I am making the leap from rattle cans to airbrush painting. I have a double-action Paasche (?) airbrush and a question. Can someone SIMPLY explain about the needle setting? How far should the needle extend from the nozzle? I hope this makes sense. All help appreciated.
Thanks!

Andy it is a question That I have asked and I was told when setting the needle it should be as far forward as possible without having any force exerted on it. I usually set the needle at that and have not had any issues as yet. Be warned if you force the needle it will damage the (usually) brass tip of the head assembly.

If set like that and you have issues with paint not flowing you can always back the needle off a mm at a time until you get the desired result, this is also reliant on the paint consistency being right as well.

The needle should be pushed all the way home so it seats as far forward as possible (but not forced forward otherwise you'll split the tip), then tighten the needle chuck to retain it. Make sure the needle chuck has been tightened otherwise the needle wont move rearward when the lever is pulled rearward.

When using a double action airbrush the needle is withdrawn from the tip by the action of pulling the lever rearward, while pressing the lever for air, is this how yours works (just confirming you do indeed have a double action brush)?

If there is no paint coming out, it may be that you have your paint too thick and need to thin it more, or you need to increase your air pressure.