DeVilbiss DAGR Instructions for use

AIRBRUSH INSTRUCTIONS AND MAINTENANCE
by
™
Service Bulletin
SB-2-055-B
Replaces SB-2-055-A
Thank you for purchasing your DeVilbiss
DAGR™ airbrush! You will find that this
high quality, versatile airbrush gives the
demanding professional artist the full
range of performance—from spraying fine
lines to wide backgrounds—with a wide
range of materials—from solvent-based
automotive paints to waterbase inks.
DAGR airbrushes are precision made
with micro machining and high quality
materials. Each airbrush is spray tested
before being packaged in its collectorʼs
tin, assuring that it meets the tough quality
standards you have come to expect from
DeVilbiss. With proper care, your DAGR
airbrush will provide you with excellent
performance to express your creativity.
SPECIFICATIONS
Operating Pressures:
20 to 50 psi
Maximum Inlet Pressure:
175 psi
Airbrush Plating:
Nickel, copper, chrome
Needle Packing:
Teflon® (solvent-proof)
GET READY TO SPRAY
SAFETY FIRST
Please read all safety information on
pages 8 and 9.
Connect to Compressed Air
Connect your DAGR airbrush to a
regulated air line or select an appropriate
compressor. The DeVilbiss Airblade™
single piston compressor is a compact,
economical choice for the beginner and
will provide approximately 25-30 psi of air
pressure to the DAGR airbrush. The two-
piston DeVilbiss Airblade Deuce™ can
provide up to 50 psi to the DAGR airbrush
and will give you complete versatility.
At 35-40 psi, the DAGR will produce a
high paint flow for shadow, fade, and
background spray, as well as for detail
work and fine lines.

Page 2 SB-2-055-B
Assemble Airbrush to Compressor
Connect the air hose to the compressor
and airbrush, then turn on the compressor.
If using an Airblade™ compressor, adjust
the pressure to between 20 and 30 psi.
Listen for any air leaks in the compressor
or air hose fittings. Point the airbrush
away from you and press down on the
trigger (#14) to start the flow of air through
the airbrush. Place a small amount of
solvent or cleaner into the cup and pull
back on the trigger. This will clean out any
residual factory testing material that may
still be in the airbrush.
Mix Paint and Fill the Removable Cup
Follow the paint manufacturerʼs
instructions and thin the paint with its
proper solvent. Filter it through a nylon
mesh strainer. It is best to "over-reduce"
or prepare the paint relatively thin and
make continuous passes across your
work to achieve the desired shade. This
will also decrease paint buildup on the
needle and cleaning time. The DAGR
features a removable cup. Depending on
the amount of paint you wish to spray, use
the standard 1/3 oz. (9 cc) cup or select
an optional 1/4 oz. (7 cc) or 1/2 oz. (14
cc) cup. For small amounts of material,
simply remove the cup and fill the cup
socket, which will give you best visibility
for close-up work.
GENERAL OPERATION
The DAGR is a double action airbrush
for fine control. Push the trigger down
for air flow and pull the trigger back
for paint flow. For best results during
spraying, keep air flow even when you
have stopped paint flow.
Air Pressure Range
Working pressures vary between 20 and
50 psi, depending on what type of work
is being done, what spray characteristics
are desired, and paint viscosity. Generally,
thicker paints or higher paint flow will
require higher pressures.
Spraying Fine Lines and Detail
To spray a fine line or detail, press the
trigger down for air flow and pull it back
slightly for paint flow while moving the
airbrush very close to the surface. Control
the thickness of the line by adjusting the
distance between the airbrush and the
surface and by adjusting the amount
of paint flow with the trigger. An even
finer line can be achieved by carefully
removing the crown cap (#1) and moving
the airbrush closer to the surface.
NOTE: The needle and nozzle are
very finely machined. A slight bend
on the tip of the needle can result in
an uneven pattern. The crown cap
protects the needle yet still allows fine
lines to be sprayed.
Wide Lines, Fades, and
Background Spraying
For wider lines, fades, and background
spraying, pull the trigger further back for
more paint flow. Increase the distance
between the airbrush and artwork up
to six inches to control the line width.
Increasing the air pressure will also affect
the spray width. The DAGR will spray a
background width of approximately two
inches. Speed of movement controls the
density of the color and fading effects.
Spraying Lines Without Heavy Ends
To spray a fine or wide line without heavy
ends, start moving the airbrush with the
trigger pushed down for air. Then pull the
trigger back for paint flow at the beginning
of the line and stop paint flow at the end,
but continue the motion of the airbrush.

