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Tool Review
The Badger Patriot
Model 105 Airbrush |  |
by: Stephen T. Lawson [ ]
Originally published on:
KitMaker Network
My view
I have used several airbrushes in my lifetime. Starting with the most basic to the dual action versions. While there are more expensive rigs out there and this on is not cheap, I must say I am impressed. It is the best dual action airbrush that I have ever used. I am a gravity feed painter and that is noting just my preference.
descrition
Essentially this is a gravity feed version of the siphon feed model 155 but with some great innovations. Mine arrived in the mail this past this last Friday and I slated it to be used that following Sunday. I start with some comments from the instruction booklet.
"Patented “Easy Access” needle removal system
Easy maintenance self centering nozzle design
Exacting control for intricate airbrushing detail
Perfect proportion comfort balance system
Parts interchangeability with Badger’s 155, 200 and 360
Innovative precision design, superior performance, and amazing afford ability."
Use & cleaning
The easy needle removal is my favorite option in the maintenance topic. . I regularly take apart my airbrush. And being able to quickly rotate the locking screw, partially remove the needle, and dip the end of the airbrush in thinner is a real plus. It make clean up quick and easy. The 105 /155 needle is moderately priced and easy to pick up at most good local hobby shops. The double-action trigger control has a smooth travel.
When finished I wiped out the cup with a cleaning rag. With a cleaner soaked old brush I wiped it down again. The I refilled the cup with new cleaner, and blew that through. Rock the trigger a few times while shooting the cleaner then add your next colour. The larger opening at the bottom of the cup insures a good shot at thorough cleaning. When I am finished I cleaned the mechanisms and the needle again. To take it apart totally is a snap. No tools or chucks to wrench. Its all done by hand.
helpful tip
The best change is the balance. The gravity feed is my favorite. But with other types it has been a compromise as previously the cup always seemed to get in the way. Now if your use to a syphon feed type and you pick up a gravity you turn your wrist and you spill your mix. This is always a disaster. Badger gives you a vinyl fitted top and opening a pin hole with a small gauge drill bit (76 gauge is good) gives to a breather port.
Why use an airbrush
The purpose of an airbrush in scale modeling is to give you a reasonable representation of a scaled paint scheme. Whether you preshade or not. I was very happy with the amount of paint I could laydown consistantly. Now truthfully this is 60% the paint consistency, 30% the airbrush design and 10% the modeler's ability. If you have an average experience in the first and the last issues the middle is fully met in the Model 105 Patriot. The gravity feed gives you the option to easily use a lower PSI.
When contacting Badger please let them know you heard about their product at Aeroscale.co.uk |
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