user error...or..

it's the airbrush.

my aztek does the same, but i always soak the nozzles in lacquer, and they appear to work fine. So bad was the problem I bought a badger 155 and have never looked back.

Brian, could you provide a little more detail about your problem.
Aztek model.
Paints, are they acrylic or enamel?
Pressure your using (if you have a gauge that is)

Alot of people have various problems with the Azteks, but I and quite a few others have had alot of success.

More info would be a great help, otherwise you would have a LONG list of things to check while trying to eliminate the problem.

Cheers

thanks for the replies.
the brush model is the 3205 and I'm using the testor's blue "mini" compressor.
I'm using Acrylics in the airbrush only. Some of the paints need thinning-but some spray just fine.
I just can't get a good consistent, even flow from it. It seems I'm stuck using the "detailing" nozzle more than the larger surface area nozzle.
Air and paint bubbles come out of metal ring area where the nozzles attach also.
hope this info helps a little more.
If its me, then at least i'll know to work on technique, but if its the airbrush...well that stinks because its only about 3 months old...(what the life span on the average airbrush anyway?)
thanks again

brian

My first airbrush, and Aztek crapped right out on me as well. It spit and sputtered like you describe, and it also would stop spraying intermittently. I was fanatacal about cleaning it, so I never figured out what the problem was. I ended up getting a new brush and have been very happy ever since.

QUOTE: Originally posted by devildog99 thanks for the replies. the brush model is the 3205 and I'm using the testor's blue "mini" compressor. I'm using Acrylics in the airbrush only. Some of the paints need thinning-but some spray just fine. I just can't get a good consistent, even flow from it. It seems I'm stuck using the "detailing" nozzle more than the larger surface area nozzle. Air and paint bubbles come out of metal ring area where the nozzles attach also. hope this info helps a little more. If its me, then at least i'll know to work on technique, but if its the airbrush...well that stinks because its only about 3 months old...(what the life span on the average airbrush anyway?) thanks again brian

OK, if you have paint and air coming from where the nozzle screws into the airbrush body, then there is a problem.
Because your losing air pressure at that point, the paint from the nozzle is going to spatter, obviously because the air pressure that is supposed to be pushing it is leaking from behind the nozzle.

Unsrew the nozzle, and remove it.
Check the thread on the airbrush body for any dry paint residue, or bits of grit etc that may be in there, and give the thread a good cleaning with some thinners.

Reattach the nozzle and screw down tightly, but DO NOT over tighten. About 1/4 turn past finger tight should suffice.
If there is still a leak, then the airbrush has to be returned for service/warranty.

If there is any air leaking from BEHIND the metal collar where it attaches to the airbrush body, then return it to where you bought it, or back to Testors for warranty.

Keep us posted!!


Oh, BTW, which brand of acrylics are you using???

Cheers
Sean

you must tighten the nozzle. i own an aztek, but dont use it any longer since i got my 155 anthem. however, the aztek did decent service for me while i used it. i had the same problem towards the end of the time I was using it, but i think i need new nozzles. i didn't clean mine very well. ps. (the 155 is a better AB)

QUOTE: (what the life span on the average airbrush anyway?)

I think testors now give a 3year warranty on the aztec brushes.

Metal Brushes like Badger, Paasche, Iwata, etc easily last for many years with a bit of care and regular cleaning. Granted needles might get bend, o-rings might need replacing(unusual), but on average they tend to be pretty long-lasting.

Plus, many of the metal airbrushes you can fix yourself by buying a few spares parts at the LHS.

I think that those old school paasche H's from the 1930's may or may not still be usable... mike?

it is from BEHIND that silver ring where it bubbles. It doesn't do it everytime I spray though. I'll just keep trying at it.
oh and model masters Acryl is the paint i use

thanks again
brian