Can any one give me any ideas? My Badger 200 airbrush is pulsating when I spray. I've checked the manual and it suggests the teflon washer may be warped or the tip and or the needle is split. I have swapped all the parts for the large head and it still does it. I have tried spraying with the compressor running and off and still the same. Is there any other parts i should look at that causing the problem?

Are you hooked directly to the compressor without an air tank or with a very small tank? If so, you may be getting pulsing from the compressor as it blows the air out.

I've ruled out the compressor as it still pulsates when using just the air out of the tank. I've had the airbrush for over 10 years and the compressor for the last two. I keep both in extremely good nick and it's only started doing this in the last week or so. I'm borrowing another airbrush tonight to see if it is the compressor just to be sure.
This is my Compressor so i would say it hasn't got a small tank.

That's just under a 1 gallon tank. Which isn't too bad for Hobby use. I have a 3 Gal in the Basement for Hobby use and a 30 gallon in tha garage for the Nailguns and other Mechanics tools. I'd disassemble it and see if it isn't one of the sealing discs

when did you last replace the spring on the air control valve. It is highly likely that the spring has become too soft, which is allowing it to open/close under airflow conditions.

On the Iwata brushes I use professionally this spring is replaced without fail at around 30 hours of usage in order to maintain perfect airflow control.

I also assume that you have checked the needle tip/cone for a "hooked" needle, which gives similar conditions to pulsing [particularly "spitting"

hope this helps to shed light on the problem

BernardS

probably the needle bearing inside the body of the AB. the air pressure builds up and escapes between it (the bearing) and the needle. this eventually happens with the Badger 200. Badger would have you send it to them for repairs, but it can be easily repaired on your own. get a drill bit just a little smaller then the opening in the body of the AB; push out the needle bearing with the non-business end of the bit; push the new needle bearing into the AB the same way. i've done it, and i know a few people who have. if you find that the needle bearing does need replacement and you need more assistance with replacement, just email me. i'll be more than happy to help! email: [email protected]

Also, don't forget to drain your tank. Not just the water trap by the regulator, but the drain under the tank.

Cheers
Henk

Looks like I'm gonna have a busy time this weekend I'll try all this and keep you updated.

p.s. I just hope my local hobby shop has some spare in

Well, stripped my airbrush and gave a full clean out found a tiny little nick out of the o ring for the air plunger, so i replaced that and also replaced the teflon washer for the head as it looked a little mis-shapen. Bulit the airbrush back up and tested it and it seems to be working ok now. Thank for all the suggestions, i just wish the manual was as helpfull.

Allen, very shortly we'll be launching a new forum moderated by Robin Carpenter of Cammets Ltd, who hopefully will be able to give good sound advice on all aspects of painting and weathering, but particularly with regards to airbrushing. So keep an eye out for this one coming soon!

Vinnie