Avanti 57637 - Double Action Airbrush Compressor Manual
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Introduction
Save This Manual
Keep this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly, operating, inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures. Write the product's serial number in the back of the manual (or month and year of purchase if product has no number). Keep this manual and the receipt in a safe and dry place for future reference.
When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact and undamaged. If any parts are missing or broken, please call 1-888-866-5797 as soon as possible.
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Read this material before using this product. Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.
WARNING SYMBOLS AND DEFINITIONS
| This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death. |
![]() | Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. |
![]() | Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury. |
![]() | Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury. |
NOTICE CAUTION | Addresses practices not related to personal injury. |
General Safety Warnings
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Read all safety warnings and instructions.
Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.
The warnings, precautions, and instructions discussed in this instruction manual cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. It must be understood by the operator that common sense and caution are factors which cannot be built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator.
- Work area safety
- Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
- Do not operate the compressor in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Compressor motors produce sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
- To reduce the risk of electric shock or injury, use indoors only.
- Keep children and bystanders away from an operating compressor.
- Electrical safety
- Compressor plugs must match the outlet. never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with grounded compressors. Standard plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
- Do not expose compressor to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a compressor will increase the risk of electric shock.
- Do not abuse the cord. never use the cord for unplugging the compressor. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
- Personal safety
- Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating this compressor. Do not use this compressor while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating a compressor may result in serious personal injury.
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Use safety equipment. Wear protective paint spraying gloves and a NIOSH-approved respirator during use. ![]()
Always wear eye protection. Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles. - Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power source or moving the compressor.
- Compressor use and care
- To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not expose to rain. Store indoors.
- Do not use the compressor if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any compressor that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
- Disconnect the plug from the power source before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the compressor. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the compressor accidentally.
- Store an idle compressor out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the compressor or these instructions to operate it. A compressor is dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
- Maintain the compressor. Keep the compressor clean for better and safer performance. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories. Keep dry, clean and free from oil and grease. check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the compressor's operation. if damaged, have the compressor repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by a poorly maintained compressor.
- Use the compressor in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the compressor for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
- Service
- Have your compressor serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the compressor is maintained.
Specific Safety Warnings
- Risk of fire or explosion - do not spray flammable liquid in a confined area or towards a hot surface. Spray area must be well-ventilated. Do not smoke while spraying or spray where spark or flame is present. arcing parts - keep compressor at least 20 feet away from explosive vapors, such as when spraying with a spray gun.
- Risk of bursting - do not adjust regulator higher than marked maximum pressure of attachment.
- Risk of injury - do not direct air stream at people or animals.
- Do not use to supply breathing air.
- Do not spray near open flames, pilot lights, stoves, heaters, the air compressor, or any other heat source. Most solvents and coatings are highly flammable, particularly when sprayed. Maintain a distance of at least 25 feet from the air compressor. If possible, locate the air compressor in a separate room.
- Read all of the information concerning coating products and cleaning solvents. Do not use chlorinated solvents (e.g. 1-1-1 trichloroethylene and dichloromethane, also known as methylene chloride) to clean spray guns. Many spray guns contain aluminum, which reacts strongly to chlorinated solvents. Contact the solvent or coating manufacturer as needed regarding potential chemical reactions.
- Spraying hazardous materials may result in serious injury or death. Do not spray pesticide, acid, corrosive material, fertilizer, or toxic chemicals.
- Paints and solvents may be harmful or fatal if swallowed or inhaled. Avoid prolonged skin contact with solvents or paints as they will irritate skin. After any contact, immediately wash off exposed area with hot, soapy water.
- Air hose fittings may get hot during use. Allow fittings to cool before disconnecting.
- Do not leave compressor unattended for an extended period while plugged in. Unplug compressor after working.
- Keep compressor well-ventilated. Do not cover compressor during use.
- Drain Tank daily and after use. Internal rust causes tank failure and explosion.
- Do not remove the valve cover or adjust internal components.
- Compressor head gets hot during operation. Do not touch it or allow children nearby during or immediately following operation.
- Do not use the air hose to move the compressor.
