What are the airbrushes at Harbor Freight similar to?

Thanks for the wealth of information Killjoy, it is greatly appreciated.

Congrats!  Let me try to help.  For general cleanup, you don't need to remove part #4, just #2 occasionally, and the needle.  After I spray, I flush the airbrush with Windex (I only shoot acrylics), then flush with water so as not to leave ammonia in contact with the metal. 

Then I remove the needle.  Do this by removing the handle #16, then loosen nut # 15 a few turns, and gently slide the needle out.  Wipe it down with windex or alcohol, and gently (notice I use that word alot when talking about the needle!) slide it back into place until the neeedle tip is seated, and protrudes a little from the nozzle #3.

The screw labeled #14, valve screw should be screwed all the way in.  You can loosen it a bit, and this will make the trigger a bit easier to move, but not too far. 

Lastly, when you need to clean the nozzle an air body, which I don't do very often, the wrench included WILL turn it, but it takes a bit of torque with a new airbrush.  Apply pressure gradually, but firmly, until it starts to move.

Hope this helps, and good luck!  Ask away if you have more questions.

Chris

Good Day All!

I just got one of the deluxe models today, (Mom sent me one for my birthday).  I cannot figure out how to take it apart to clean it, the instructions are worthless.  This is my first airbrush, I am not sure how to adjust the rear screw, or what it's for.  Also I cannot seem to remove the air body cap? labeled part #4, the included wrench fits on it, but it will not turn.

Thanks in advance

I picked one of the deluxe models up today for $15, and I have to say, I am impressed.  It looks nice, feels solid, and out of the box, I was able to get an even spray, and some fairly fine lines.  I was spraying Golden's airbrush paint at about 12-15 psi. 

I'll try polishing the needle a bit tomorrow, as well as adding some lube.  The trigger is a bit stiff, but not unreasonably so for a new airbrush.  For shooting basecoats, top coats, and to hand to a friend and teach them how to airbrush, can't beat this for the price.

I was looking at the deluxe with the ac in a combo they have

Just wasnt sure it would get me started without ruining my hopes to get good at AB

I should mention:

The only issue I have with the HF Deluxe airbrush is that the small rubber O ring situated between the handle and the body housing where they screw together should be removed. Otherwise, the handle does not screw on securely and can work it's way off.

A very minor problem with a simple fix.

Which one are you referring to?  The single action cheapie is very easy to learn, but limited in application.  The "deluxe" model will give you a bit more of a learning curve, but can do more, and will teach you all he basics you need to be a good airbrusher if you practice, read, and don't get frustrated when things don't go smoothly.

Chris

I am looking at picking one of these up

Just starting to AB and for the money it seems like a good wat to get into this

What do yoou guys think of useing it as a trainging AB ??

Killjoy

Mikael,

Yeah, I am surprised too.  I have two of the basic Badger 350 knockoffs, paid like $4.99 each for them.  They work great for spraying gloss coats (Future) or other top coats.  Have even used them for large sprays when I was just getting coverage over a large area for a terrain project.

I WOULD recommend these to someone who needs a quasi-disposable airbrush for quick spray jobs.

Chris

I guess it's the luck of draw sometimes. Seems like I got a lemon and you got your money's worth. Either way I'm not going to buy another airbrush from Harbor Freight, but they do have a good selection of tools at dirt-cheap prices so even if may not buy their airbrushes their still plenty good for other stuff.

Mikael,

Yeah, I am surprised too.  I have two of the basic Badger 350 knockoffs, paid like $4.99 each for them.  They work great for spraying gloss coats (Future) or other top coats.  Have even used them for large sprays when I was just getting coverage over a large area for a terrain project.

I WOULD recommend these to someone who needs a quasi-disposable airbrush for quick spray jobs.

Chris

Sorry you crapped out with yours Mikael, but he isn't talking about the 350 knock off, rather the double action Deluxe model.

 I'm a professional illustrator, and more than a bit experienced with a WIDE variety of airbrushes. While this offering isn't as heavy duty or precisely engineered as those priced accordingly higher vs. their superlative quality, the Deluxe model is good enough to be used for most modeling applications (including some pretty fine detailing) without undue pain or catastrophic failure.  I doubt seriously that it will "fall apart" any time soon after purchase and daily use.

A viable option for those on a budget, and a must have for a variety of ancillary applications at $15.00 for the rest of us.

It does bear mentioning that a lot of what goes into a superlative airbrush finish has a great deal to do with the operator's skill.

gfcupp

OK, So I know that the basic airbrush offered at Harbor Freight is basically a Badger 350. I have even exchanged Badger 350 parts on one. But what about the "Deluxe Air Brush?" Does anyone have any idea?Thanks in advance.

What are the airbrushes at Harbor Freight similar to?......their similar to garbage, except your paying to get it instead of having it hauled away. I purchased one of their airbrushes once(the basic model), I wasn't expecting much out of it, but it didn't even live up to the low standards I had. Tried spraying some Future and it didn't even work, needle was s*** right out of the box, so it went straight to the scrap bin.

I have been using the HF 'deluxe' airbrush for a couple of months and works fine for what you pay. Service? Parts? Eh, for $15 I toss it in the can when it breaks and get another!

I have a number of airbrushes, including the Badger 150 and 155 from which the HF Deluxe model is based. I bought one of these HF  to use with harsh lacquers and painting terrain etc. It is actually pretty decent and works well. Not  made quite as well as the Badger, but close. And an incredible deal for $15.00.  Slave labor is the only way that they could possibly price these so low.

If you are on a severe budget, one can make this work quite well for most applications truth be told.

gfcupp

OK, So I know that the basic airbrush offered at Harbor Freight is basically a Badger 350. I have even exchanged Badger 350 parts on one. But what about the "Deluxe Air Brush?" Does anyone have any idea?Thanks in advance.

Well, the HF deluxe AB is similar to the Badger Anthen 155 in LOOK.

But added a trigger stop the Badger 150 style.

There is no information on who makes this AB for Harbor Freight. But for $15 this week, you can afford to try it out. It may be or may not be made by FengHua. There are many imitation of the FengHua factories in China and the quality varies a lot.

Many of the knock-off are made by a company called FengHua in China. I am not saying that they are good quality, but they are KNOWN quality. I have two under the PowerCat brand. One is the FengHua BD-800. It just looks like the HF Deluxe AB with that trigger stop. It comes in many different handle colors. The nozzle is 0.35 mm which is much finer than the Badger Anthen 150 or 155 nozzle.

Badger is selling off their 100 side feed for $30.80 + S&H. They are very similar to the 150, except you can twist the cup so you can paint straight down. They are new brushes, and come with a full warranty.

The ones from HF are not very good, much like most of their tools.

Pretty similar to a badger 150.  For the money, I'd just buy a 150 and have the customer service and availability of parts.  Knock offs have variable quality control in m experience.

Chris