Can I just leave all the metal parts of my Badger 175 (excluding the parts with rubber washers) in a bowl of thinner to clean them out? I assume they're metal that they won't melt but I think I'm risking it to corrode or rust. I really want to clean the tips of my AB. They're dirty caused by enamels.

Hi there SR. I think you better ask GI Beregovoy about cleaning your Badger 175. I know he had some problems, I think a big problem, about his 175. Maybe he could advise you on what to do & not to do on this matter. Regards.

Thanks cardinal! I think he had used laquer which melted his O-ring. Ewwww....

I have a Badger 175 too but I haven't used enamel on it yet. I use acrylic almost all the time. With acrylics I find it easy to clean by just using Isopropyl alcohol. Maybe some of the guys here could help you. Regards.

I have a 175 and would do what you're suggesting with the tip and needle and maybe the cone.

I would though recommend that you dissassemble it each time you use it and clean it thouroughly right after each session.
I use QTips to get in the feeder tube and the front end. I tug on the cotton a bit to lengthen it and make it a bit skinnyer. I use a corner of a paper towen twisted to a point in the tip.

So does it all means that I can go with soaking it in paint thinner? :-)