Does anyone else have issues when they use the .33 needle and spray regulator that doesn't have the guard horns? My krome sprays fine when I use the .21 needle and horned regulator, but the larger needle and unhorned regulator tip sprays inconsistent and gets tip dry literally every 10 seconds.

Could you have mixed up the nozzles?

No. Its not possible really. The .33 nozzle won't fit into the .21 spray regulator. They're completely different designs. The .33 tip is the open kind that leaves the needle exposed. The .21 has these prongs that stick out to protect the needle.

Not the "tip", the "nozzle". I had this same problem. I switched out the needles and it worked fine. Switching out needles is a lot easier than having to take the head asseembly apart.

Ok. I misunderstood. I always try to pay attention not to use the wrong nozzle. I keep them in labeled tubes with their regulator/tip. If I look close I can tell that one is slightly larger than the other. My eyes aren't that great, so I have to be extra cautious with everything small. I've had somewhat better luck lately after reading an old review of the krome that was done here, and using their thinner ratios and psi settings. I still get really bad tip dry with the .33 though.

Matthew,
I ran into a similar problem a couple of years ago with my Badger Renagade Velocity. I found the regulator tip without horns did not screw on as far as the other one, so the nozzle was not in the opening at the same location as on the .21 tip. I ended up screwing the regulator on further with some soft jaw pliers and it started working normally.

The relationship between the tip and regulator are critical for proper atomization. If that doesn't work, you can contact Badger with an explanation of the symptoms and they will sort it out. They do honor their warranty very well if you need to send it back for any reason.

Hope this helps,
Paul H

Thank you. I have noticed that the hornless .33 tip is really easy to screw on/off and has come loose after a session of painting before. I've been a little diappointed with badgers customer service lately. I had issues with the trigger sticking when it was new and it has been difficult to get them to respond to my emails.They never returned my call when I went that route also. I'm glad to hear that they do honor their warranty. I was concerned about that after everything.

Matthew,
If needed, you can send the airbrush straight to Badger with a detailed note about what is wrong and they will work it in that manner too. I've heard of people in the professional textile painting arena who send multiple airbrushes in at a time due to the volume of use.

The return won't usually be overnight or anything, since I believe they work brushes in the order received, but I have never had Badger fail to honor their warranty in 30 years of use.

Good luck,
Paul H

That's what I'm going to do then. The trigger worked itself out somewhat, but has always felt a bit rough past halfway back. I definitely think you're right about the regulator tip as well. So it's worth getting everything sorted out. I'll just have to do some weathering in the meantime while they have it. Maybe I can use this as justification to the wife that I need the patriot 105 I've been looking at. Thank you for your help with this.

No worries. I really hope Badger can get you sorted out quickly.

Cheers,
Paul H

I've also had issues with bad spray using the .33 needle and nozzle. I've used the right needle/tip/head combo but I just can't seem to get the right atomization. Best of luck.