CANicoll Posted January 6, 2017 Share Posted January 6, 2017 I have a question that I should know the answer to, but I'm certain I'll get a lot more information than if I just look it up on the web: If the point of my airbrush needle is bent, what are the impacts of that? What I THINK happens is this: paint spatters and instead of the spray coming out in a nice, straight pattern from the tip, it may come out at a crazy angle, or not evenly. Does that cover it? I recently ordered a new needle for my Iwata HP-CS as I know the tip is just a little off, but the one in my Precision Aire is extremely fragile and easily bent (I know this from experience and from last nights session. sigh). I only recently started using the Precision Aire after sitting in its box for ages but it is has I think a nice.5 needle instead of the .35 in the Iwata so it covers the big 1/32 models much easier (wings, fuselage). Not the best airbrush, I know. Thanks for your comments! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill_S Posted January 6, 2017 Share Posted January 6, 2017 March 2001 issue of FSM had a pretty comprehensive article on "airbrush aerodynamics". I'll have to see if I have it... CANicoll and Shaka HI 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wunwinglow Posted January 6, 2017 Share Posted January 6, 2017 Yes, it will not spray evenly and drips form behind the bend as the air flows around the bent bit. You MIGHT be very lucky and be able to straighten it by rolling the tip VERY GENTLY on a piece of glass,under the tip of your finger, but the metal is usually so weakened by the bend it cracks and breaks off. But worth a try anyway, as you are going to have to replace it anyway! What might be more of a problem is that if the needle has bent so much it actually touched and damaged the nozzle, you might need to replace that as well. That will definitely splatter and there is no cure for a nicked or split nozzle other than replacing it. Ho hum. CANicoll, MikeC and Shaka HI 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CANicoll Posted January 7, 2017 Author Share Posted January 7, 2017 Thanks guys! I'll try the needle on glass trick, but my new needle arrives tomorrow. I didn't get a new nozzle but hopefully the needle will take care of it. Appreciate the input. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CANicoll Posted January 9, 2017 Author Share Posted January 9, 2017 (edited) The new needle arrived Saturday and was able to use it yesterday - that seems to have taken care of the splattering problem, thanks! I did carefully roll the old needle on a glass plate and that worked too but as Tim pointed out, the metal may be weakened so now I have a spare. I compared both under my magnifying glass and the old one definitely had a bit of a bend to the tip. Now if I can just get Photobucket or Imgbox or Imgur to allow me to post pictures to LSP again! Thanks guys for the help! Chris Edited January 9, 2017 by CANicoll Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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