AirBrush Issues

Ron, a brand and model number.  I have a Badger Patriot and am constantly taking it apart for a thorough cleaning. It doesn’t take much for them not to work. I usually disassemble it and give it a good soak overnight in Lacquer thinner. I found those little brushes they sell at CVS or Walgreens for flossing. They work good in getting in those tiny passages. I’ve also used Brakleen with the nozzle attached to blow what you can’t see out.

From what you are describing. The needle is stuck back a bit and as soon as you press down and give it air it also thinks your pulling back on the trigger.

I use to use mine for everything. Now it’s just used in weathering. I bought a simple to use single action Passche that’s user friendly and super easy to clean.

First step should be to disassemble it all, soak it and clean it out.  Even if you think the needle is seated, it sounds like it isnt fully sealing. If not, check the needle and see if its possibly bent and that is causing an issue.  

Thanks @Dave C and @Boilermaker1

It's an Avanti 57637 from Harbor Freight.
Airbrush Compressor Combo Kit (harborfreight.com)

I typically clean the pieces individually.  I will try and overnight soak as you have suggested.

With all of the painting I've been doing, maybe it's time I step up to the big leagues.

Thanks.
Ron

If the compressor works, stick with it, but nothing sucks more than having to strip and repaint a model because the airbrush shoots a blob or bunch of junk on a finished model because it gets stuck and the paint solvent "clears the problem".  If the airbrush meets your needs then maybe its fine, but if you find yourself in need of replacement o rings or needles, can you get them from HF?  

I've got a Paasche VL. Its a suction feed (not the top cup gravity feed) and if it gets dirty, the opposite happens (no paint when you pull back).  I find it handy because you can fill the 1 oz jars with paint and load them right in (the little cup isnt enough to paint a whole piece of O scale anything), and you can have extra jars filled with solvent to immediately blow it out by just changing the jar.  Sure you have to clean the jars, lids and feed tubes, but its not hard to do.  

Ron

Maybe its the Harbor freight airbrush, I have found their tools to be adequate at best, and not highly durable. Go with one of the brand names like Badger or Pasche.

Ive been using a Pasche Single action for a few years for weathering and it works just fine, no issues what so ever. When I wanted some extra parts to expand availability they ANSWERED the phone and help me with my order and were helpful with airbrush questions i had, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED   

Ron sent you a private message.

They're on clearance for less than $20, may want to pick up another while contemplating a better one.

I remember a similar situation in my early airbrush days.  i think that your needle isn't set completely in the chamber so the minute you push down the trigger air and paint shoots out.  Unscrew the locking nut that holds the needle in place and see if you can push the needle forward into the cap.  if the needle isn't all the way in, the situation you're having can happen.  If that doesn't work take the airbrush apart and clean the entire brush.

A really nice airbrush review.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT9NdPfJjM8

John

i hate them.

After buying very expensive ones that worked ONCE, I started buying cheap ones that I toss out after each use.

Harbor Freight makes an OK dual action airbrush for occasional use. I got a few decent jobs out of mine before the seals deteriorated after cleaning it a few times. After that I never really got good air and paint flow. I finally broke down and spent a few extra bucks and got a Paasche VL. They are very well made and reliable and the parts are always available. If I'm being good I will fully clean it when I'm done and leave the internals disassembled until the next use. Sometimes I have to unstick it all if I left a bit of paint in it to dry. I shoot acrylics 98% of the time and the stuff seems to cure into glue. I have yet to swap out the seals/packing on my VL.

HF airbrush accessories are great though. I recommend the airbrush holder stand and the cleaning brush set. The 1/5hp compressor is the same one everyone else puts their badge on. Their hoses are good too.

@Norm Charbonneau posted:

The 1/5hp compressor is the same one everyone else puts their badge on. Their hoses are good too.

Sounds like he only needs the airbrush then.

John

Paint is leaking on you. It's probably just dirty but it could also be a worn seal.  I use lacquer to thinner for deep cleans at the end of a project. You may be able to adjust the packing nut if the seal is just loose or a bit worn.

This is a good page to bookmark to help you troubleshoot:  https://sites.google.com/site/...tips/troubleshooting