SEARCH FINESCALE.COM

Enter keywords or a search phrase below:

Aztek air brushes......

2477 views
25 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: United Kingdom
Posted by scotty on Monday, January 29, 2007 6:18 AM

Yeah I've finally given in to the arguement about Aztek airbrushes, brought the A470? I think, it was very good to start with then gradually started to go downhill, nozzles getting blocked, fed up with having to strip nozzle down to cleanBanged Head [banghead], so I went to Ebay & brought one of these.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AB-124-Airbrush-Air-brush-Spray-Gun-Model-Body-Art-Tool_W0QQitemZ260078910286QQihZ016QQcategoryZ28111QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Very basic but easy to use and easy to clean very impressed.

 

Scott

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Seattle, WA
Posted by RonUSMC on Monday, January 29, 2007 3:52 AM

I love my Aztek, it works fantastic. Easiest clean up known to man. I seriously just unscrew the tip and drop it in a bottle full of thinner and just leave it..... done.

 I also have a Sotar 20/20 and an Iwata Eclipse HP-CS... also great brushes.

http://finescalegallery.com Active Kits: 1/48 AM Avenger 1/35 Sd.Kfz 251 Ausf C
  • Member since
    February 2010
Posted by yoyokel on Wednesday, January 24, 2007 5:33 PM
  Aztyeck--dont even buy one..I am telling you from experienceBanged Head [banghead]Sign - Oops [#oops] Its not even good for a beginner because it will just frustrate them and turn them away from airbrushes in general. Go with an Iwata HP-Cplus...For the investment of $175.00 ( if you can afford that) you will get an absolutely superior piece of equipment that can handle 98% of your painting needs. 

" All movements go too far "

jwb
  • Member since
    February 2006
  • From: Parkton, NC
Posted by jwb on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 5:37 PM
 usmc1371 wrote:

The trick behind the Aztek airbrush is so sacrifice a live chicken at every full moon to the Aztek gods.  Just kidding, don't call PETA.

Jesse

PETA? You mean People Eating Tasty Animals? I love those guys! Wink [;)]

Jon Bius

AgapeModels.com- Modeling with a Higher purpose

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan
Posted by bilbirk on Monday, January 22, 2007 11:33 PM
 waikong wrote:
Threw it out? Wow? I would've sold it at ebay or something.
I did the somethingEvil [}:)]
  • Member since
    October 2005
  • From: Maryland
Posted by usmc1371 on Monday, January 22, 2007 10:25 PM

The trick behind the Aztek airbrush is so sacrifice a live chicken at every full moon to the Aztek gods.  Just kidding, don't call PETA.

Jesse

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: NYC, USA
Posted by waikong on Monday, January 22, 2007 7:41 PM
Threw it out? Wow? I would've sold it at ebay or something.
  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan
Posted by bilbirk on Monday, January 22, 2007 4:28 PM

Wow I've finally found some people that actually like an Aztek! I had nothing  but trouble with mine. I thought maybe I wasn't getting the tips clean so I bought new ones and same problems so I got a Badger 150 and never looked back. I guess I should have asked here if anyone wanted it as I threw all of it away Fancy wooden case tips brush and bottles!

     Good luck with it and enjoy
 

jwb
  • Member since
    February 2006
  • From: Parkton, NC
Posted by jwb on Monday, January 22, 2007 3:56 PM

 waikong wrote:
I'm even lazier than that, after the usual spray to clean the AB, I pull the tips apart and put everything into an old contacts case thats filled with windex. It has enough windex to cover the tip assembiles. That's it, I'll take it out a few days later to put back into my case, but sometimes I just wind up leaving it there - for days, weeks or months - until I need the tip again.

You know, that ain't a bad idea..... I'm gonna try thaat. 

Jon Bius

AgapeModels.com- Modeling with a Higher purpose

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11

jwb
  • Member since
    February 2006
  • From: Parkton, NC
Posted by jwb on Monday, January 22, 2007 3:54 PM
 usmc1371 wrote:

Here's a quick pic of a soft edge camo scheme I did on my LAV-25.  I used the Tan tip and Acryl paints.  The camo was done free hand.

