airbrush bent needle or not

[simontie]

daft question time!!
last couple of nights I have been painting and every now and then I get a small blob of paint spitting out but tonight I noticed it more and the crown seems to be building up paint on the bottom edge this is unusual normally I don't get any build up so there's the question is the tip of my needle bent?
I'm using a H&S evolution silver line and 0.2 needle
and advice would be most helpful I have a spare air brush but really like the H&S

thanks
simon

 

[Tim Marlow]

Hi Simon. The only real way to know is to take it out and have a good look at the tapered end…..

 

[Mini Me]

Or, remove the needle and roll it on a piece of glass or a surface plate and see if the tip wobbles.

 

[simontie]

Ok tried that the end point has a very slight bend, i think this would account for the blobs and build up in the crown
i will try to re sharpen it tomorrow failing that looks like i will need a new one and the sets not cheap good job Santa's coming
simon

 

[Mini Me]

I have been able to work these slight bends out in the past, provided the bend is on the tapered tip and not the shank. Good luck.

 

[Ian M]

I have noticed that the very tip of H&S needled are very soft. I 'hooked the tip of a .15 while removing "tip dry" with a brush and thinners!!!
A bur on the tip can normally be found very quick and easy by dragging the needle on the back of your hand or stabbing a tissue! If there is the slightest resistance to the needle going in or out the tissue it has a snag.
Despite what the experts say it is fine to re-sharpen the point. A 1200 grit polishing pad is ideal. Pull the needle backwards on the wet pad while twisting it in your fingers. Just the slightest of pressure. Check the tip after each stroke...

 

[Steven000]

I have noticed that the very tip of H&S needled are very soft. I 'hooked the tip of a .15 while removing "tip dry" with a brush and thinners!!!
A bur on the tip can normally be found very quick and easy by dragging the needle on the back of your hand or stabbing a tissue! If there is the slightest resistance to the needle going in or out the tissue it has a snag.
Despite what the experts say it is fine to re-sharpen the point. A 1200 grit polishing pad is ideal. Pull the needle backwards on the wet pad while twisting it in your fingers. Just the slightest of pressure. Check the tip after each stroke...

The tips of my last 2 needles (H&S 0.3mm) were also very fragile, they 'splitted' both at the tip, barely visible but the accuracy is off...

 

[adt70hk]

I have noticed that the very tip of H&S needled are very soft. I 'hooked the tip of a .15 while removing "tip dry" with a brush and thinners!!!
A bur on the tip can normally be found very quick and easy by dragging the needle on the back of your hand or stabbing a tissue! If there is the slightest resistance to the needle going in or out the tissue it has a snag.
Despite what the experts say it is fine to re-sharpen the point. A 1200 grit polishing pad is ideal. Pull the needle backwards on the wet pad while twisting it in your fingers. Just the slightest of pressure. Check the tip after each stroke...

Thanks Ian for the tip! Duly noted!

 

[simontie]

I have noticed that the very tip of H&S needled are very soft. I 'hooked the tip of a .15 while removing "tip dry" with a brush and thinners!!!
A bur on the tip can normally be found very quick and easy by dragging the needle on the back of your hand or stabbing a tissue! If there is the slightest resistance to the needle going in or out the tissue it has a snag.
Despite what the experts say it is fine to re-sharpen the point. A 1200 grit polishing pad is ideal. Pull the needle backwards on the wet pad while twisting it in your fingers. Just the slightest of pressure. Check the tip after each stroke...

thank you that was my plan honest ...
top tip cheers

 

[Dave Ward]

A slightly bent needle can also produce an offset spray - doesn't really matter, just annoying! I've adjusted airbrush needles - especially the cheap Chinese ones - many times, using Crocus paper on a porcelain tile, using washing up liquid as a lubricant. You've nothing to lose in trying...............
Dave

 

[simontie]

A slightly bent needle can also produce an offset spray - doesn't really matter, just annoying! I've adjusted airbrush needles - especially the cheap Chinese ones - many times, using Crocus paper on a porcelain tile, using washing up liquid as a lubricant. You've nothing to lose in trying...............
Dave

Thanks dave will give it a blast as you said nothing to lose
simon

 

[Deleted member 9606]

I had a decentered tip on an old brush once. Caused all kinds of problems and it took forever to discover what the problem was. I ended up using a centering tool to bend the innards of the brush straight. I was told they use these tools in the factory.

 

[colin m]

Just like Ian says. I've saved / repaired a couple of needles this way.

 

[simontie]

Well i have reshaped needle and also bought a new one will try both this evening see if that remedies the issue fingers crossed
Simon

 

[simontie]

Well i have tried out the re pointed needle and it works fine so i have left the new on in its box till its really required
Thank you for all your help
Simon