Aztek Airbursh??

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Aztek Airbursh??

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 16, 2003 1:26 AM

I'm looking to step up to a better, double action, airbrush here shortly. The metal Aztek had struck my interest with its adjustable nozzle and its reported ease of use. However, a friend told me they are junk and I should look elsewhere. Any input on the Aztek would be appreciated before I make a purchase.

Thanks,
Joe

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Swanny

Member since
February 2003
From: Sandusky Ohio, USA

Posted by Swanny on Tuesday, December 16, 2003 6:16 AM

Listen to your friend. Iwata, Badger, Paasche all are better units. Take a look at this link http://www.dixieart.com/Dixie_Art_Supplies_Airbrush_Main_Page.html or go to a Pat Catan craft store and look at the brushes. You can do better than an Aztek.

Swanny's Models

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 16, 2003 7:42 AM

While Im not fond of the Aztec (I borrowed a friends one time) and yes there are better brushes out there, the airbrush is only as good as the person using it. I personally wouldnt buy one, but some people swear by them.

I have a Paasche VL
and an Omni 4000
To be honest the Paasche hasnt seen any paint in it in a couple of yrs(Since I left the hobby) and I have yet to try out the Omni.Moisture trap is on its way though!!!!! BTW since MikeV is bound to pop in here....Mike thanks for finding that trap and posting the link!

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 16, 2003 8:21 AM

if you want great quality that is virtually trouble-free and don't mind spending a couple of extra $$, go with an Iwata. I've owned seven airbrushes over the years from Aztek, badger, pasche, single and double action. My Iwata HP-CS beats them all hands down. It's the only brush I don't regret buying. It's been flawless from the first spray.

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 17, 2003 2:28 AM

Thanks for all the input. How about if money is a factor. Which brush gives the most for your money (such as included accessories).

Joe

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 17, 2003 8:05 AM

I had good luck with my Aztek, but it had a steep learning curve. Unlike most others I liked it much more than my Pasche VL and Badger 100LG. However, Iwata took away ALL my airbrushing headaches and gave me far better quality. To me that's worth the extra $15-$20. I've never tried an Omni but they come highly regarded as well.

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MikeV

Member since
April 2003
From: Hayward, CA

Posted by MikeV on Wednesday, December 17, 2003 10:02 AM

QUOTE: Originally posted by johnwayne809

Thanks for all the input. How about if money is a factor. Which brush gives the most for your money (such as included accessories).

I would say the best airbrush for the price out of the better models is the Omni 4000.
The Iwata Eclipse CS is only about $20 more so if money is a factor then go with the Omni, if not then the Iwata is also an excellent choice. If even the Omni 4000 gravity feed is more than you want to spend then you might look at the siphon-fed models of airbrushes. The Omni 3000 is around $60 without the airhose, the Badger Anthem kit is $66 from Dixie and comes with air hose, bottles, etc. The Paasche VL kit will run you $59 for the same type of kit as the Anthem I mentioned.
I hope this helps.

Mike

“Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 17, 2003 10:28 AM

I bought my Aztek before they were even called Aztek! It was still under the Testor's name back then. Now I own two of them. Still use them, still love them.

I've never had the opportunity to use any of the others listed in this post and never had any *reason* to, either. I doubt that I'll buy another airbrush of any kind until my Azteks break. Oops, wait a minute! Azteks are virtually indestructable! I guess I'll be using mine for a very long time... happily.

In the proud minority,

Mark

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 17, 2003 2:59 PM

I have used Badger owned an aztec that was given, but still prefer my Iwata brushes the most.

I was interested in the Aztec due to the splatter tip, but the brush wasn't to my liking.

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MikeV

Member since
April 2003
From: Hayward, CA

Posted by MikeV on Wednesday, December 17, 2003 3:52 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by MadModelFactory

I was interested in the Aztec due to the splatter tip, but the brush wasn't to my liking.

You want to know how to get a spatter pattern out of any airbrush?
This is a trick invented by T-shirt airbrush astists:
Hold the airbrush with one hand and hold a clothespin or popsicle stick in the other hand. Put the airbrush tip up against the stick at a 45 degree angle or so and spray paint out of the airbrush which deflects off the popsicle stick/clothespin onto the object you are painting in small droplets.
The closer you are to the object being painted, the smaller the dots will be. Wink [;)]

Mike

“Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 17, 2003 5:12 PM

Mike.

Thanks, need to try that one.

