Hey Everybody,
Like many modellers, I got my first airbrush a couple of years ago, namely the Aztek Plastic blue set with compressor and accessories, (sorry I forget the model number). I was away from modelling for a while but recently pickedit up after a period of disuse, hoping to get some building done. Unfortunately I simply couldn't get any paintflow and carefully examined the brush's internal workings through the semi-clear plastic body. There was a disconnect between the trigger and a forward arm inside that looked suspicious so I pried the brush open and after some fiddling the armature simply fell out. It had a kind of double horseshoe arrangment where one of the arms was broken, making it useless. How ironic that a tool that stood up to my harshest solvents would contain such a flimsy, breakable component. GRRRR....
Anyway...I'd appreciate some community feedback about this issue, namely:
Is this type of incident endemic? Are the Aztek range physically flimsy as this? I know the controversey over Aztek has raged for some time but until now this is the only actual breakage I've encountered.
I have the whole Aztek starter set--compressor, nozzles etc.--and I'm NOT interested in buying that stuff all over again, but will I face serious compatability issues when buying a new brush? Is that metal version of my cheapie-blue brush more robust or is it all breakable plastic inside too? What's the economical option for a replacement dual-action brush in my case?
Until I can get a replacement (which could easily be months) my model-building is farked I suppose. (I just can't go back to spray cans or (god!) hand-brushing large areas.) Any advice or data the community could offer would be appreciated.