I just bought the .05mm and the .03mm and started with the .05mm. I does the job so I'm happy. I don't have the big bucks for the Iwata and, in my opinion, they are way too expensive for what they do. Now, if Harbor Freight can come up with a clone for the Porsche I'd be a happy camper
Nice review. The first airbrush I ever used was a Badger 150 back in college. Back then I bought a $20 Harbor Freight CP1500 which was a clone of the Badger. Surprisingly, that airbrush has been used A LOT as it was my only one for almost 3 decades. Today it is still working fine. It proudly sits alongside all my other (mostly Badger) airbrushes.
Just got mine finally, and you can take a countersink to the inside of the paint cup and follow with some silicone abrasive burrs (cone) and it is immediately improved.
I for one am fine with the direct copy from the iwata. For such a cheap price. Copy the best and sell for less. I bought 4 of these airbrushed and they have been great for painting rc car clear lexan bodies
Seems like a reasonable price, you get what you pay for. The gap in the cup could prolly get fixed with some solder or maybe some epoxy putty, and the trigger probably just need a little filing or sanding to round those bottom corners so it can get into the body easier. Overall the issues seems fixable, and it would prolly also be fairly easy fix if ur already in the hobby space, def something id dare to venture out in for 25 dollars.
I purchsed the AVANTI Airbrush and compressor from Harbor Freight in the late summer of 2023. The Airbrush that I purchased breaks down easily and reassembly is equally simple. I had no problems with trigger assembly or the other components. I purchased the AVANTI airbrush and compressor from Harbor Freight primarily for the cost. Ss a beginner in the airbrush world, I wanted to take small cost efficient steps.
Thanks 4 the review I have 3 of them and they shoot ink just fine and other paints when thinned correct they do not shoot metallic paint with out plugging the brush!!!
I've got the older HF Chinese siphon airbrush and I use it for lacquer paints. I also have a Badger Anthem 155 .5mm needle I use for acrylic paints. I do like the new HF airbrush because I want one with a gravity feed. Cheers from eastern TN
I think it's a nice upgrade from the old one they used to sell. I actually just picked up the siphon fed one from harbor freight but need to test it out. Cheers!
Cheers. I'm also from that area. Art Workshop, big thanks for this video since I've thought about buying one of these little airbrushes to practice with since I already have a bunch of regular brushes.
My main Airbrush is an Iwata Eclipse Hp - CS. No. It's not cheap, but I have had no problems wih it. However, if I didn't have my Iwata Eclipse Hp - CS, then even my cheap $39.00 Master G233 airbrush which I got before I got my Iwata Eclipse seems to be better built (and probably works better), than that Harbor Freight Avanti airbrush. The Master G233 airbrush even came with 2 additional different sized nozzles and needles.
I had the same problem getting the trigger/ spring assembly back in. I kind of had to wiggle it up and down to walk it over the threads. I saw that someone recommended rounding the corners over a bit, maybe that’s the answer. Except, I don’t usually break it down that far to clean it…I only use water based paints and a few cup fulls of warm water running through it cleans it perfectly.
thanks for letting me know. Seems to be common. 100% with you on cleaning. I break it down for the video review to show the internal parts, but only clean it out once every year or 2
I have one of these and I think it's pretty good for the price! With the design of the cup, I think it's more suited for thinner paints. They flow through the opening better. I don't have any complaints about it's performance, though.
Same problem with stuck trigger lever.... I Lend my lever to the back side thin ounce in I pointed the pen to the floor so that the lever. Leand up against the trigger stem...
So I was curious to buy this to use with a spray gun to do guitars. Most spray guns say you need like 30 gallon tanks (assuming for car painting) but with this kit description saying that it has consistent air flow, do you think this would work with a spray gun to use for guitar? I've never worked with either of this but with the connector kits I'm assuming you can fit a spray gun to this compressor? Could you offer any advice on this idea?
Just ordered the Avanti w/ compressor special for $99 at Harbor Freight. I'm an airbrush noob (maybe two years) with varied results, but most of my painting is for 6mm minis and slightly larger bits. Looking forward to getting my paws on this one, as the set up I have now is...meh.
