Harbor Freight Airbrush?

[SuperStockAndy]

Is this one any good?

http://www.harborfreight.com/airbrush-kit-47791.html?utm_medium=cse&utm_source=googlebase&hft_adv=40010&mr:trackingCode=7E6C0F9E-782A-E011-B31E-001B2163195C&mr:referralID=NA

I'm on a very low budget, and need to know if it's a good beginner's one.

Thanks,

Andy

[sportandmiah]

For $7.99 it's a decent beginner airbrush. But it is a cheap knockoff of a Badger.

Might I suggest this: http://www.harborfreight.com/deluxe-airbrush-kit-95810.html

It's on sale this weekend I believe for $16.00, plus use a 20% coupon and its cheaper. I have the double action as it was my first airbrush and it's fine. Great to learn with. But I now use a Paasche H.

[monkeyclaw]

I have to agree with Doug...the dual action is much better; and works pretty well; I have had several of them over the years; when they finally do go south; just pitch it and buy a new one. They do lay down a pretty nice pattern; and have a good range of adjustability as well....good choice for a 1st airbrush...........Matt

[Lownslow]

x2 ive had a few of them and they make great airbrushes awesome for detail. tcp global sells variable versions of it with larger needles.

[SuperStockAndy]

Thanks everyone, I guess I'll be getting it then.

Of course though, my dad is trying to talk me out of it because of "more cleanup".

Edited October 8, 2011 by Andy C.

[Dr. Cranky]

You want to avoid frustration in particular if you are a beginner to the airbrush. If things go wrong you are likely to get turned off.

My best advice, is save up for a better brush or put it on your holiday wish list.

[SuperStockAndy]

Thanks Virgil, but I already have enough on my Christmas list

I imagine I wouldn't actually paint the bodies with it, I just need one for Alclad.

[Dr. Cranky]

LOL! Me too!

[BKcustoms]

I've had good luck with the single action one for painting large areas, and the dual action works great for the smaller stuff, just be careful if you get the dual action, on both of mine the trigger didn't want to fit right after taking it apart and cleaning it a few times.

[59 Impala]

I have the double action one and a Paasche VL. I use the Harbour Freight brush for all of my paint jobs. It works great. I haven't used my Paasche but only once since I got the Harbour Freight one. I've been using it for over a year now and have had no problems with it. Dan

[sjordan2]

If price is a major consideration, what are your thoughts on a compressor?

Edited October 8, 2011 by sjordan2

[SuperStockAndy]

Thanks everyone

Skip, we have an air compressor at home, I just need to get a regulator/filter for it and I should be set.

[charlie8575]

If you're looking to learn how to airbrush, I'd spend the $20 or so and grab a Badger 250. I still use mine for quick jobs. They clean VERY easily, and are stone-axe simple.

Charlie Larkin

[SuperStockAndy]

What do I do? You guys are giving me too many suggestions

Thanks! Now I don't know if I want a Badger or the Harbor Freight one...

[aarondupont]

Andy: I'd go with the inexpensive Harbor Freight one. Cheap to start with. Get the feel of it. Experiment with it. In the mean time, save up your money for a GOOD airbrush. I actually use my single action Paasche 95% of the time. I have double action like Dr. Crankey's. (brand name escapes me). I use for detail work and weathering. The Paasche single action is simple to use and easy clean-up! My thoughts. Aaron Dupont

[Brutalform]

Thanks Virgil, but I already have enough on my Christmas list

I imagine I wouldn't actually paint the bodies with it, I just need one for Alclad.

That is exactly the same reason I would by one...for use with Alclad, and metalizers. FWIW.. currently I am using Alclad out of a spray can, and my colors are very limited to just ONE....but it does work great when applied to stripped bumpers and grill that are way too shiny.

[scalenut]

I use the paasche H with #3 needle for metalizers and alclad ... set around 15-18 psi perfect spray every time.. I have it set up to screw strait into the bottles.

there is a flaw with the harbor freight dual action 150 knock-off

the interior is not machined out like the badger and many have an issue with the trigger mechanism either catching/dragging or rubbing.

including the issue with the trigger it has a cheap air valve , and uses a completely different needle and tip assembly.. I have both, and it's like night and day comparing the smoothness of the faint flow.

the badger has a dual angle needle ,well polished, that goes from hairline to 3" pattern,,

the HF has a simple pointed needle that has a very rough texture for an airbrush needle,,at minimum some polishing would make a huge improvement.

for the really frugal,there is a cheaper option ,, a dried hollow grass reed that one can hold to the mouth and blow paint thru , cavemen approved.

Edited October 9, 2011 by scalenut

[Dr. Cranky]

Yeah, my experience with H.F. tools is that they don't last!

[59 Impala]

I've had mine for over 3 years now and have had no problems. I use it for all my painting even though I do have a Paasche V double action that's waiting it's turn. LOL. It's just like anything else, take care of it and you won't have any problems or at least minimal problems. Just my 2 cents. Dan

[SuperStockAndy]

Thanks guys. I think I'll go ahead and get the Harbor Freight one because once I get comfortable airbrushing I'll probably upgrade.

[Agent G]

Oh upgrade you will!

I now have five airbrushes, and have found a specific use for all of them.

My lovely wife keeps suggesting others as she sees them. Whats a good husband to do?

G

[jayhkr]

Just curious how your HF AB has been delivering? I can't seem to find my Paache VL anywhere so I'm having to literally start over. Of course it's been 15+ years since I've picked up an AB so this one seems to foot the bill in getting back in the saddle. Just curious how well you like it so far!?

[SuperStockAndy]

Just curious how your HF AB has been delivering? I can't seem to find my Paache VL anywhere so I'm having to literally start over. Of course it's been 15+ years since I've picked up an AB so this one seems to foot the bill in getting back in the saddle. Just curious how well you like it so far!?

It's doing fine, gonna paint with it today. Having a bit of trouble finding a good way to thin the paint though. I just spray my thinner out of a Windex bottle.

[my80malibu]

The down fall of that particular airbrush, is it uses very small rubber o-rings that do not hold up well to laquer style paints like Alclad. They are difficult to replace because no one stocks them. and you would have to mail order them. by that time, you are so fustrated with the whole thing you just throw it all away, and possibly quit model building altogether.

[tabsscale1]

Yeah, my experience with H.F. tools is that they don't last!

You Must be buying the wrong ones. I Copletely redid the body on my daughters car with all Harbor Freight tools. Have not had a problem with them. My air cmpressor for the tools was from them as well sometimes it ran for 2 hours at a time just from use. The havnd tools were abused as well. Matter of fact one of the car mags is redoing a car and the only tools they are using is the harbor freight stuff.