The model looks 'dusty' in the picture.  I don't know why.  Don't know much about photography.

-Jesse

NICE work!

The "dustiness" might be just slight focus issues, or maybe lighting. I sde that in my pics too- I even wonder if it's the slight shaking of your hand when you snap the photo?

Either way- the paint job looks really nice! 

Jon Bius

AgapeModels.com- Modeling with a Higher purpose

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: NYC, USA
Posted by waikong on Monday, January 22, 2007 3:51 PM
I'm even lazier than that, after the usual spray to clean the AB, I pull the tips apart and put everything into an old contacts case thats filled with windex. It has enough windex to cover the tip assembiles. That's it, I'll take it out a few days later to put back into my case, but sometimes I just wind up leaving it there - for days, weeks or months - until I need the tip again.
jwb
  • Member since
    February 2006
  • From: Parkton, NC
Posted by jwb on Monday, January 22, 2007 3:42 PM
 cruichin wrote:

I once had major clogging problems that I could not rectify. Then I saw a post (in French!) describing how to pull the tips apart and clean the assembly more thoroughly. I've never had a clogging problem since then, and I'm sorry I trashed a tip that was completely clogged. Shame on me for following the manufacturer's instructions to never disassemble the tips!

 

 

Yeah- I've been disassembling them for 6 months now, and it works great. I pull it apart, spray it down with windex, run a pipe cleaner in the clear needle "sleeve", run it under water, and snap it back together. I know I can do it in 30 seconds, 'cause I did it the other day and timed it. Smile [:)]

Jon Bius

AgapeModels.com- Modeling with a Higher purpose

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: USA
Posted by cruichin on Monday, January 22, 2007 3:13 PM

I once had major clogging problems that I could not rectify. Then I saw a post (in French!) describing how to pull the tips apart and clean the assembly more thoroughly. I've never had a clogging problem since then, and I'm sorry I trashed a tip that was completely clogged. Shame on me for following the manufacturer's instructions to never disassemble the tips!

 

 

  • Member since
    October 2005
  • From: Maryland
Posted by usmc1371 on Monday, January 22, 2007 2:58 PM

Here's a quick pic of a soft edge camo scheme I did on my LAV-25.  I used the Tan tip and Acryl paints.  The camo was done free hand.

The model looks 'dusty' in the picture.  I don't know why.  Don't know much about photography.

-Jesse

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: NYC, USA
Posted by waikong on Monday, January 22, 2007 12:22 PM

Like Jon, I only use the Tan or the black. The black is meant for acrylics so it doesn't clog as easily, the Tan will clog occasionally if you don't thin your paint enough. I usually add Tamiya thinner as it has some retarder mixed in already to minimize the paint drying on the tip. Now I almost never have any issue with acrylic paint clogging.

 I have the DVD, you're not really missing much. Its a rehash of mostly the instruction sheet and its only 15 minutes long. If you can get your hands on the Testors Modeler's Reference book, it has basically the same information. The videos from hyperscale more instructive IMHO.

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Hamilton Ontario, Canada.
Posted by mctzm on Monday, January 22, 2007 8:48 AM

Awsome link, can't wait to get home to try it.  "Computers at work are for business only!"  I've been told, still I wanted to sneak a couple of lines, and, yeah, I am a few light years away from beeing an expert my self, but it is guys like you that make it that much easyer to become one...........

Thanks again, CARLOS

HMS "Mighty Hood" and Lancaster "Dam buster" in progress......
jwb
  • Member since
    February 2006
  • From: Parkton, NC
Posted by jwb on Sunday, January 21, 2007 4:40 PM
 mctzm wrote:

Hey Jon:

I meant to reply when I first read the reply to my original message, I really appreaciated all your good points in owning an Aztek brush, you pretty much made up my mind, I have played with it a little bit in the last couple of hours, I understand there is a "how to" dvd that should have been included in the kit, have you seen it?  Is there a lot of good stuff in it?  How much am I missing? is the question, I have e mailed Testors any way, see if they can ship one to me or perhaps e mail it to me.    Any way thanks again Jon for your input.    Carlos.  