I just ordered the same kit from Harbor Freight. Ive never tried air brushing before and I have minimal painting experience in general lol. For $100 why not!
im pretty shocked with that nozzle setup. Knowing thats a significantly higher cost to produce those versus the single piece nozzles. The small stainless (im assuming) should prove to be pretty durable long term. I know many wont care, however the big knock of this to me is actually the screw in cup.. For art its not as much an issue but if you are using thicker heavier paints it restricts both the ability to clean as easily and the speed heavy thick paints can flow in. These were not even on my radar to look at, but of course now ill have to pick one up and check it out. I do have a strong preference for self centering nozzles. Great review
it surprised me too. I didn't expect to see an eclipse nozzle in this one! That's right you mentioned you're not a fan of the screw in cups. You have a very good point about it and I see where you're coming from. The removable cup on the micron takumi got me hooked on them though, but that's a side feed and a very different design. Thanks for sharing this with me. I cannot wait to watch your review of it and hear your thoughts. Hope all is well!
@@theartworkshop In the side feed its entirely different. The target for them is USUALLY going to be for detail. The market for airbrushes at hobby lobby is likely going to be for modelers, and hobby painters. And the first thing they will do is load this up with pearls or sparkly pretty paint. And since the bottle feed version is a .5 you would have that option of a large nozzle for high flow, and hindering it with a smaller opening. There is a reason badger is very popular with modelers/ lure painters etc. The one thing badger does well is big fat nozzle/needle combos with a nice open cup.
I wonder if this would make a good primer airbrush. just dedicated to primer so color changes aren't much of an issue if you don't get everyting out of that cup every time.
I have the exact same model, I have the same issue with the trigger assembly as well I paint polycarbonate 1/8 & 1/10 scale R/C car bodies . I needed a cheap airbrush to do painting daily. Thanks for the videos. I first used the avanti air compressor/ airbrush combo , I started with this and the airbrush is significantly different it failed twice on me I got this one and the action feels a little better , maybe do a review on that because I could see many people getting that as their first kit idk but I’m no expert but the airbrush seems to be trash .
man, sorry to hear that. Seems to be a common thing with cheaper airbrush- some are good and some aren't. thanks for letting me know about the trigger/spring assembly on yours. I guess they are all like that 😞
I have this same set up and only worked once after that it's impossible to get it to shoot any paint. It's been cleaned as instructed and it's literally 🗑
Question I do a lot of metal work and I’m always painting my projects. I wanted to get an airbrush for when I’m stenciling. Can I use enamel and lacquer in an airbrush? I’ve never used one. I’m just curious.
I mostly use Vallejo paints for my modeling and noticed in the Micromark catalog airbrush adapters to fit the bottle directly to the brush. The item is specific that it only fits M6 x .75 cup pattern, anyone know what the cup thread is on this brush, it doesn't show up in the docs or specs.
Thanks for the review. I did buy this starter kit. But just learned it was from china. So this will break very soon. And i will move on buying better once since i do enjoy this hobby.
From my understanding the spray gun style one kinda sucks, but the precision one seems to be a real banger. Idk why the spray gun variety one is worse, something about the fan pattern it produces and the nozzle type
that part you couldn’t get back in - pull the sleeve so the spring compressed and the end hinged piece will go limp/sideways/not be as tall and go right in
Is there anything wrong with putting this mechanism in first without the needle and then putting the needle through after? I just bought this as a first timer and seems wayyyy easier to get it in with no needle
Ultrasonic cleaners clean the parts very well and some people swear by them, but one of my iwata micron airbrush developed a small crack in an ultrasonic cleaner. I stopped using them years ago. They clean parts very well, but they are too aggressive for me.
That's one of my gripes about about these airbrushes- I have no idea where to buy replacement parts! I wish they sold sold needles and nozzles in the store. Probably best to reach out to their customer service and see if they can sell you the replacement parts or offer some type of warranty. Hope this helps and best of luck!
@@chase_715 You are most welcome. I love the neo! That airbrush doesn't get the attention it deserves. Beautiful atomization at a low airspeed. Fantastic for detail work too. Best of luck to you!
Maybe as long as the build quality is ok….i bought the cheap harbor freight air in the beginning and then the next up but looking back I wouldn’t buy it if I know it won’t last longer than a couple uses. Especially the cheapest..one time use
Bought one, poor quality at best. I tried it out, put it back in the box and shoved it in a drawer. Cheap materials and poor function. Save your money.
