[BobP]

I read a tip on one of the "airbrush user sites" saying to use your Dremel and 1200 grit sandpaper to remove corrosion and resurface the point on an airbrush needle. You're supposed to chuck the needle in the Dremel and touch up the tip while it's spinning. Hey, I use my Dremel for most of my crankbait making chores, so......
DON'T DO THIS ! The needle for my Paasche VL spun up, wobbled a split second and then bent over 90 degrees. After an hour bending and banging, I think I got it back to near straight. Needles are made from fairly soft steel. If it isn't perfectly balanced, or if your Dremel is not perfectly balanced, spinning it at 20000 rpm is not gonna be a good experience for you - or the needle.

[Lurehead03]

I use my drill press turn spin mine but always keep a spare handy incase!!!!!

[dtrs5kprs]

I've had good results using airbrush restorer (createx) to help clean the gunk off. Just a soak and wipe process.

Have tried some fine finishing papers and polishing by hand...usually ends up being a better idea to toss it and start a new needle.

[Skeeter]

I have used the same #3 tip in my VL for 5 yrs. Clean of the excess paint with solvent and then when done wash in hot soapy water. That is all you need to do.
Skeeter

[RiverMan]

Same here....I clean mine with just warm water and those green scratchy things and have never ruined a needle.........I have ruined other parts but not a needle, lol.

RM

[BobP]

Yep I clean mine with soap and water but was just trying to repolish the tip after a couple of year's use to get rid of corrosion and pitting. The 1200 grit paper does that but 20000 rpm is way to fast! Next time it's strictly hand turning.

[FishPork]

Scotch Brite or fine steel wool will give it a smooth clean finish even with dried paint on it.Just pinch between fingers and twist a few times.

[Joe]

Like RiverMan said, one of those green scratchy things . Use with clear windex and no problems. Joe

[Snax]

Hi guys,
I also read that tip and used it to restore a bent needle tip. I used my Dremel but ran it slower and kept it at a shallow angle. I didn't wrap it up, just slid it against the fine sandpaper. After that I put a few drops of metal polish onto an automobile shammy and using the same method I polished it up very nicely. As you drag it across the shammy,you will be able to see how fine a point it is getting as you raise the angle. It has worked on two needles so far that had ...ahem ..."mishaps"!