PS I'll go at it with the brown tip see how that goes, and to add, I like what you said: "It is not the air brush, but the person holding it"......bye for now.

Haven't seen the DVD, as it didn't come with the 370. I watched a lot of the video's that Brett Green did for Testor's Scale workshop- all with a 470. Those were helpful.

Mostly I've just practised every chance I get, and I just try stuff. If I mess something up in learning, I just remove the paint and try again.

To be honest, I use the tan tip darn near most of the time. I do like using the black acrylic GP tip for applying coats of Future.

I'm nothing close to an expert, but I'm always willing to share what I know, so please feel free to email or PM me anytime!

Jon Bius

AgapeModels.com- Modeling with a Higher purpose

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Hamilton Ontario, Canada.
Posted by mctzm on Sunday, January 21, 2007 3:00 PM

Hey Jon:

I meant to reply when I first read the reply to my original message, I really appreaciated all your good points in owning an Aztek brush, you pretty much made up my mind, I have played with it a little bit in the last couple of hours, I understand there is a "how to" dvd that should have been included in the kit, have you seen it?  Is there a lot of good stuff in it?  How much am I missing? is the question, I have e mailed Testors any way, see if they can ship one to me or perhaps e mail it to me.    Any way thanks again Jon for your input.    Carlos.  

PS I'll go at it with the brown tip see how that goes, and to add, I like what you said: "It is not the air brush, but the person holding it"......bye for now.

 

HMS "Mighty Hood" and Lancaster "Dam buster" in progress......
  • Member since
    October 2005
  • From: Maryland
Posted by usmc1371 on Sunday, January 21, 2007 1:59 PM

I agree about the tan tip.  I use it for 1/35 scale soft edge camo.  Use the gravity feed cups too.  With these cups you can use lower pressure.  I great feature about the A470 is the ability to adjust between double and single action.  I use the single action mode the most.  Just set the amount of paint you want to come out and the correct air pressure and you'll be ready.  If you are using acrylics, you may get "tip dry".  Just keep a cotton swab with thinner on it nearby.  When the "tip dry" occurs, wipe the tip with the cotton swab and spray a little paint into a rag or something.  Then go back to spraying the model.  When using the tan tip, I usually just use enamels.  There are tips for acrylic paints, but I don't think you can spray as fine of a line as the tan tip.

-Jesse

jwb
  • Member since
    February 2006
  • From: Parkton, NC
Posted by jwb on Sunday, January 21, 2007 12:54 PM

For freehand work, I like the tan tip.... fine line tip I think is it's name. I lower the air pressure a bit, and work in close.

If you're masking, then the gray general purpose tip is fine, though the tan would work too.

Jon Bius

AgapeModels.com- Modeling with a Higher purpose

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Hamilton Ontario, Canada.
Posted by mctzm on Sunday, January 21, 2007 12:34 PM

Hello Jesse:

Thank you for replying, I have infact purchased an A470 model since I posted the message, and I was very glad to hear that you've had good results with these air brushes, I went to my LHS, asked the guy if I could have a closer look at the brush, since all prior visits, all I did was look at it and asked a bunch of questions, this last visit was different,  well as soon as I held it, I had to have it, It is a great feel and balance, as opposed to some that like the lighter versions.  Any way, here is a question, I am in the middle of building a 1/72 model of the Lancaster British bomber, I would like to do a camouflage pattern, what would be your tip size recommendation?  Thanks again, Carlos.