Page 3SB-2-055-B
Stippling (Dots)
Stippling (coarse or fine dots) can add
special textured effects to artwork. Simply
remove the crown cap (#1) and air cap
(#2) and adjust the air pressure between
5 and 50 psi. Lower air pressure will
produce coarse dots; higher pressure will
produce fine dots. Paint viscosity affects
stippling, as well.
Removing Clogs
The cutaway handle (#21) allows the
artist to remove paint buildup from the
tip of the airbrush without removing the
handle and needle. Just grip the exposed
needle locknut (#25) and pull back while
pushing down on the trigger (#15). More
paint will flow past the needle and tip,
clearing the clog.
Another method is to keep a second
airbrush nearby that has solvent in the
cup and use it to spray the nozzle/needle
tip.
A third method is to increase the air
pressure and spray solvent through the
airbrush for a short period.
Crown Cap
The crown cap (#1) is used to protect the
needle when spraying a fine line and to
prevent paint build-up and spitting when
spraying large backgrounds.
Pre-Set Handle
The pre-set handle (#21) has a threaded
adjusting knob (#23) on the back that
limits the amount of the trigger pull back
and needle movement. This controls the
amount of paint being sprayed. Reference
markers are on the knob.
CLEANING AND LUBRICATION
Before Each Spray Session
Spray the appropriate solvent or cleaner
through the airbrush to make sure it is
working properly.
To Clean Between Color Changes
Empty the excess paint left in the cup.
Rinse the cup with solvent and use a
paper towel to wipe out any left over
paint. Fill the bottom of the cup with
solvent and spray it through until the
spray is clear. Fill with the next color.
After Each Spray Session
Increase the air pressure and spray
cleaning solution through the airbrush.
This will help thoroughly clean the paint
passages, nozzle, and needle. Remove
the needle and wipe it clean (see below).
Wipe down the outside of the airbrush
with a solvent-dampened cloth, and soak
the crown cap, if needed.
Do not soak the airbrush body in
solvent unless the air valve has been
disassembled and removed. The air valve
o-ring could swell and cause air flow
problems.
To Clean the Needle
Remove the back handle, loosen the
needle locknut (#19), and remove the
needle (#20). Using a soft cloth folded
over the needle, wipe the residue off the
needle by rotating it. Inspect the needle.
If it is bent or mis-shapen, replace it.
Holding the trigger down, carefully re-
insert the needle into the airbrush near
the back and push gently until it seats
against the nozzle and is visible through
the tip. You should feel a slight resistance
as the needle passes through the packing

