Aztek A 480 airbrush

Thanks

I realize the thread has kind of run it's course but wanted to say something. Seems to me the Badger Patriot 105 with medium nozzle and needle set is less costly than a 480 and a known good performer as well. It's $67 and change from Amazon, plus a Badger hose which is another $10 or so. Also available is the fine needle set as well as heavy needle set. Then as long as you mix your paints correctly, to a proper viscosity for air brushing, you have an airbrush you don't have to fight with..

Thanks

GMorrison

But, speaking from personal experience, that's the problem. Using a tool that's hard to get to work right just adds frustration. As soon as I switched to a Badger, I got a whole lot better at airbrushing.

 

Strongeagle

Ahoy sgtmick64.  I bought an aztek 470 twelve years ago, the one in the nice wooden box with all the accessories.  I tried it out for several weeks and couldn't get it to match the results of my Paasche VL so I put it on the shelf and went back to my Paasche.  I still use my VL, but I've also purchased several different airbrushes over the years, mostly Badgers, including their Patriot 105.

I was searching the internet the other day and came across this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iovWaWo80pE

After viewing it, I took my Aztek off the shelf and gave it another try.  Viola!  This time, after understanding how the little wheel in the back works, I got very good results.  I also liked the way I could clean it and change colors rapidly.

I've been using it quite a bit lately and am quite pleased with it, especially with acrylics which I've always had problems with.  My point is that you've got to learn how to use the equipment and, as Dirty Harry says, "A man's got to know his limitations" (applies to equipment too).

Back to the internet.  I found a new testor's aztek on ebay and bought it for $30.  They're out there to find if you're patient.

In addition to knowing the limitations, you've also got to practice, practice, and practice.

 

Thanks

Ahoy sgtmick64.  I bought an aztek 470 twelve years ago, the one in the nice wooden box with all the accessories.  I tried it out for several weeks and couldn't get it to match the results of my Paasche VL so I put it on the shelf and went back to my Paasche.  I still use my VL, but I've also purchased several different airbrushes over the years, mostly Badgers, including their Patriot 105.

I was searching the internet the other day and came across this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iovWaWo80pE

After viewing it, I took my Aztek off the shelf and gave it another try.  Viola!  This time, after understanding how the little wheel in the back works, I got very good results.  I also liked the way I could clean it and change colors rapidly.

I've been using it quite a bit lately and am quite pleased with it, especially with acrylics which I've always had problems with.  My point is that you've got to learn how to use the equipment and, as Dirty Harry says, "A man's got to know his limitations" (applies to equipment too).

Back to the internet.  I found a new testor's aztek on ebay and bought it for $30.  They're out there to find if you're patient.

In addition to knowing the limitations, you've also got to practice, practice, and practice.

But, speaking from personal experience, that's the problem. Using a tool that's hard to get to work right just adds frustration. As soon as I switched to a Badger, I got a whole lot better at airbrushing.

I have the Aztec A470, and I have mixed feelings about it, but then again I am not good at all on airbrushing to begin with. The instruction sheet says it was made back in 1992. I have just finished using it to paint a B-52 with very disaapointing results.

It being a dual action airbush, you would think it would be somewhat easy to use. Think again. I am going to try a couple or three more times, but with cheap acrylic paints so I can learn what I am doing wrong. I pretty much already know though, but I need the practice.

Airbrushing anyways is something one doesn't pick up on the first try. Practice, practice, practice.

My first airbrush was the Badger 200 Bottom feed, and I liked it. Maybe I will get one again, someday.

I gave the Aztec line a try, had two of them. Not to insult those that do use them and have good results, when they operated at the best, I could manage just mediocre results. Perhaps my inability to sort them out and not the airbrushes fault, but my dissatisfaction led me elsewhere.

I first went to Paasche, found them to be OK, then to Badger, next to Iwata. My only issue with the Iwata is the fiddly little bits when cleaning and re-assembling, and the cost of repacement parts, (although none needed yet.)

My mainstay now is Badger, have several, but most used is the 100G, 200G and 100LG. Tough, reliable as a hammer, the easiest for cleaning and re-assembly. All of mine were well under $100, some as low as about $70. If needed, the cost of replacement parts is very inexpensive. Most any of the major brands will serve well, but considering function and cost, the Badger line does it for me.

My best painting results have been with the Badger's, overall completely satisfied. I think my main concern with the Aztec line was the nearly exclusive use of plastic. I sensed the function was decreasing with time and use, maybe due to parts swelling, caused by the thinners used for paint mixes. Just my guess.

Good luck with your hunt.

Patrick 

That was my point. Upgrade to a much better airbrush. If the OP is adamant on sticking with his Aztek, well... a leopard doesn't change it spots. Unless he come to realization parts are harder to come by and have to resort to buy a new airbrush.

I remember when the Aztek first came out and was looking for my first airbrush. Aztek reputation was a poor cheap airbrush. Thankfully, my first airbrush ended up a Paasche single action.

I hesitate to say this out of consideration for your choice of an Aztek, but I can't recommend it. I had one, the whole wooden box deal, and was frustrated throughout the experience.

The main flaw IMO is that the quick change tip results in a unit where the spring that controls the paint flow action is actually in the paint flow path. Other air brushes have the spring on the back side of a seal of air and then paint intake.

That makes clogging happen sooner, cleaning harder to do. 

Look at Iwata, but also Badger. Badger makes a number of double action airr brushes that mostly vary by the location of the paint cup. I have a number of them, They are all double action, which means that by sort of toggling the valve you control both air supply and paint quantity. They are also gravity feed, which means that the paint cup is on top of the brush. That's kind of a constraint because you can't lay the brush down on it's side (make a stand) and the cup is small (mix the paint in a little paper cup and pour it in when the level in the brush cup gets low).

But the things have the mechanical complexity of a screwdriver, and changing the needle/ tip size is a matter of a minute or so.

Ditto the Iwata from what I understand- never owned one but would be happy to.

I have the 480 and it’s okay for general work but i haven’t mastered it for detail work with either enamels or acrylics and with switching out the various nozzles.  I have seen Spence Pollard use the Aztek to pretty good effect so I know it is possible but I am not sure I want to invest the time In trying to figure it out.  I am going to break eventually and get an Iwata eventually as I have never heard any bad press on their equipment.

I’d skip on an Aztek airbrush and head over to your local Hobby Lobby armed with a 40% coupon and get yourself a nice Iwata single action airbrush. At least it’s a much better upgrade to the Aztek brand. 

Or better yet, go to tcpglobal. They’ve got great prices on airbrushes. 

It is still on Testors website. Amazon has it but it is the entire wooden box kit that I don't need. I e-mailed Testors 4 days ago but have received a reply. I have the A470 and all it's accessories.

Hmmm... then this means Atzek is now obsolete. Looks like it’s time for a new airbrush in your future...

tcglobal

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

tcglobal

Who longer carry Aztek? Testors or tcglobal?

 

Who longer carry Aztek? Testors or tcglobal?

They no longer carry Aztek.

Have tried Testors website? Aztek is their brand airbrush.

Another site you can try is: 

www.tcpglobal.com

They sell airbrush parts for the brand you have.