- The use of accessories or attachments not recommended by the manufacturer may result in a risk of injury to persons.
- All air line components, including hoses, pipe, connectors, filters, etc., must be rated for a minimum working pressure of 150 PSI, or 150% of the maximum system pressure, whichever is greater.
- USE OF AN EXTENSION CORD IS NOT RECOMMENDED. If you choose to use an extension cord, use the following guidelines:
TABLE A: RECOMMENDED MINIMUM WIRE GAUGE FOR EXTENSION CORDS (120 VOLT)
NAMEPLATE AMPERES (at full load) | EXTENSION CORRD lENGTH |
25' | 50' | 10' | 150' |
0 – 6 | 18 | 16 | 16 | 14 |
6.1 – 10 | 18 | 16 | Do not use. |
10.1 – 12 | 16 | 16 | Do not use. |
12.1 – 16 | 14 | 12 | Do not use. |
- Make sure your extension cord is in good condition.
- Be sure to use an extension cord which is heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. Table A shows the correct size to use depending on cord length and nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.
- Maintain labels and nameplates on the compressor. These carry important safety information. If unreadable or missing, contact Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.
- This product is not a toy. Keep it out of reach of children.
- People with pacemakers should consult their physician(s) before use. Electromagnetic fields in close proximity to heart pacemaker could cause pacemaker interference or pacemaker failure.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
Grounding
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TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK AND DEATH FROM INCORRECT GROUNDING WIRE CONNECTION:
Check with a qualified electrician if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded. Do not modify the power cord plug provided with the compressor.
Never remove the grounding prong from the plug. Do not use the compressor if the power cord or plug is damaged. if damaged, have it repaired by a service facility before use. if the plug will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician.
110-120 Vac Grounded compressors: compressors with three prong plugs
- In the event of a malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides a path of least resistance for electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock. This compressor is equipped with an electric cord having an equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into a matching outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.
- Do not modify the plug provided – if it will not fit the outlet, have the proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician.
- Improper connection of the equipment-grounding conductor can result in a risk of electric shock. The conductor with insulation having an outer surface that is green with or without yellow stripes is the equipment-grounding conductor. If repair or replacement of the electric cord or plug is necessary, do not connect the equipmentgrounding conductor to a live terminal.
- Check with a qualified electrician or service personnel if the grounding instructions are not completely understood, or if in doubt as to whether the compressor is properly grounded.
- Use only 3-wire extension cords that have 3-prong grounding plugs and 3-pole receptacles that accept the compressor's plug.
- Repair or replace damaged or worn cord immediately.
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125 Vac 3-prong plug and Outlet (for up to 125 Vac and up to 15 a)
- This compressor is intended for use on a circuit that has an outlet that looks like the one illustrated above in 125 Vac 3-prong plug and Outlet. The compressor has a grounding plug that looks like the plug illustrated above in 125 Vac 3-prong plug and Outlet.
- The outlet must be properly installed and grounded in accordance with all codes and ordinances.
- Do not use an adapter to connect this compressor to a different outlet.
Symbology
![]() | Pounds per square inch of pressure |
![]() | Cubic Feet per Minute flow |
![]() | Cubic Feet per Minute flow at standard conditions |
![]() | National pipe thread, tapered |
![]() | National pipe thread, straight |
![]() | Volts |
![]() | Alternating Current |
![]() | Amperes |
Specifications
Electrical Rating | 120VAC / 60Hz / 1A |
Air Outlet Size | 1/4" BSP |
Air Pressure | 58 PSI Max |
Nozzle/Needle Size | 0.3mm |
Sound Level | 47 dBA @ 3' |
INDOOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY.
Set-Up: Before Use
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the beginning of this manual including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.
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TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Turn the power Switch "OFF" and unplug the Air Compressor from its electrical outlet before assembling or making any adjustments to the Air Compressor.
Note: For additional information regarding the parts listed in the following pages, refer to the Assembly Diagram near the end of this manual.
Components and Controls
![Avanti - 57637 - Components and Controls Components and Controls]()
Operating instructions
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the beginning of this manual including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.