Page 4 SB-2-055-B
(#6). If the needle stops suddenly, pull
it out and check the trigger for proper
positioning, then re-insert the needle.
Release the trigger and tighten the needle
locknut.
Lubrication
To insure smooth trigger action,
periodically remove the needle and
coat it with a high-quality lubricant (like
DeVilbiss Spray Lube). Wipe the needle
with a soft cloth, leaving it lightly coated.
Re-insert the needle and re-tighten the
needle locknut. Place a few drops of lube
in the trigger slot in the airbrush body.
NOTE: Do not use WD-40 or light
machine oil for lubrication, which
will cause the needle to bind as it
moves through the Teflon® packing.
Do not over-lubricate the needle or
the trigger. The excess lube could be
pushed into the nozzle, causing paint
flow problems.
REPLACEMENT PARTS AND
ACCESSORIES
NOTE: If you must disassemble the
airbrush, please do not use pliers.
Tools are rarely needed. If needed,
however, use a small wrench to
unscrew and lightly re-tighten the head
cap (#3), which seats the nozzle on to
the airbrush body. Do not overtighten!
Nozzle (#4)
If the nozzle becomes worn or damaged,
it must be replaced. Before replacing
the nozzle, protect the needle by pulling
it back slightly. To do this, remove the
handle (#21), loosen the needle locknut
(#19), and carefully pull the needle back
through the nozzle. Remove the head cap
(#3) and pull out the nozzle. If it is stuck,
loosen it by gently pushing the side of it
with your thumb. Pull the nozzle off and
replace it with the new one. Re-assemble
the head cap and tighten it by hand or
lightly with a wrench. Do not over tighten.
Re-seat the needle into the nozzle by
gently pushing it forward until it seats
with the fluid nozzle. Tighten the needle
locknut and continue reassembly.
NOTE: To insure even wear, change the
needle at the same time as the nozzle.
Needle (#20)
DeVilbiss needles are made of precision
machined stainless steel and are designed
for long-term use. However, because of
their long tapers and very fine tips they
can be easily damaged. If the needle
point becomes bent or hooked, it should
be straightened before being pulled back
through the nozzle or the nozzle could
become damaged. If the needle is not
bent too badly, roll it between your finger
and a smooth flat surface to straighten
the point.
Quick Disconnect
(Optional Accessory)
A quick disconnect stem is screwed on
to each airbrush and a quick disconnect
adapter is screwed on to the air hose.
This allows for quick changes between
airbrushes using one hose.
Hose
Use high quality, flexible DeVilbiss
braided nylon air hose. Order DGR-123
(802769) 10ʼ air hose assembly or DGR-
124 (802770) 10ʼ air hose assembly with
quick disconnect.

Page 5SB-2-055-B
TROUBLESHOOTING
CAUSE CORRECTION
Skipping:
1. Air pressure too high 1. Reduce pressure
2. Paint too thick 2. Reduce with solvent
3. Airbrush is dirty 3. Refer to Cleaning in Maintenance
Section
4. Nozzle not seated on body 4. Tighten head cap (by hand or lightly
with wrench)
5. Nozzle damaged or cracked 5. Replace nozzle
6. Dried paint on tip of needle 6. Refer to "To Clean the Needle"
7. Nozzle not centered in air cap 7. Clean nozzle & airbrush seats
Spitting:
1. Dried paint on tip of needle 1. Refer to "To Clean the Needle"
2. Airbrush is dirty 2. Refer to "Cleaning and Lubrication"
3. Paint too thick 3. Reduce with solvent
4. Air pressure too low 4. Increase air pressure
Bubbling in cup
1. Loose head cap or nozzle not 1. Tighten head cap (by hand or lightly
seated on body with wrench)
2. Nozzle damaged or cracked 2. Replace nozzle
CAUSE CORRECTION
Will Not Spray:
1. Clogged nozzle 1. Refer to "Cleaning and Lubrication"
2. Loose head cap 2. Tighten (by hand or lightly with
wrench)
3. Loose needle locknut 3. Tighten
4. Improper air pressure 4. Adjust
5. Paint too thick 5. Reduce with solvent
6. Nozzle damaged or cracked 6. Replace nozzle
7. Vent hole in cup lid is plugged 7. Unplug with toothpick or brush
Sprays Double Line:
1. Airbrush is dirty 1. Refer to "Cleaning and Lubrication"
2. Bent needle 2. Replace or straighten needle
3. Dirt on tip of nozzle or in air cap 3. Flush with solvent or remove and
soak parts
4. Nozzle damaged or cracked 4. Replace nozzle
5. Dried paint on tip of needle 5. Refer to "To Clean the Needle"
Trigger sticks or does not move smoothly
1. Needs lubrication 1. Refer to "Lubrication"
2. Material leaked past packing 2. Thoroughly clean airbrush (including
trigger) and tighten packing (#6) by
inserting small slotted screwdriver
into airbrush body until it contacts
packing nut. Turn slightly clockwise.

