How to tell what size a needle and tip is without the label on the tube?

[stevieb54]

For example my AB came with one in brush and a .2, .3 and .5 in a sealed tube. So how can I figure out what is in the brush? TIA

 

[urumomo]

Which brand / model airbrush ?

Paasche needles have grooves at the tail end of the needle to indicate the size . The spray tips also have them .
The easiest way is to hold them up right next to each other in bright light with a white background and you should be able to tell which is biggest to smallest .
It's subtle but definitely discernable .

The hole in the spray tips can be visually verified the same way by comparing them next to each other .

 

[stevieb54]

I ts a timbertech, it came with the compressor as a kit. I figured its a cheap one. I had a deluxe Paasche siphon one I bought years ago that I haven't used yet, thought I d get some experience first.

 

[Edbert]

I know that Badger used a marking system, I think it was a stripe, one, two, three identified large medium small.

But if there's no marking a visual inspection should be possible. A difference of 0.1mm is hard to measure, but side-by-side you should be able to see which is larger.

 

[stevieb54]

Ok thanks all. I have a digital caliper and thought of measuring tips to see if I can see the difference

 

[urumomo]

Ok thanks all. I have a digital caliper and thought of measuring tips to see if I can see the difference

Just stack them next to each other like I was saying , bright light with a white background , either the wall or a sheet of paper , you'll be able to spot the difference .
I can do it with my readers on but depending on your eyes you might need more magnification .

 

[the Baron]

I'd be inclined to see if the manufacturer has a website, too, and see if they list that info there.

 

[Rich97]

I have the same budget setup and the instructions are close to non-existent. I mixed up the nozzles once and just compared them to each other to figure out which was which.

 

[fantacmet]

I ts a timbertech, it came with the compressor as a kit. I figured its a cheap one. I had a deluxe Paasche siphon one I bought years ago that I haven't used yet, thought I d get some experience first.

That timbertech outsprays my Paasche. It outsprays my NEO by Iwata, and sprays damn near as nicely as my Iwata HPC. Airbrushes dont have to be expensive.