There is a certain effect that I hope to use it on, I got 3 Bike models that should have a very strange metallic effect and I think this might work.

Thanks, again.

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MikeV

Member since
April 2003
From: Hayward, CA

Posted by MikeV on Wednesday, December 17, 2003 5:57 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by MadModelFactory

Mike.

Thanks, need to try that one.

There is a certain effect that I hope to use it on, I got 3 Bike models that should have a very strange metallic effect and I think this might work.

Thanks, again.

This is how the effect looks on material like this pellon practice sheet I painted this on:

You can use some black, some purple, and some gray paints one after the other and achieve a good representation of granite. I like to keep the airbrush moving in clockwise circles to get an even coverage on what I am painting.

Mike

“Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 17, 2003 6:07 PM

Thanks, for the Pic.

I think that will work.

The paint effect is very strange and was used on some custom Bikes.
It looks like different coloured metallic flakes were imbedded into a clear coat covering the Tank, Fenders and even the frame after they were painted.
Standard colour schemes were
1.) Copper
2.) Aluminum & red
3.) Metallic green

I want to try to replicate this using different metalic paints and the technique you used.

Will also try that on some rocks for a 1/6 scale Dio I got half-finished.

Thanks, again much appreciated.

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MikeV

Member since
April 2003
From: Hayward, CA

Posted by MikeV on Wednesday, December 17, 2003 7:17 PM

MMF,

You are welcome my friend. I hope you can replicate what you are looking for. Wink [;)]

Mike

“Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, December 21, 2003 3:47 AM

Hey johnwayne, did you get a new airbrush yet? What is your current airbrush that you are trying to upgrade? How much are you looking to spend?

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plasticmod992

Member since
January 2003
From: The Hoosier State

Posted by plasticmod992 on Sunday, December 21, 2003 5:29 PM

The Iwata Revolution airbrush; gravity feed, double action is priced at only $59.00 at www.Dixieart.com. Not sure what your spraying will be for your modeling but this is one awesome airbrush! It handles all paints from acrylics to laquers with ease. The .5mm is sutible for our thicker hobby paints and is able to spray fine lines as well as Iwatas higher-end brushes. The quality is typical Iwata without the high price. Lastly the parts are not as expensive either...good for us! Check the Revolution out, I know I couldn't be happier with this airbrush.

Greg Williams Owner/ Manager Modern Hobbies LLC Indianapolis, IN. IPMS #44084

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se5022

Member since
October 2003

Posted by se5022 on Monday, January 12, 2004 4:00 PM

Being a trained artist, I have a Badger (that I bought in 12th grade) that I used through college and still do. I have also obtained 2 Paasches and an Aztech. All of these brushes have thier strong and weak points. My only advice is to get one and learn how to use it. If you have friends with different airbrushes, ask them if you could try them out.

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 12, 2004 7:39 PM

aztec = teh sux

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MikeV

Member since
April 2003
From: Hayward, CA

Posted by MikeV on Monday, January 12, 2004 10:29 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by unnamedplayer

aztec = teh sux

This was painted with an Aztek. So it's not just the instrument but the hands that wield them. Wink [;)]

Mike

“Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 12, 2004 10:47 PM

Well my Aztek crapped out yesterday......I soaked the airbrush overnight after some serious clogging. Now the air portion of the trigger does not work, and since it's a molded body I can't tear it apart to fix it. It started as a dual now it's a single!! LOL As much as I enjoyed the option of changing tips on a wim, I'll leave it as it is.......a starter brush. Now it's time for that Omni!!!!! Hopefully I'll get it this weekend, and I'll let you know how it works

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MikeV

Member since
April 2003
From: Hayward, CA

Posted by MikeV on Monday, January 12, 2004 11:19 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by kik36

Now it's time for that Omni!!!!! Hopefully I'll get it this weekend, and I'll let you know how it works

I like the way you think my friend. Big Smile [:D]

Take a drive up to Anaheim and get it from Coast Airbrush, but beware as Dave will try and steer you to the dark side with the Iwata Eclipse instead. Laugh [(-D]

Let us know if you get it and what you think of it. We have to get more people buying these good American made Omni's to counteract the evil Iwata empire. SoapBox [soapbox]

Mike

“Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 12, 2004 11:35 PM

Hey Mike, I was just up in your are around X-mas time, went to this nice hobby shop with hundreds of reference books, and models......it was like heaven. Unfortunately not too familiar with the area, and I forgot the name of it.....I was visiting my friend and he took me there...it's between Hollister and Frisco, near San Jose I believe. Anywho, ordered the Omni 5000 online earlier from Dixie. Can't wait to get my hands on that beauty!!! I hear so many wonderful things about it!!!