A B
C D
14 Trigger Buttons
27
13
15
16 17 18 19
5
22
21
20
2524 26
12345
7
8
6
9
10
11
12
23
Page 6 SB-2-055-B
Trigger Buttons

Page 7SB-2-055-B
Ref.
No. Order No. Model No. Description
1 802613 DGR-101 Crown cap
2 802615 DGR-103-35 Air cap (for .35mm nozzle)
3 802616 DGR-104 Head cap
4 802618 DGR-105-35 Nozzle (.35mm)
• 5 – – O-ring (head cap & handle)
6 802619 DGR-106K Packing and nut assembly (Teflon)
7 802620 DGR-107 Air valve casing
8 802621 DGR-108K Air valve kit
• 9 – – Air valve washer
10 – – Air valve plunger
11 – – Air valve spring
12 – – Air valve nut
13 802622 DGR-109 Trigger assembly
14 802636 DGR-122K Trigger buttons ergo-pack (4 types)
14a – – Trigger button A (standard)
14b – – Trigger button B
14c – – Trigger button C
14d – – Trigger button D
Ref.
No. Order No. Model No. Description
15 802623 DGR-110K Needle guide, rocker, & spring
16 – – Needle guide and rocker
• 17 – – Needle spring
18 802624 DGR-111 Spring guide
19 802625 DGR-112 Needle locknut
20 802627 DGR-113-35 Needle (for .35mm nozzle)
21 802628 DGR-114 Cutaway handle w/pre-set
• 22 – – O-ring (pre-set needle knob)
23 802630 DGR-116 Pre-set needle knob
24 802631 DGR-117 1/4 oz.(7 cc) cup and lid
25 802632 DGR-118 1/3 oz.(9 cc) cup and lid (standard)
26 802633 DGR-119 1/2 oz.(14 cc) cup and lid
27 802634 DGR-120 Cup lid
28 802635 DGR-121K DAGR repair kit
29 802974 DGR-12-K5 Air valve washer kit (5)
30 802975 DGR-18-K5 O-ring (head cap & handle) kit (5)
Ref. Description Qty.
5 O-ring (head cap & handle) 3
9 Air valve washer 2
17 Needle spring 1
22 O-ring (pre-set needle knob) 1
• DAGR Repair Kit 802635 (DGR-121K) includes:

Page 8 SB-2-055-B
The following hazards may occur
during the normal use of this
equipment. Please read the
following warnings before using this
equipment.
HAZARD: FIRE
CAUSE: Solvent and coatings can be highly
flammable or combustible especially when
sprayed.
SAFEGUARDS: Adequate exhaust must be
provided to keep air free of accumulations of
flammable vapors.
Smoking must never be allowed in the
spray area.
Fire extinguishing equipment must be
present in the spray area.
HAZARD: SOLVENT SPRAY
CAUSE: During use and while cleaning and
flushing, solvents can be forcefully expelled
from fluid and air passages. Some solvents
can cause eye injury.
SAFEGUARDS: Wear eye protection.
HAZARD: INHALING TOXIC SUBSTANCES
CAUSE: Certain materials may be harmful if
inhaled, or if there is contact with the skin.
SAFEGUARDS: Follow the requirements of
the Material Safety Data Sheet supplied by
your coating material manufacturer.
Adequate exhaust must be provided to
keep the air free of accumulations of toxic
materials.
Use a mask or respirator whenever there
is a chance of inhaling sprayed materials.
The mask must be compatible with the
material being sprayed and its concentration.
Equipment must be as prescribed by an
industrial hygienist or safety expert, and be
NIOSH approved.
HAZARD: EXPLOSION HAZARD
– INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS
CAUSE: Halogenated hydrocarbon solvents
– for example; methylene chloride and
1,1,1, – Trichloroethane are not chemically
compatible with the aluminum that might
be used in many system components. The
chemical reaction caused by these solvents
reacting with aluminum can become violent
and lead to an equipment explosion.
SAFEGUARDS: Guns with stainless steel
internal passageways may be used with
these solvents. However, aluminum is widely
used in other spray application equipment
– such as material pumps, regulators, valves,
and this gun and cup. Check all equipment