Work area Set Up
- Designate a work area that is clean and well-lit. The work area must not allow access by children or pets to prevent injury.
- Locate the Air Compressor on a flat level surface to ensure proper pump lubrication and to prevent damage to the unit. Keep at least 12' of space around the unit to allow air circulation.
- Route the power cord from the Air Compressor to the grounded wall outlet, along a safe path without creating a tripping hazard or exposing the power cord to possible damage.
- Before spraying, mask nearby objects not being sprayed and lay cloths (not included) on the floors.
Air Connection Setup
- Connect included Quick Connect fitting to included Air Hose.
- Connect Air Hose to Air Outlet on the Compressor.
- Connect Airbrush to its Quick-Connect Fitting pre-installed on Air Hose.
- The Air Hose must be able to reach work area with enough extra length to allow free movement while working.
General Compressor Operation
- Pull up on Regulator, then turn Regulator clockwise until it stops at max pressure setting. Push down on Regulator.
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Figure A: Regulator adjustment
- Plug Power Cord into grounded 120VAC outlet.
- Turn Power Switch ON.
- Allow Air Compressor to build up pressure until it cycles off. If pressure build up takes longer than 10 seconds, there may be a leak, Refer to Troubleshooting.
- While the system is pressurized, check for air leaks by listening for air hissing and by feeling around connections. If a leak is detected, tighten connections. Do not use the Air Compressor unless all connections are air tight, the extra air leaking out will cause the Air Compressor to operate more often, increasing wear on the Air Compressor.
Note: As long as the Power Switch is set to ON, the operation of the Air Compressor is automatic, controlled by an internal pressure switch.
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TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY AND DEATH FROM EXPLOSION:
Do not adjust the internal pressure switch. Any change to the automatic pressure levels may cause excess pressure to accumulate, causing a hazardous situation.
Automatic Shut Off System
- If the Air Compressor automatically shuts off before reaching its normal cutoff pressure:
- Turn Power Switch to OFF position.
- Unplug Air Compressor.
- Wait until the Air Compressor cools down (about 30 minutes).
- Resume operation.
- Possible causes of repeated automatic shut off of the compressor are:
- Using an extension cord that is too long or narrow;
- An air leak or open hose causing the compressor to cycle too often and build up heat.
- Turning Air Compressor off and on again too quickly.
- Correct any issues before further use to avoid damage to the compressor.
General Airbrush Operation
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TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY: Do not adjust or tamper with any control or component in a way not specifically explained within this manual. Improper adjustment can result in tool failure or other serious hazards.
Risk of Fire or Explosion – Do not spray flammable liquid in a confined area. Spray area must be well ventilated. Do not smoke while spraying or spray where spark or flame is present. Keep compressor as far from spraying area as possible.
Paint Preparation and Filling
Note: Proper paint mixture is essential. Follow paint manufacturer's directions for thinning.
- Designate container for waste.
- Thin paint according to manufacturer's directions and mix thoroughly.
- Remove Lid from Paint Cup. Add paint to cup, use included Pipette if necessary. Replace Lid.
- Immediately clean Pipette with paint manufacturer's recommended solvent. Dispose of paint and solvent in waste container.
Paint/Air Flow Adjustment
- Needle limiting Knob:
- Turn clockwise to reduce maximum paint flow. This is helpful when painting fine lines and detail work.
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- Turn counterclockwise to increase paint flow.
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- Distance: Move Airbrush closer to workpiece for thinner lines, move Airbrush away from workpiece for wider lines and a more blended look.
- Regulator: Increase pressure for more air flow. Decrease pressure for less air flow. See Figure A .
Note: Increase pressure for better paint atomization and blended looks. Reduce pressure to get less atomized paint with bigger droplets. Reduced pressure will also help the compressor performance.
Painting
Note: Practice painting techniques on scrap workpiece.
- Plug Power Cord into grounded 120VAC outlet.
- Turn Power Switch ON.
- Press Trigger all the way down to start air flow, then adjust Regulator between 20 - 30 PSI.
