Toymaker's Shop - Harbor Freight Airbrushes and Compressors Are They Good Enough

Harbor Freight Airbrush Compressor
Harbor Freight Airbrush Compressor



I have a harbor freight compressor that works very well. There are two compressors available. If I were to buy one today, I would spend the $20 more for the larger one. Most of the time, I use my big air compressor. I previously set up to use it when I received the Harbor Freight compressor as a gift from a friend. The Harbor Freight Compressor is very handy when I want to spray outside the shop.

Harbor Freight Central Pneumatic 3/4 Oz Deluxe Airbrush Kit
Harbor Freight Central Pneumatic 3/4 Oz Deluxe Airbrush Kit
I have two issues with the harbor freight airbrush. First, The tip size is to small for many acrylic paints. The cheaper acrylic paints ($0.99) tend to have large pigments that clog the tip easily. I also spray acrylic house paint. I much prefer a larger tip (.5 - .7mm). I have found certain paints nearly impossible to spray through a .3mm tip.

My Harbor Freight Compressor With Airbrushes and Accessories
My Harbor Freight Compressor With Airbrushes and Accessories


My second issue is the availability of parts. They claim you can order a new needle & nozzle, but you can't buy them in the store. You are going to bend or break your needle sooner or later. It would be nice to be able to pick them up in the store. Needles & nozzle kits are $9.09 plus $6.99 equals $16.08 if they charge tax (they do for me) your looking at $17.20 to replace the needle, so the airbrush is disposable. If you have a local store and your airbrush has a problem, you throw it away and buy a new one. Throwing away an airbrush bothers me.

Unbranded Chines Airbrush Purchased Off Of eBay
Unbranded Chines Airbrush Purchased Off Of eBay


Harbor Freight is not alone. Other Chinese airbrushes have similar issues. I have several Chinese made airbrushes, and getting replacement needles for them is a pain. I've done it, but it took several months. I had to order them from Singapore.

A Harbor Freight airbrush and compressor are an excellent way to get started without breaking the bank.

My Etsy Shop: https://odinstoyfactory.etsy.com


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