Page 9SB-2-055-B
items before use and make sure they can also
be used safely with these solvents. Read the
label or data sheet for the material you intend
to spray. If in doubt as to whether or not a
coating or cleaning material is compatible,
contact your material supplier.
HAZARD: GENERAL SAFETY
CAUSE: Improper operation or maintenance
of equipment.
SAFEGUARDS: Operators should be
given adequate training in the safe use and
maintenance of the equipment (in accordance
with the requirements of NFPA-33, Chapter
15). Users must comply with all local and
national codes of practice and insurance
company requirements governing ventilation,
fire precautions, operation, maintenance, and
housekeeping. These are OSHA Sections
1910.94 and 1910.107 and NFPA-33.
HAZARD: CUMULATIVE TRAUMA
DISORDERS ("CTD'S")
CTD's, or musculoskeletal disorders,
involve damage to the hands, wrists,
elbows, shoulders, neck, and back. Carpal
tunnel syndrome and tendonitis (such as
tennis elbow or rotator cuff syndrome) are
examples of CTD's.
CAUSE: Use of hand tools may cause
cumulative trauma disorders ("CTD's").
CTD's, when using hand tools, tend to
affect the upper extremities. Factors which
may increase the risk of developing a CTD
include:
1. High frequency of the activity.
2. Excessive force, such as gripping, pinching,
or pressing with the hands and fingers.
3. Extreme or awkward finger, wrist, or arm
positions.
4. Excessive duration of the activity.
5. Tool vibration.
6. Repeated pressure on a body part.
7. Working in cold temperatures.
CTD's can also be caused by such activities
as sewing, golf, tennis, and bowling, to name
a few.
SAFEGUARDS: Pain, tingling, or numbness
in the shoulder, forearm, wrist, hands, or
fingers, especially during the night, may be
early symptoms of a CTD. Do not ignore them.
Should you experience any such symptoms,
see a physician immediately. Other early
symptoms may include vague discomfort
in the hand, loss of manual dexterity, and
nonspecific pain in the arm. Ignoring early
symptoms and continued repetitive use of
the arm, wrist, and hand can lead to serious
disability. Risk is reduced by avoiding or
lessening factors 1-7.
This product is covered by DeVilbissʼ
1-year Limited Warranty
1724 Indian Wood Circle, Suite J-K, Maumee, OH 43537
Toll-Free Telephone: [phone] (U.S.A. and Canada)
Toll-Free FAX: [phone] Email: [e-mail]
www.autorefinishdevilbiss.com
Ringwood Road, Bournemouth BH11 9LH England
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: auto-refinish@itwfinishing.co.uk
www.devilbisseu.com

EC Declaration of Conformity
We, DeVilbiss Automotive Refinishing, 1724 Indian Wood Circle, Suite J-K, Maumee, Ohio 43537, USA, as
the representative/manufacturer of the item listed: Airbrush model DGR-501G, declare, under our sole
responsibility, that the equipment to which this document relates is in conformity with the following standards
or other normative documents:
BS EN 292-1 parts1 and 2: 1991, BS EN 1953: 1999, EN 13463-1:2001,
And thereby conforms to the protection requirements of Council Directive 89/392/EEC relating to Machinery
Safety Directive and council Directive 94/9/EC relating to Equipment and Protective Systems intended for use in
Potentially Explosive Atmospheres protection level II 2 G.
Thomas R. White, General Manager
October 26, 2007