Why cut out in airbrush handle?

It's used to clear clogs by pulling back on the locking nut and blowing air without having to remove the handle.

I am currently using an HP-C an a detail brush. I like the preset option. If I am working on something tedious I am not worried about too much paint As I start and stop. It also alows for very consistant paint flow. If I choose not to use the feature I simply back off the screw and it is a straight double action. I don't have the mac valve option so I can't be of much help there.  Greg.

I believe you can get a replacement handle without the cutout. Or, you can check the link below. It's what they call their Triple Action handle that preserves the preset feature but has no cutuot and incorporates a quick release for the needle. If you look under Products on the site you can buy this kit with either a single, silver handle or with an assortment of 5 different anodized colors.

http://www.iwata-medea.com/resources/triple_action.jsp

If you don't mind me asking, how do you like the preset feature? I don't know which model you have but does your's have the MAC valve to fine tune air pressure? If it does, how do you like that?

Tony

OK so I'm slow... but to use it I would loosen the nut then try to back out the needle,fiddle with it, ease it back and retighten it all through the small slot in the handle. It has always been easier (to me) to just unscrew the handle where you have more room to work the needle. If I am having that much of an issue I would just paint without the handle so I could quickly work the needle. I also like the working feel of the handle without the cut out.

Off topic but...

Ken, it's great that you have joined the forums. I wish more manufacturers and distributors would join as it certainly helps the prevention of misinformation being repeated. Mike and I will have to be on our toes!

On the Badger Anthem 155, Universal 360, and SOTAR 2020 - the cut away handle is part of the patented design that allows for easy needle access and removal from the rear of the airbrush for fast and easy tip dry cleaning and removal.

I too wondered this...I finally found out after I read the instructions and the tips section on their website.

Those were designed originally for T-shirt artists so that when the tip plugged with paint you could grab the needle locking nut and turn it and loosen the needle to clear the clog.

You can also pull the trigger all the way back and then grab that locking nut and pull it back even further for blasting paint out of the tip or getting the most paint possible coming out of the airbrush.