It's a good beater airbrush to run gesso through. I have two just for that purpose. I did recently but a Vevor airbrush for the same thing, has a bigger cup so we'll see which one is better to beat on
I just bought the .05mm and the .03mm and started with the .05mm. I does the job so I'm happy. I don't have the big bucks for the Iwata and, in my opinion, they are way too expensive for what they do. Now, if Harbor Freight can come up with a clone for the Porsche I'd be a happy camper
Very informative and helpful. I’ve never used an airbrush but looking to learn how to use one. Gorgeous portrait! You’re very talented!
Nice review. The first airbrush I ever used was a Badger 150 back in college. Back then I bought a $20 Harbor Freight CP1500 which was a clone of the Badger. Surprisingly, that airbrush has been used A LOT as it was my only one for almost 3 decades. Today it is still working fine. It proudly sits alongside all my other (mostly Badger) airbrushes.
that is awesome! great job maintaining it all those years. respect
Just got mine finally, and you can take a countersink to the inside of the paint cup and follow with some silicone abrasive burrs (cone) and it is immediately improved.
I for one am fine with the direct copy from the iwata. For such a cheap price. Copy the best and sell for less. I bought 4 of these airbrushed and they have been great for painting rc car clear lexan bodies
Seems like a reasonable price, you get what you pay for.
The gap in the cup could prolly get fixed with some solder or maybe some epoxy putty,
and the trigger probably just need a little filing or sanding to round those bottom corners so it can get into the body easier.
Overall the issues seems fixable, and it would prolly also be fairly easy fix if ur already in the hobby space, def something id dare to venture out in for 25 dollars.
👏👏Excellent review, I just bought the the starter kit from Harbor Freight and I’m really enjoying it,thank you 👍
I purchsed the AVANTI Airbrush and compressor from Harbor Freight in the late summer of 2023. The Airbrush that I purchased breaks down easily and reassembly is equally simple. I had no problems with trigger assembly or the other components. I purchased the AVANTI airbrush and compressor from Harbor Freight primarily for the cost. Ss a beginner in the airbrush world, I wanted to take small cost efficient steps.
It's cheaper to buy a quality airbrush the first time if you plan on airbrushing regularly
Thanks 4 the review I have 3 of them and they shoot ink just fine and other paints when thinned correct they do not shoot metallic paint with out plugging the brush!!!
I've got the older HF Chinese siphon airbrush and I use it for lacquer paints. I also have a Badger Anthem 155 .5mm needle I use for acrylic paints. I do like the new HF airbrush because I want one with a gravity feed. Cheers from eastern TN
I think it's a nice upgrade from the old one they used to sell. I actually just picked up the siphon fed one from harbor freight but need to test it out. Cheers!
Cheers. I'm also from that area. Art Workshop, big thanks for this video since I've thought about buying one of these little airbrushes to practice with since I already have a bunch of regular brushes.
This helped me so much in reassembling the airbrush. I was having the same problem with the lever not going back in properly
glad to hear it!
My main Airbrush is an Iwata Eclipse Hp - CS. No. It's not cheap, but I have had no problems wih it. However, if I didn't have my Iwata Eclipse Hp - CS, then even my cheap $39.00 Master G233 airbrush which I got before I got my Iwata Eclipse seems to be better built (and probably works better), than that Harbor Freight Avanti airbrush. The Master G233 airbrush even came with 2 additional different sized nozzles and needles.
will use this for priming models. Thanks a lot for this review!!!
I have one and it works well for me, cleans up easily. For $25 can’t beat the price.
Thanks for the review! I'll probably get one, then run a countersink in the bottom of the cup to help it funnel better, and polish the inside
I had the same problem getting the trigger/ spring assembly back in. I kind of had to wiggle it up and down to walk it over the threads. I saw that someone recommended rounding the corners over a bit, maybe that’s the answer. Except, I don’t usually break it down that far to clean it…I only use water based paints and a few cup fulls of warm water running through it cleans it perfectly.
thanks for letting me know. Seems to be common. 100% with you on cleaning. I break it down for the video review to show the internal parts, but only clean it out once every year or 2
I bought one to use as a throw down. But really like it.
