I'm sure that this forum gets a lot of "help me find this", what "compressor should I get" kind of questions. This one is not too dissimilar. :-)

I just got my Badger 360-1 and so I need some stuff before I can get my airbrushin' on! Let me make a short list, and hopefully you guys can give me a yay or nay and corrections.

I'll need a:

hose (preferably 6-10 feet)
adapter to compressor (1/4") (are all compressor valves made equal?)
nozzles (Don't know what ones)
EDIT: water trap

Is that it? I have a hardware-store tank compressor, if that helps any...

Thanks, Dee

Don't forget about getting a water trap if you don't want it in your paint!

Hey, thanks Augie (Doug), but I need more help, guys! Any good online shops? What nozzles do I need?

Hey there.. congrats..


on the nozzle... I think what you mean is needle.. which is basicly the most likly thing to get damaged..

I.E. bent.. though I've been using mine for over 2 years and havn't bent one yet.. The 360 and 155 use the same needle and there is only one size for it.. you can find them at local hobby stores, michales arts and crafts, Dick Blicks or A.C. Moore stores that carry airbrush parts.. (remember not all Michales and A.C. moore stores keep their airbrush stuff stocked well for some reason).. I keep an extra needle on hand in case I bend one while spraying (knock on wood) they only cost about $3 to $5 bucks..

a water trap is a must.. keeps moisture out of the air.. the places mentioned above also carry hoses. and some adaptered.. depending on how well they stock stuff.

get a regulator that can be adjusted in increments of 1 psi.. keep in mind that a lot of regulators for automotoive uses can't be adjusted down real low as some have a higher threshold than others of the psi of the air passing through it.

also another place to find compressor adapters are automotive paint stores if you can't find what you need online..

Depending on the length and diameter of the hose between compressor and the place where you are using the airbrush, you could foresee a small extra pressure tank to place on your working desk.

This way you can have the noisy compressor in the garage where it can also be used for the tyres of the car and still work without "pressure drop" upstairs.

Even when you have a water trap downstairs in the garage, it is still useful to have a water drainage valve in this second tank.

Be safe!

Use the best ones. Its not a fortune and an "exploding hose" can be very painful when you get a sweeping end in the face.

Oh, maybe I'm a little confused on

this page (badger 360 parts)

It shows a protective cap (51-073) with a (41-034) M Regulator, (51-071) Head, and (41-004) M Tip underneath.

All I have with my AB is the Protective Cap, and M tip. Does that mean that I need to be looking for an M regulator and a head? I know that right now the M tip i have is just sitting on the end of the needle and is not attatched in any fashion. I'll need the two other parts (head/regulator) before I can paint?

Is getting a regulator/water trap combination as good or better as having an inline trap and seperate regulator, or does it not matter?

As for the hose, I'd get the braided one anyways, I always like to get high quality or heavy duty things when I can.

I appreciate the help

Dee

If you are running straight off a compressor, you need a water trap. If your compressor fills a tank and your air comes from the tank (not the compressor), you don't need a water trap because the air tank does the job for you. This is why you need to "bleed" the tank once or twice a year -- to make sure it doesn't build up water and rust from the inside out.

Looks like your airbrush is missing some parts.. namly the 41-034 M Regulator and the 51-071 Head they screw on the front of the airbrush and cover the tip head..

these parts are suppose to come with the airbrush.

you might be able to find these at a well supplied hobby or craft store that carries parts, but more likely you will wind up ordering them from somewhere.

Hmm...now that is odd. I'm gonna email Badger and see if they'll send me the parts...

Uh, well, I contacted Badger, and it turns out to be my fault after all. Apparently, you are supposed to PULL off the protective cap not SCREW it off the brush. oh well, now I know the badger staff is knowledgeable, kind, and helpful...

hmm...


that would do it.. guess you could say the parts were there but hiding from ya...

Just fyi, Bearair is good and quick for parts. I also recommend having spare tips around( now, imagine how I found out). I agree with all the rest with one additional point. Depending how mechanical you are, you may want to get some repair packs(o-rings, etc). They do come in handy when you have a problem and do not want the down time that comes with sending it in for repair. Good luck
capnjock

no, that was helpful I was thinking a little about having a seperate tank and I would put another water trap on it anyways.