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- To avoid sputtering, press Trigger all the way down to start air flow, then pull Trigger back to start paint flow.
- Pull Trigger all the way back for maximum paint flow.
- Pull Trigger part-way back for less paint flow.
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- To avoid sputtering, when stopping, push Trigger forward to stop paint flow, then release Trigger to stop air flow.
- When changing colors or clearing clogs, clean Airbrush according to Clean During Use.
- When finished, Clean Airbrush according to Clean After Every Use.
- Turn Power Switch OFF and unplug Air Compressor.
- Bleed air pressure from Airbrush then disconnect Airbrush from Air Hose.
- Place cloth under Regulator/Filter. Push Drain Valve upwards slowly to gradually release tank pressure and any built-up moisture. Do not remove Drain Valve.
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Figure B: releasing pressure and Moisture from Drain Valve
- Store the Air Compressor and Airbrush indoors out of children's reach.
Cleaning
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TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY: TO PREVENT FIRE, IF A FLAMMABLE SOLVENT NEEDS TO BE USED, ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING:
- Follow solvent manufacturer's clean up instructions and safety precautions.
- Flush airbrush a full hose length from air compressor.
- If collecting flushed solvents in metal container, transfer to nonmetal container, and flush metal container.
- Work far away from any ignition sources in a vapor free area.
- Keep class aBc fire extinguisher nearby.
Solvent Selection
Follow paint and solvent manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning, solvent type, and disposal.
Clean During Use
- Designate container or use Airbrush Cleaning Bottle (sold separately) for waste.
- Have a clean, lint-free cloth and a cotton swab (sold separately) on hand.
- Pour excess paint back into paint container.
- Add solvent to Airbrush Cup, wipe with cotton swab to loosen paint still in Airbrush Cup.
- Spray solvent into designated waste container, then spray on cloth until solvent runs clear.
- Repeat adding solvent and spraying until solvent runs clear.
- Wipe Lid.
- Resume painting.
Clean After Every Use
![Avanti - 57637 - Clean After Every Use Clean After Every Use]()
- Designate small container for cleaning parts.
- Clean according to Clean During Use.
- Turn Power Switch OFF and unplug Air Compressor.
- Disconnect Airbrush from Air Hose.
- Disassemble Airbrush:
- Remove Handle.
- Loosen Needle Chucking Nut enough for Needle removal, but do not remove.
- Carefully remove Needle, avoiding bending tip. Wipe Needle with paper towel wetted with solvent.
- Remove Needle Cap and Nozzle Cap. Place parts in small container.
- Carefully remove Nozzle with included wrench. Place in small container.
- Add solvent to small container to cover parts. Soak no longer than 10 minutes.
- Use brush to clean parts and inside front of Airbrush.
- Wipe exterior surfaces with paper towel wetted with solvent.
- Make sure all parts are dry and free from residual paint, then reassemble Airbrush:
- Replace Nozzle with included wrench. Do not overtighten.
- Replace Nozzle Cap and Needle Cap.
- Inspect Needle to make sure tip is not bent, then carefully insert Needle straight into Needle Chucking Nut with gentle pressure until Needle stops.
- Tighten Needle Chucking Nut completely, then pull Trigger to confirm Needle moves. If Needle does not move, tighten Needle Chucking Nut until Needle moves. Replace Handle.
Waste Disposal
After cleaning, dispose of waste according to paint and solvent manufacturer's directions and local hazardous waste standards.
Maintenance and Servicing
Procedures not specifically explained in this manual must be performed only by a qualified technician.
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TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Turn the power Switch "OFF" and unplug the air compressor from its electrical outlet before performing any inspection, maintenance, or cleaning procedures.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM AIR COMPRESSOR FAILURE:
Do not use damaged equipment. if abnormal noise or vibration occurs, have the problem corrected before further use.
Cleaning, Maintenance, and Lubrication
Air Compressor
- BEFORE EACH USE, inspect the general condition. Check for:
- loose hardware,
- misalignment or binding of moving parts,
- cracked or broken parts,
- damaged electrical wiring, and
- any other condition that may affect its safe operation.
