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AFV Painting & Weathering
Answers to questions about the right paint scheme or tips for the right effect.
Hosted by Darren Baker, Matthew Toms
Double Action Airbrush - "sluggish"
Jedge3
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Michigan, United States
Joined: July 17, 2010
KitMaker: 258 posts
Armorama: 208 posts
Posted: Wednesday, July 02, 2014 - 05:19 AM UTC
Hello,
I have a Harder and Steen DA AB, and when I pull back it is okay but when I release the trigger it seems a little sluggish moving back forward. Anyone have this issue? Or is it pretty common? I was using a Grex so hard to compare due to different trigger set up.

Jeff
chumpo
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United States
Joined: August 30, 2010
KitMaker: 749 posts
Armorama: 521 posts
Posted: Wednesday, July 02, 2014 - 05:23 AM UTC
Have you removed the needle and wiped it down with a piece of tissue wetted down with solvent ( not sure if that's a proper word ) . I believe iwata make a lube for the needle . I spray mostly enamels and Tamiya acrylics so I just use Vaseline on the needle once in a while .
Karl187
#284
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Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Joined: October 04, 2006
KitMaker: 3,094 posts
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Posted: Wednesday, July 02, 2014 - 10:31 PM UTC
I would recommend what Edmund said but I would also check the needle barrel- when the needle is dirty it can drag the dirt into areas behind the paint cup and foul them up- when it dries there it can produce that sluggish movement. I just break the brush down as far as it will go and run cleaner through it and brush out all the ares I can reach then use the lube as Edmund says and it should be good to go.
retiredyank
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Arkansas, United States
Joined: June 29, 2009
KitMaker: 11,610 posts
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Posted: Wednesday, July 02, 2014 - 10:38 PM UTC
The best way to clean an airbrush is with an ultrasonic cleaner. You can pick one up on EBay for $5 shipped. I restores your brush to like new cleanliness. If cleaning does not work, try lubricating the spring and needle with needle juice.
easyco69
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Ontario, Canada
Joined: November 03, 2012
KitMaker: 2,275 posts
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Posted: Wednesday, July 02, 2014 - 10:39 PM UTC
clean your needle & air cap often. Thin your paint more.
chumpo
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United States
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KitMaker: 749 posts
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Posted: Thursday, July 03, 2014 - 04:17 AM UTC
Never say needle juice three times .
pxpxpx
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Stockholm, Sweden
Joined: March 21, 2012
KitMaker: 26 posts
Armorama: 24 posts
Posted: Thursday, July 03, 2014 - 05:57 AM UTC
Every now and then paint and random debris will find it's way down to the air valve (#123253). Unscrew it and see if the plunger will move freely when you depress it. Some lube might be needed if your o-ring (#123220) is worn. It can also be some tiny pieces of crud in the hole for the plunger that is in the way so make sure you clean that too.

If it happens repeatedly check (I usually replace) your needle seal (#123450).

# is referencing parts-# in this diagram http://www.air-craft.net/acatalog/EvolutionSpares.pdf if you'r airbrush isn't an Evo there are more parts diagrams here: http://www.air-craft.net/acatalog/Parts-Diagrams.html
chumpo
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United States
Joined: August 30, 2010
KitMaker: 749 posts
Armorama: 521 posts
Posted: Thursday, July 03, 2014 - 08:34 AM UTC
I found a set of cleaning brushes that works great for an airbrush on eBay . They maybe from China but for a couple of bucks and free shipping it was worth the cost , and they will get into every passage way of the airbrush except the tip .
asmodeuss
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Quebec, Canada
Joined: November 19, 2011
KitMaker: 1,389 posts
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Posted: Thursday, July 03, 2014 - 08:56 AM UTC

Quoted Text

The best way to clean an airbrush is with an ultrasonic cleaner. You can pick one up on EBay for $5 shipped. I restores your brush to like new cleanliness. If cleaning does not work, try lubricating the spring and needle with needle juice.


AMEN!
Ultrasound and needle juice

needle juice, needle juice, needle juice
chumpo
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United States
Joined: August 30, 2010
KitMaker: 749 posts
Armorama: 521 posts
Posted: Thursday, July 03, 2014 - 11:32 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

The best way to clean an airbrush is with an ultrasonic cleaner. You can pick one up on EBay for $5 shipped. I restores your brush to like new cleanliness. If cleaning does not work, try lubricating the spring and needle with needle juice.


AMEN!
Ultrasound and needle juice

needle juice, needle juice, needle juice

Oh no the world will come to an end !!!! Worst yet models prices will go up 25% .
chumpo
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United States
Joined: August 30, 2010
KitMaker: 749 posts
Armorama: 521 posts
Posted: Thursday, July 03, 2014 - 11:34 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

The best way to clean an airbrush is with an ultrasonic cleaner. You can pick one up on EBay for $5 shipped. I restores your brush to like new cleanliness. If cleaning does not work, try lubricating the spring and needle with needle juice.


AMEN!
Ultrasound and needle juice

needle juice, needle juice, needle juice


Oh no the world will come to an end !!!!! Worst yet model prices will go up 25% . Heaven help up now .
GALILEO1
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Maryland, United States
Joined: April 18, 2006
KitMaker: 1,794 posts
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Posted: Thursday, July 03, 2014 - 01:47 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Hello,
I have a Harder and Steen DA AB, and when I pull back it is okay but when I release the trigger it seems a little sluggish moving back forward. Anyone have this issue? Or is it pretty common? I was using a Grex so hard to compare due to different trigger set up.

Jeff


It could be the needle seal/bearing. I had the same issue and it was that. As you release the trigger it seems the seal grabs the needle a bit. I took care of it by unscrewing it and cleaning it. Once it was all cleaned, I left it to dry a bit and then reinstalled it. After you screw it back in, pull the trigger back and forth a few times and it should go back to snapping forward without issues.

Rob
Jedge3
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Michigan, United States
Joined: July 17, 2010
KitMaker: 258 posts
Armorama: 208 posts
Posted: Friday, July 04, 2014 - 05:53 AM UTC
Thank you for the replies. I will take a look at the needle seal. I have had issues with some paint getting back there.
CMOT
Staff MemberEditor-in-Chief
ARMORAMA
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England - South West, United Kingdom
Joined: May 14, 2006
KitMaker: 10,954 posts
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Posted: Friday, July 04, 2014 - 06:32 AM UTC
I have to agree with a few members here that your needle needs to be lubed as it is sticking. I say that as I had the same issue with a Neo airbrush and after lubing the needle the situation was resolved.
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