Is it worth it?: AZTEK - Testors Blue Mini air compressor

In a word, "No."  I don't think I've ever read anything positive about the Blue Mini Compressor.  As far as the Aztek airbrush itself is concerned, I own one.  Despite following ALL cleaning and care instuctions that came with it, it died after a very short service life.  To be sure, Testor's did replace it per their warranty, but during the three week turn-around on the replacement, I picked up a Badger and haven't used the Aztek since.

I would look to a name brand like Paasche, Badger, or Iwata.  Poke around DixieArt. They usually have very good prices.

Andy

tempestjohnny wrote:

I just had a Harbor Freight open up the next town over.  Saw a nice 1/5 HP comp with a double action airbrush for $69.  The airbrush looks like a badger knockoff.

That's what I've heard... that they are Badger knock-offs. Never confirmed it, though...

I've read some folks curse those airbrushes, and some swear by them as a good, economic a/b. I guess if you look at it as getting a compressor, and "hey- look! an airbrush is in the box", if it stinks, no big loss. And if it works... well there ya go!

I saw those when I was in HF getting my compressor. Since I already had an airbrush, I decided to go for the setup with the tank on it- I've loved it. And I had my trusty Badger already!

Just thought of this.... if there is a Michael's near you, they have Badger airbrushes. And if you check your newspaper, they probably run 40% off coupons... might check that out for an a/b. Hobby Lobby has 40% coupons too.... they carry Paasche and Iwata.

HTH

Doncaster wrote:

My local art supply store has a good deal on this set: It includes both Aztek double-action AB and the Testors Blue Mini Compressor. My main concern is about the compressor. Is it powerful enough? Is the air supply pulsing? And do I have to buy a typical air regulator/moisture trap combination?

The answer is simply "NO". It is a terrible deal since the Testors Blue Mini is one of the worst designed compressor with so little pressure and air flow that it is only good for water color on paper. A compressed air can will have much stronger air than the Blue Mini.

You can get cheap start set if you shop carefully. The key is to get a internal mix, gravity feed airbrush which is a Iwata knock-off. The AB works reasonably well when new and works well with low power compressor. You probably will consider upgrade when you start wearing out the cheap AB. Here is one example.

However, I am not recommending the cheap combo. Buy cheap, buy twice. If you budget allows, check out this. I am not associated with the vendor Airbrush-Depot. The secret to get a good set seems to combine a name brand gravity AB with a house brand compressor to keep cost down. Good luck.

The answer is simply "NO". It is a terrible deal since the Testors Blue Mini is one of the worst designed compressor with so little pressure and air flow that it is only good for water color on paper. A compressed air can will have much stronger air than the Blue Mini.

Don't be too hasty...  I bought a generic knock-off of that very compressor  kit for about 24 bucks on Ebay, brand-new in the box... The airbrush is junk, but the compressor works like a charm...  Airpressure remains constant, so all I do is control the paint flow with the brush...

If one is REALLY worried about using high-air pressue, one can always use an air tank and regulate that, and just use the compressor to fill the tank...  My "air tank" is an old lawn mower rear tire... I mean after all, we mere mortals're paintin' MODELS here, not doin' murals on the sides of vans and hot-rods for the late Boyd Cottington... 

One can always move up to higher-end compressors later, if one decides that the mini doesn't fill the bill... 

Hans von Hammer wrote:

The answer is simply "NO". It is a terrible deal since the Testors Blue Mini is one of the worst designed compressor with so little pressure and air flow that it is only good for water color on paper. A compressed air can will have much stronger air than the Blue Mini. Don't be too hasty...  I bought a generic knock-off of that very compressor  kit for about 24 bucks on Ebay, brand-new in the box... The airbrush is junk, but the compressor works like a charm...  Airpressure remains constant, so all I do is control the paint flow with the brush...

You just gave another reason NOT to buy the Blue Mini. Yes, knock-offs such as the Sparmax TC-16 are more powerful.

It was marketed under several house brands. Can you provide some info (Vendor and model no.) of your compressor. $24 on Ebay. Can't beat that price.

keilau wrote:

Hans von Hammer wrote: The answer is simply "NO". It is a terrible deal since the Testors Blue Mini is one of the worst designed compressor with so little pressure and air flow that it is only good for water color on paper. A compressed air can will have much stronger air than the Blue Mini. Don't be too hasty...  I bought a generic knock-off of that very compressor  kit for about 24 bucks on Ebay, brand-new in the box... The airbrush is junk, but the compressor works like a charm...  Airpressure remains constant, so all I do is control the paint flow with the brush... It was marketed under several house brands. Can you provide some info (Vendor and model no.) of your compressor. $24 on Ebay. Can't beat that price.

Actually, it was listed as a Testor's Blue-mini, but it showed up in a plain white box with Testor's logo on on the box... The case was silver metallic like that one, rather than blue.

Manufactured bt Ding Hwa Co, LTD...

Model number AC-55

I'll have to dig around in my files for who I bought it from exactly, but I found by searching "Air Compressors" on Ebay.. If I'm not mistaken, it was also a "Buy it Now" item and I think they kept them in stock..

Hans von Hammer wrote:

Manufactured bt Ding Hwa Co, LTD... Model number AC-55

Ding Hwa is the mother company of Sparmax which supplies compressors to, among others, Iwata, Paasche, Badger under their own name. The AC-55 is the least powerful model and indeed identical to the Blue Mini. If you are happy with it, you got an excellent deal. More info on your compressor:

http://www.allproducts.com/traffic/sparmax/air_compressor_print.html

To be perfectly honest, that combination of the Mini Blue compressor with the Aztec airbrush hsa served me faithfully over the last five years. If you are looking at something to develop basic airburhing techniques, I can't see this being a bad investment. However, ultimately, once you reach a certain skillset, you will want something better. But for basic paint application, the Testors combo works very well. I only spray acrylics, cleaning throughly after each use, and have not had a problem yet.

Don,

Testors has better compressors - that compressor generally only provides adequate pressure to operate a gravity feed gun well.  Let me know if I can assist in recommending any airbrunsh equipment. (kenbadger@aol.com).  If budget is primary concern our garage sale may have some viable options for you cost and quality-wise.