- AFTER USE, wipe external surfaces of the Air Compressor with a clean cloth, then store indoors out of children's reach.
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TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY: if the supply cord of this air compressor is damaged, it must be replaced only by a qualified service technician.
Airbrush
- BEFORE EACH USE, inspect the general condition. Check for:
- bent needle,
- stuck needle,
- proper trigger movement, and
- any other condition that may affect its safe operation.
- AFTER USE, clean according to Clean After Every Use on, then store indoors out of children's reach.
Compressor Maintenance Schedule
Following are general guidelines for maintenance checks of the Air Compressor.
Note: The environment in which the Air Compressor is used, and the frequency of use will affect how often you will need to check the Air Compressor components and perform maintenance procedures.
Daily:
- Make sure all nuts and bolts are tight.
- Drain moisture from filter. See Figure B.
- Check for abnormal noise or vibration.
- Check for air leaks.*
- Wipe off any oil or dirt from the Air Compressor.
* To check for air leaks, apply soapy water to joints while the Air Compressor is pressurized. Look for air bubbles.
Troubleshooting
Problem | Possible causes | Likely Solutions |
Does not spray | - Too much paint on end of airbrush.
- Needle is not pulling back.
| - Using solvent, wipe excess paint off the end of the Airbrush.
- Tighten Needle Chucking Nut underneath Handle.
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Compressor does not start or restart | - Regulator turned completely down.
- System already pressurized.
- Power cord not plugged in properly.
- Incorrect power supply.
- No power at outlet.
- Thermal overload switch tripped.
- Building power supply circuit tripped or blown fuse.
- Cord wire size is too small or cord is too long to properly power compressor.
- Compressor needs service.
| - Turn the regulator up in order to engage the Compressor.
- No problem. Compressor will start when needed.
- Check that cord is plugged in securely.
- Check that circuit matches compressor requirements.
- Reset circuit breaker, or have outlet serviced by a qualified technician.
- Turn Compressor off. Allow Compressor to cool down for at least 30 minutes.
- Reset circuit or replace fuse. Check for low voltage conditions. It may be necessary to disconnect other electrical appliances from the circuit or move the compressor to its own circuit.
- Use larger diameter or shorter extension cord or eliminate extension cord. See Recommended Wire Gauge for Extension Cords in Safety section.
- Have unit inspected by a qualified technician.
|
Compressor builds pressure too slowly | - Incorrect power supply.
- Working environment too cold.
- Loose fittings.
- Regulator set below 20 PSI.
| - Check that circuit matches compressor requirements.
- Move compressor to a warmer location.
- Check all fittings for air leaks and tighten as needed. Do not overtighten.
- Keep pressure between 20-30 PSI.
|
Compressor not building enough air pressure | - Check Valve needs service.
- Compressor not large enough for job.
- Loose fittings.
- High altitude reducing air output.
| - Have technician clean or replace, as needed.
- Check if accessory CFM is met by Compressor. If Compressor cannot supply enough air flow (CFM), use a larger Compressor.
- Check all fittings for air leaks and tighten as needed. Do not overtighten.
- Higher altitudes require compressors with greater output.
|
Overheating | - Unusually dusty environment.
- Extension cord used.
- Compressor running too high for too long.
| - Move unit to cleaner environment.
- Eliminate extension cord.
- Keep pressure between 20-30 PSI.
|
Compressor starts and stops excessively | - Loose fittings.
- Regulator set too low.
| - Check all fittings for air leaks and tighten as needed. Do not overtighten.
- Increase Regulator setting. Set Compressor to at least 20 PSI.
|
Air leaks from pump or fittings | Loose fittings. | Check all fittings for air leaks and tighten as needed. Do not overtighten. |
Air leaks from tank | Defective or rusted Compressor. | Have Compressor service by a qualified technician. Drain moisture daily to prevent future corrosion. |
Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the compressor. Disconnect power supply before service. |
Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com
Email our technical support at: productsupport@harborfreight.com
For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.
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Documents / Resources
References
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