
I don't know about out to California, I saw a estimated shipping map somewhere on there, I'm gonna see if I can find it again ( I'm pretty sure it was on their site ) and post the link. Be right back
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, May 13, 2006 10:13 AM

http://www.dixieart.com/UPSMap.html

There's the shipping map from their website...Looks like anywhere from 5-6 days for California and 2 days for me ( though on that map it also says to allow up to 3 days for processing! ). If gas wasn't so outrageous I would just hop in the car and say "road trip" and make the 2-1/2 hour drive and pick it up. I don't have good luck with UPS and never really have.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Stockton,Ca
Posted by Hippy-Ed on Saturday, May 13, 2006 11:25 AM
Thanks Rob, so, I should have my regulator by next weekendBig Smile [:D] kewl...Then I can start really Badgering things around hereWink [;)]
If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, May 13, 2006 1:14 PM
No problem glad I could help out.
  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Stockton,Ca
Posted by Hippy-Ed on Saturday, May 13, 2006 1:29 PM
I recently  received a Badger 175 from a forum member & am waiting for the air regulator which I just ordered so I can drop the air pressure down from the 40psi my compressor puts out. I like the Badger & I've been doing alot of practicing with it & I like the feel of it in my handBig Smile [:D], the slide action of the trigger & the overall feel of the gunBig Smile [:D]
If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, May 14, 2006 10:37 PM

Banged Head [banghead]Banged Head [banghead]Banged Head [banghead]Banged Head [banghead]Banged Head [banghead]

Ok I'm a little frustrated at the moment. Hating to throw out an airbrush ( if it worked I was going to give it away ) that just needs a good cleaning I figured what the heck, I'll give it a go and see if I can't clean it up and get it working. Well I got it all cleaned up ( Baking Soda & Vinegar Bath with a VERY soft bristle toothbrush ). WOW it hasn't looked this good since it was new! So I throw it all back together and go to try it out. So I fill a 1/4 oz cup with some water and a 1 oz bottle with some water. I go out and kick off the compressor to fill the tank, Hook up the airbrush set the regulator to 10psi and attach the 1/4 cup. I hit the trigger and have air coming out I then pull the trigger back and still have air coming out but no liquid! Nothing I try a few more times, and still no change! Make an already long story short thing blows air but just refuses to pick anything up on the suction side of things. Tried several tricks and no dice. Dang sure looks good though!

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Hayward, CA
Posted by MikeV on Sunday, May 14, 2006 11:20 PM
10 psi? That's way too low for a siphon-feed airbrush.
Set it higher and see what happens, try 20 psi or even 30 and see if it works then.

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
  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Stockton,Ca
Posted by Hippy-Ed on Sunday, May 14, 2006 11:27 PM
 MikeV wrote:
10 psi? That's way too low for a siphon-feed airbrush.
Set it higher and see what happens, try 20 psi or even 30 and see if it works then.


Lol Mike, I was just gonna say thatLaugh [(-D]
If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, May 14, 2006 11:28 PM
 H2O_MARK wrote:

Make an already long story short thing blows air but just refuses to pick anything up on the suction side of things.

 

That was omitted to save time I had the pressure as high as 50psi, still nothing though there were some bubbles in the paint cup, like there's a blockage somewhere, so I tore the brush back down. Looked at everything and couldn't see any foreign objects. Put it all back together and still the same story....plenty of air but no suction!

So I've pretty much given up on this at least for now...

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, May 14, 2006 11:32 PM

MikeV,

You recommended the Badger 100 over the TC Omni 4000 ,and before I hit the submit order button at Dixie Art tomorrow morning, I was just curious as to why. The Badger uses a multi-tip/needle setup..right? The Omni is single tip/needle...right? I was leaning towards the Omni for that reason though I really don't mind having a multi tip/needle setup.

Also does either of those airbrushes require a special hose, such as a Badger hose? Or can I continue to use my Paashce hose which has a built in water trap filter?
Thanks

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Stockton,Ca
Posted by Hippy-Ed on Sunday, May 14, 2006 11:32 PM
Rob, just for the heck of it, have you tried to "back flush" it? Block the air from coming out the tip so it'll go back into the cup?
If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, May 14, 2006 11:40 PM
Yeah I had my shower for the night!Blush [:I] Like a dummy I did it with the "open" 1/4 oz cup attached @ or near 50 psi!Blush [:I]Banged Head [banghead]
  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Stockton,Ca
Posted by Hippy-Ed on Sunday, May 14, 2006 11:49 PM
 H2O_MARK wrote:
Yeah I had my shower for the night!Blush [:I] Like a dummy I did it with the "open" 1/4 oz cup attached @ or near 50 psi!Blush [:I]Banged Head [banghead]



LoL... good thing you were using water!!Laugh [(-D] Smooth moveWink [;)] what ya got planned for an encoreQuestion [?]
So, that didn't do it ay? Hmmm, I had alot of air but no paint comin' thru my Badger 175. Not being use to having a protective cap on the tip I had unscrewed it when it just pops offBlush [:I] Had me flustered to say the least & went to emailing the guy I got it from. Then I realised what I had done. When I screwed the protective cap off, I had taken the head with it!!Sign - Oops [#oops]
If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, May 14, 2006 11:54 PM

I think the best thing for both me and the airbrush's health is to call it a night, go ahead and place my order tomorrow morning and wait. I'll get this thing sorted out but not tonight or this week or else I might have an airbrush shaped hole in my drywall!

Nice thing FSM included my sign!Sign - With Stupid [#wstupid]

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