Yet another Airbrush & Compressor question

QUOTE: I'm looking to buy my first airbrush/compressor set for painting models. My 8 year old son is now in love with the idea of painting his muscle cars models after I showed him a few issues of FSM. I want to paint Allied aircraft of WWII. Anyway, I've been looking at the Aztek Mini Blue Ice or whatever it's called, and the Aztek Contempo airbrush. Here are my questions;

Before you spend a bunch of money on an Aztek I'd STRONGLY recommend that you search this forum area for the word "Aztek" and then decide if that's the route that you want to go.

QUOTE: I think I need a regulator - is this the way to go?

I'm not familiar with that particular compressor, so I don't know what pressure it puts out under a load. If it only puts out about 15 psi loaded then a regulator would not accomplish much.

QUOTE: Can a regulator be attached to any compressor?

I won't go so far as to say "Any" compressor, but they can be added to most.

QUOTE: Can you use one manufacturers airbrush with a different manufacturers compressor?

Air is air and airbrushes don't understand brand names. In general airbrushes will have one of two fitting sizes; 1/8" NPT or 1/4" NPT. Compressors generally have 1/4", 3/8" or 1/2" NPT threads depending on how large it is. Even most of the garage style compressors are 1/4" NPT so as long as your hose will fit it will work fine.

QUOTE: Does anyone have any experience with the Aztek products I mentioned?

Like I said, do a search of this forum area.

QUOTE: Thank you for any advice. I wish there were a simple way of finding the best equipment for my needs - I'd be happy with people telling me what compressor/airbrush setup they have. Ideally, I'd like to get both items for less than $200 total. Thanks again!

I use Badger / Thayer and Chandler airbrushes (Badger 200, T&C Omni 3000 & 4000) with a Porter-Cable compressor (5 gallon tank).

I'd also strongly recommend that you add a moisture trap to your compressor as moisture getting blown through the lines can trash a paint job.

Being that this is your first airbrush, I wouldn't buy an Aztek.

They are trash in my opinion although others have had good results. Like MusicCity said, do a search and read about them first.

Don't buy an A/B and a compressor simply because they appear cheap or easy to use.

Airbrushes are precision tools and you get what you pay for, also a well-maintained A/B will last many years and give good reliable service.

QUOTE: Originally posted by Davlo Ideally, I'd like to get both items for less than $200 total. Thanks again!

Want my opinion?
I would buy a refurbished T&C Air Star V from Badger for $99:
http://www.badger-airbrush.com/garagesale.htm
Then I would purchase an Omni 4000 for around $70 from Dixie Art, Bear Air, etc.
That puts you at less than $170 for a combo that is much better than that Aztek/Testors compressor combo.

Mike

I'd definitely look at an Omni 4000.

Coupled to a decent air regulator/moisture trap the performance is excellent.

Karl

I suggest you take Mike's advice, as something like that might not be bad.
However, seeing as this is your first AB, I can recommend the Mini Blue Ice/Contempo combo. I know that they come in a boxed set for the two together. I got mine more than a year ago, and it's worked fine for me. Also, the compressor should be able to be used with Badger airbrushes. The compressor is not adjustable, so I don't think you need to worry about a regulator. Since your son will be painting overall finishes, and you yourself the same for the most part, I think you will find the Contempo a very good all-around brush, and with some practice, you can create pretty fine lines.
Also, if you do chose to go the Aztec route, try to airbrush wth acrylics only. For your son, testors markets very nice high-gloss acrylic paints, along with Model Master and Tamiya. For yourself, as allready mentioned Model Master and Tamiya have a full range of acrylic colours.
Also, the AB IS easy to clean, regardless of what many on this forum will tell you. When done, all you do is take off the nozzle, run the AB under the tap, separate the nozzle into it's two components, and leave it overnight to soak in some Windex, and that'll keep it like new.

Unlike some of my estimated intervening chaps, I am not putting down Azteks, as I owned three of them, including Contempo, but I would suggest you try it before buying because it has a very personal feeling even compared with 470s . In fact I must say that I didn't appreciate this one a lot

Thanks for the detailed and informative replies. I'll check out that Airstar V and the Omni 4000.

Ok! I ordered the AirStar V compressor and an Omni 4000. I'm excited to get started with them, but in the meantime, I'll read up on as much as I can about airbrushing.

I look forward to posting some pictures of my finished projects soon - as well as my son's cars

another one for the badger team!! i'm suprised saltydog didn't respond to this. so the score now is

99999999 - 3

QUOTE: Originally posted by Davlo Ok! I ordered the AirStar V compressor and an Omni 4000. I'm excited to get started with them, but in the meantime, I'll read up on as much as I can about airbrushing.

You should be really pleased with that set.
Let us know if you have any other questions.

Mike