I have quite a few tank kits to be built and I'd like to start using an airbrush.

Now I bought an airbrush ages ago, a Badger 200 (internal mix, single action) and later a basic compressor with a small tank. I have also bought more recently one of the cheap no-name internal dual-action brushes.

The thing is, although I have had good intentions for ages I have never had the confidence to get round to riking a model.

When I last tried my badger I found that the valve wasn't working - let air through even when button was not depressed. I took it apart, couldn't see any problem and it appeared to work but the airflow seems quite low - less than I remembered and less than the cheaper ebay AB. Had another look but couldn't find any obstruction.

So wondering what's the best thing to do.

I can't get the Badger to work well so I'm inclined to admit that it is dead.

The cheapy has a small built-in cup so is really only suitable for detail or small work which is why I got it.

So should I try and fix the Badger or buy something else. Should I be looking at an external single action like a Paasche H or Badger 350 for bulk coverage?

Cheers,

Nigel

If you decide to go with a new airbrush, I would recomend an internal mix dual action airbrush with gravity feed. You can order small, medium, and large needles and head assemblies to cover all types of work. I use a 150 and a cheapy ab from Harbor Freight(this is a nice back-up brush for detail work).

With the Badger you are using, it sounds like you have a airleak somewhere in your system. Make sure all of the airbrush fittings are tight. Spray some soapy water on it and look for bubbles. Then check the hose in the same way. If neither of those, check the fitting on the compressor. If you still can't find the leak, move on or try a different air source. Maybe some propellent. If it doesn't work with that, trash it or give it away.

Nigel

Sounds like there may be an issue with the 200 valve assembly. Badger has a complete assembly for the 200 (Part number 50-036) which includes the valve casing, O ring, plunger, plunger spring and valve screw all together. Might be easier than trying to figure out exactly what's going on with the internals. Since you're getting air even without pressing the trigger, my suspicions would lead to the plunger spring being shot or failing to completely decompress which would act as if the trigger was never depressed. Additionally, since you said the pressure was lower than it should be, that spring may not be meeting up with the trigger in the valve casing.

If you're still looking to replace it and can wait for one from across the pond, I have a relatively new Paasche H set that I will never use (don't build anything that requires large areas of painting anymore) and would be more that willing to send it out to you. Let me know what you decide.

Thanks for the info about the valve assembly for the Badger.

I'm also interested in the Paasche - how much are you looking for it?

Cheers,

Nigel

If you are not averse to paying the costs for shipping it back to Badger (and return shipping of course), your Badger brush has a lifetime labour warranty. Send it back and they will fix it good as new.

http://www.badgerairbrush.com/Service-Supprt.asp