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MikeV

Member since
April 2003
From: Hayward, CA

Posted by MikeV on Monday, January 12, 2004 11:56 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by kik36

Hey Mike, I was just up in your are around X-mas time, went to this nice hobby shop with hundreds of reference books, and models......it was like heaven. Unfortunately not too familiar with the area, and I forgot the name of it.....I was visiting my friend and he took me there...it's between Hollister and Frisco, near San Jose I believe. Anywho, ordered the Omni 5000 online earlier from Dixie. Can't wait to get my hands on that beauty!!! I hear so many wonderful things about it!!!

Why the Omni 5000? Do you like the smaller color cups or just don't need that much paint?

That hobby store you went to could have been either D&J Hobbies in Campbell (near San Jose) or the big one across the bay which is San Antonio Hobby Shop.

Mike

“Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon

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echolmberg

Member since
February 2003
From: Green Bay, WI USA

Posted by echolmberg on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 11:45 AM

Joe,

If your friend called them "junk" it's only because he didn't know how to use it. I've got two airbrushes: and Iwata and an Aztek and I love them both. You'll have 100 people writing in response to your question and you'll get 100 different opinions. Do some research. Some airbrushes work better with certain types of paints (eg. acrylic, enamel, etc) so get the kind that might work best for the paint you plan on using. Don't listen to what eveybody else says. It's all a matter of whatever works best for you. You might buy two, three or four airbrushes over time in order to find the one that suits you. When someone says "the best airbrush is..." what they're really saying is "the best airbrush that worked for them is...."

Have fun checking it all out and best wishes!

Eric

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 6:33 PM

well... mikev thats sweet, but my aztec craps out on me all the time, then when i test it again with water, it works. then properly thinned paint: no go. oh and my aztec a220 is BETTER (imho) than my aztec a370 (discontinued)

i still suggest iwata revolution cr. think hp-c's little brother.

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MikeV

Member since
April 2003
From: Hayward, CA

Posted by MikeV on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 6:56 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by unnamedplayer

well... mikev thats sweet, but my aztec craps out on me all the time, then when i test it again with water, it works. then properly thinned paint: no go. oh and my aztec a220 is BETTER (imho) than my aztec a370 (discontinued)

I was not endorsing the Aztek by any means, I was just posting what is possible in the right hands with this airbrush that receives such mixed reviews.
I personally don't like them and I feel they are marketed in such a way as to be deceptive to potential buyers such as how Testors leads you to believe you need 8 nozzles to get all the effects you need.
If you have read many of my posts you are well aware that I am a loyal Omni/Badger user and prefer the airbrushes produced by Badger as they work great, are priced fairly and the customer service is outstanding.

Mike

“Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 8:21 PM

Mike, I think you're right about Testor's marketing. Who hasn't noticed the relatively large number of people making their first airbrush purchase who are drawn straight to the Aztecs with the nice wooden box and all the nozzles, etc? Probably unaware that a well designed brush doesn't need all this. It would be interesting to see some marketing stats on what percentage of Aztec buyers are actually 2nd time, experienced airbrush users moving AWAY from the likes of Iwata, Badger, Thayer&Chandler etc and into the Aztec fold as long term users.

Cheers...Snowy.

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MikeV

Member since
April 2003
From: Hayward, CA

Posted by MikeV on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 8:41 PM

Snowy,

Good points my friend. Wink [;)]

Mike

“Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. " Charles Spurgeon

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thevinman

Member since
December 2003
From: CT - USA

Posted by thevinman on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 9:51 PM

Mike,
What are the major differences between the Omni Models?
(3000B, 4000G, 5000G, 6000S)?

-Vinny

My Website Macross Group Build

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 10:20 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by MikeV

Why the Omni 5000? Do you like the smaller color cups or just don't need that much paint?

Mike, it was a toss-up between the 4000, 5000, and 6000. Since the only difference was the cups I thought it would be simple....but I swear I must have stared at them for a few hours, and I still couldn't decide which one. They all have their own pros. I do generally paint light coats, and figured I didn't need too bulky of a cup, but the way I finally decided which one.......I let my girlfriend pick it.....lol......she bought it for my birthday present, and she thought it looked "sexy"....... Big Smile [:D]

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