An interesting device for its price, thanks for the detailed review!
I have one of these and I think it's pretty good for the price! With the design of the cup, I think it's more suited for thinner paints. They flow through the opening better. I don't have any complaints about it's performance, though.
Would this be worth buying until I buy a iwata?
@@deshawn4077 I think it would be fine.
Same problem with stuck trigger lever.... I Lend my lever to the back side thin ounce in I pointed the pen to the floor so that the lever. Leand up against the trigger stem...
I cannot find any info on how to become a member to gain access to Member Videos. Please advise. Thank you.
So I was curious to buy this to use with a spray gun to do guitars. Most spray guns say you need like 30 gallon tanks (assuming for car painting) but with this kit description saying that it has consistent air flow, do you think this would work with a spray gun to use for guitar? I've never worked with either of this but with the connector kits I'm assuming you can fit a spray gun to this compressor? Could you offer any advice on this idea?
Just ordered the Avanti w/ compressor special for $99 at Harbor Freight. I'm an airbrush noob (maybe two years) with varied results, but most of my painting is for 6mm minis and slightly larger bits. Looking forward to getting my paws on this one, as the set up I have now is...meh.
I just ordered the same kit from Harbor Freight. Ive never tried air brushing before and I have minimal painting experience in general lol. For $100 why not!
im pretty shocked with that nozzle setup. Knowing thats a significantly higher cost to produce those versus the single piece nozzles. The small stainless (im assuming) should prove to be pretty durable long term.
I know many wont care, however the big knock of this to me is actually the screw in cup.. For art its not as much an issue but if you are using thicker heavier paints it restricts both the ability to clean as easily and the speed heavy thick paints can flow in.
These were not even on my radar to look at, but of course now ill have to pick one up and check it out. I do have a strong preference for self centering nozzles.
Great review
it surprised me too. I didn't expect to see an eclipse nozzle in this one! That's right you mentioned you're not a fan of the screw in cups. You have a very good point about it and I see where you're coming from. The removable cup on the micron takumi got me hooked on them though, but that's a side feed and a very different design. Thanks for sharing this with me. I cannot wait to watch your review of it and hear your thoughts. Hope all is well!
@@theartworkshop In the side feed its entirely different. The target for them is USUALLY going to be for detail.
The market for airbrushes at hobby lobby is likely going to be for modelers, and hobby painters. And the first thing they will do is load this up with pearls or sparkly pretty paint.
And since the bottle feed version is a .5 you would have that option of a large nozzle for high flow, and hindering it with a smaller opening. There is a reason badger is very popular with modelers/ lure painters etc. The one thing badger does well is big fat nozzle/needle combos with a nice open cup.
I wonder if this would make a good primer airbrush. just dedicated to primer so color changes aren't much of an issue if you don't get everyting out of that cup every time.
it's not bad for that, but a .3 is kind of small for thicker paint. I'd prefer a .5 or larger
I have the exact same model, I have the same issue with the trigger assembly as well I paint polycarbonate 1/8 & 1/10 scale R/C car bodies . I needed a cheap airbrush to do painting daily. Thanks for the videos. I first used the avanti air compressor/ airbrush combo , I started with this and the airbrush is significantly different it failed twice on me I got this one and the action feels a little better , maybe do a review on that because I could see many people getting that as their first kit idk but I’m no expert but the airbrush seems to be trash .
man, sorry to hear that. Seems to be a common thing with cheaper airbrush- some are good and some aren't. thanks for letting me know about the trigger/spring assembly on yours. I guess they are all like that 😞
I have this same set up and only worked once after that it's impossible to get it to shoot any paint. It's been cleaned as instructed and it's literally 🗑
I have Iwata’s eclipse now…drastic difference in quality and performance
Is this brush worth buying for primer spray for models?
@@deshawn4077yes. For priming and beating up on a bit with gesso, it's great.
Great review quick question how do we purchase your artwork?
thanks man. no way to at this point but maybe someday I'll put some of these up for sale. not sure though
Question I do a lot of metal work and I’m always painting my projects. I wanted to get an airbrush for when I’m stenciling. Can I use enamel and lacquer in an airbrush? I’ve never used one. I’m just curious.