HMS "Mighty Hood" and Lancaster "Dam buster" in progress......
  • Member since
    October 2005
  • From: Maryland
Posted by usmc1371 on Sunday, January 21, 2007 7:45 AM

I use two different Aztek airbrushes: the A470 and A320.  I've never had problems with either.  If you only need an single action, I suggest the A320.  With either airbrush, you can spray from fine lines to really broad coverages with the correct needles.  I also love the fact that it can be gravity or siphon fed.  I spray acrylics, enamels and laquers and haven't had any problem with them.  In terms of cleaning, most of time I just spray a small cup of thinner through the airbrush and that's it.  About every third or fourth time using the brush, I do a little more detail cleaning.  The only complaint I have is that Testors used to have a lifetime warranty on the body, now it's only 3 years.  I also think the newer A470's are built better then the older ones but that could be just me.  Any other questions, just ask.

Jesse

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Bicester, England
Posted by KJ200 on Sunday, January 21, 2007 5:35 AM

I've never used an Aztec, so I can't comment on their performace, however from what I have read on these boards experiences have been mixed to say the least.

I'd be inclined to either go for a double action Badger 100, or a single action 200, if you don't feel confident enough to try a double action.

Neither are expensive, and having owned both, can confirm that they are very easy to look after and use.

Karl 

Currently on the bench: AZ Models 1/72 Mig 17PF

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Southern California, USA
Posted by ABARNE on Saturday, January 20, 2007 3:16 PM

This is a topic that used to come up frequently but has been quiet of late.  Some people swear by them, a lot of people swear at them.  I fall into the latter camp.

My experience is typical of many people's.  I had an A430 that simply stopped working after a service life of at most twenty or thirty hours.  I had meticulously followed all cleaning an care instructions, but the thing died nonetheless.  I was able to return the body to Testor's for warranty replacement but during the three week turnaround, I picked up a Badger 200NH and have never used the Aztek since.

One thing to consider is the myth that Azteks are easier to clean than conventional airbrushes.  For general usage, you basically clean an Aztek by blowing thinner through it without disassembling the tip, however you can clean a conventional airbrush in exactly the same manner.  Thus for general usage, cleaning an Aztek is the same as a conventional airbrush.

How about when you need a thorough cleaning such as when the tip is clogged?  Well you can unscrew the Aztek tip and soak it in thinner overnight which will hopefully fix the problem.  Alternatively, you can pull the tips apart (they're not designed for disassembly, but with force it can be done), clean the needle and nozzle and after jamming the parts back together, you should be good to go.  However, to clean the nozzle and needle of a conventional airbrush requires that you simply unscrew two or three fittings which are designed to be disassembled, clean the parts, and after reassembly, you'll be good to go.  Thus for occaisional deep cleaning, cleaning an Aztek is more time consuming and difficult than cleaning a conventional airbrush.

My thoughts would be to look at a Paasche H if you want the ease of use of a single action airbrush and either the Badger 100 or 150 for the enhanced capabilities of a dual action air brush.   

 

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Chipley FL
Posted by urich on Saturday, January 20, 2007 3:07 PM

 

I have had several of the Aztek from the low end to the high end modles and ALL have started leaking air in the brush the last setup cost me about $100.00. which worked fine for a while then started doing the same thing as ALL the others I have had. They are great for changing tips and easy to clean. I'm glad I bought a Iwata HP cost more but I love the way it works.Save your money and go with the Iwata I think you will be happer. 

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Hamilton Ontario, Canada.
Aztek air brushes......
Posted by mctzm on Saturday, January 20, 2007 2:30 PM

 

To aztek or not to aztek, (originally posted in the tools section), still a little new to all this, if you want you can read the original post there, but in essence, I would like to know what your opinion is about this nifty little air brush, I personally loved the fact that you dont have to take it completely apart for cleaning, wondered a little about tip life and operating costs, I have been thinking about replacing my old tamiya air works, and AZTEK is all that is talked about at my LHS, so, what are your thoughts...?   

                                    Thanks,  Carlos.

HMS "Mighty Hood" and Lancaster "Dam buster" in progress......
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

SEARCH FORUMS
FREE NEWSLETTER
By signing up you may also receive reader surveys and occasional special offers. We do not sell, rent or trade our email lists. View our Privacy Policy.