I mostly use Vallejo paints for my modeling and noticed in the Micromark catalog airbrush adapters to fit the bottle directly to the brush. The item is specific that it only fits M6 x .75 cup pattern, anyone know what the cup thread is on this brush, it doesn't show up in the docs or specs.
Thanks for the review. I did buy this starter kit. But just learned it was from china. So this will break very soon. And i will move on buying better once since i do enjoy this hobby.
If you can replace all the cheap internals over time with the better brands parts it should and up being a good brush, right?
Based on your evaluation I think the best use for $25 is towards parts for the better airbrushes. Thanks for the heads up.
or as a back up. but yeah, I'd rather have spare needle or nozzle for a better airbrush
Or at least go for the gaahleri.
If you had a budget choice would it be this or Master Airbrush Master Performance G233 Pro Set with 3 Nozzle Sets (0.2, 0.3 & 0.5mm Needles
Look at the spectrum brand the sell at harbor freight spray guns they have released the black widow airbrush in types of airbrushes.
From my understanding the spray gun style one kinda sucks, but the precision one seems to be a real banger. Idk why the spray gun variety one is worse, something about the fan pattern it produces and the nozzle type
that part you couldn’t get back in - pull the sleeve so the spring compressed and the end hinged piece will go limp/sideways/not be as tall and go right in
Is there anything wrong with putting this mechanism in first without the needle and then putting the needle through after? I just bought this as a first timer and seems wayyyy easier to get it in with no needle
@@mariellekaplan i think it’s fine, needle last is how i always do it. first out / last in. less chance to get bent imo
Had the same problem with the trigger lever on my avanti. Save your money
I'm new to this. Would an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner help with cleaning the cup (and other parts)?
Ultrasonic cleaners clean the parts very well and some people swear by them, but one of my iwata micron airbrush developed a small crack in an ultrasonic cleaner. I stopped using them years ago. They clean parts very well, but they are too aggressive for me.
Hello I have to same Avanti airbrush and I broke the actual tip of the gun and was wondering where I could by a replacement ?? Thank you.
That's one of my gripes about about these airbrushes- I have no idea where to buy replacement parts! I wish they sold sold needles and nozzles in the store. Probably best to reach out to their customer service and see if they can sell you the replacement parts or offer some type of warranty. Hope this helps and best of luck!
@@theartworkshop thank you for the help! Today I ended up buying the neo cn love it so far.
@@chase_715 You are most welcome. I love the neo! That airbrush doesn't get the attention it deserves. Beautiful atomization at a low airspeed. Fantastic for detail work too. Best of luck to you!
Maybe as long as the build quality is ok….i bought the cheap harbor freight air in the beginning and then the next up but looking back I wouldn’t buy it if I know it won’t last longer than a couple uses. Especially the cheapest..one time use
Why would you be disappointed if it works like a top brand product for a fraction of the price ?
I have that same problem you did. I’m new to the airbrush game and I Dont like this brush. The nozzle does not center in the nozzle screw thing
thank you for letting me know this. I guess it's an issue with many of them.
anybody know if this will work for acrylic nail designs??
Does the Avanti have solvent resistant seals?
Yes I believe it does
6:30 gravity is your friend, tip the body and point it down.
Great for spare parts. Don't judge and get to work...
Lol
Super awesome👍
This thing sucks and you can't get parts for it from Harbor freight .
Darn, I thought it was a pipe review.
Come on man when you show your painting using this thing I can't blame cheap equipment on my picture!!! 😂
haha sorry!
I have one, clogs up.
Thats what harbor freight is known for.. copying better brands and selling for less.
Bought one, poor quality at best. I tried it out, put it back in the box and shoved it in a drawer. Cheap materials and poor function. Save your money.
It's a good beater airbrush to run gesso through. I have two just for that purpose. I did recently but a Vevor airbrush for the same thing, has a bigger cup so we'll see which one is better to beat on
Bro
First
Don't buy this you cannot get parts for it. They do not stock parts for it.
Sure they do. You get a full parts kit that includes every single part by simply buying a spare airbrush. At $25, that's a pretty good deal.
Has a number and parts list in the manual. You can call and get parts.
If you already have a smaller compressor just buy a nice airbrush. I have a milwaukee 2 gallon compressor with a iwata.