I’m looking to step up to a better, double action, airbrush here shortly. The metal Aztek had struck my interest with its adjustable nozzle and its reported ease of use. However, a friend told me they are junk and I should look elsewhere. Any input on the Aztek would be appreciated before I make a purchase.
Thanks,
Joe
Listen to your friend. Iwata, Badger, Paasche all are better units. Take a look at this link http://www.dixieart.com/Dixie_Art_Supplies_Airbrush_Main_Page.html or go to a Pat Catan craft store and look at the brushes. You can do better than an Aztek.
While Im not fond of the Aztec (I borrowed a friends one time) and yes there are better brushes out there, the airbrush is only as good as the person using it. I personally wouldnt buy one, but some people swear by them.
I have a Paasche VL
and an Omni 4000
To be honest the Paasche hasnt seen any paint in it in a couple of yrs(Since I left the hobby) and I have yet to try out the Omni.Moisture trap is on its way though!!! BTW since MikeV is bound to pop in here…Mike thanks for finding that trap and posting the link!
if you want great quality that is virtually trouble-free and don’t mind spending a couple of extra $$, go with an Iwata. I’ve owned seven airbrushes over the years from Aztek, badger, pasche, single and double action. My Iwata HP-CS beats them all hands down. It’s the only brush I don’t regret buying. It’s been flawless from the first spray.
Thanks for all the input. How about if money is a factor. Which brush gives the most for your money (such as included accessories).
Joe
I had good luck with my Aztek, but it had a steep learning curve. Unlike most others I liked it much more than my Pasche VL and Badger 100LG. However, Iwata took away ALL my airbrushing headaches and gave me far better quality. To me that’s worth the extra $15-$20. I’ve never tried an Omni but they come highly regarded as well.
I would say the best airbrush for the price out of the better models is the Omni 4000.
The Iwata Eclipse CS is only about $20 more so if money is a factor then go with the Omni, if not then the Iwata is also an excellent choice. If even the Omni 4000 gravity feed is more than you want to spend then you might look at the siphon-fed models of airbrushes. The Omni 3000 is around $60 without the airhose, the Badger Anthem kit is $66 from Dixie and comes with air hose, bottles, etc. The Paasche VL kit will run you $59 for the same type of kit as the Anthem I mentioned.
I hope this helps.
Mike
I bought my Aztek before they were even called Aztek! It was still under the Testor’s name back then. Now I own two of them. Still use them, still love them.
I’ve never had the opportunity to use any of the others listed in this post and never had any reason to, either. I doubt that I’ll buy another airbrush of any kind until my Azteks break. Oops, wait a minute! Azteks are virtually indestructable! I guess I’ll be using mine for a very long time… happily.
In the proud minority,
Mark
I have used Badger owned an aztec that was given, but still prefer my Iwata brushes the most.
I was interested in the Aztec due to the splatter tip, but the brush wasn’t to my liking.
You want to know how to get a spatter pattern out of any airbrush?
This is a trick invented by T-shirt airbrush astists:
Hold the airbrush with one hand and hold a clothespin or popsicle stick in the other hand. Put the airbrush tip up against the stick at a 45 degree angle or so and spray paint out of the airbrush which deflects off the popsicle stick/clothespin onto the object you are painting in small droplets.
The closer you are to the object being painted, the smaller the dots will be. [;)][8D]
Mike
Mike.
Thanks, need to try that one.
There is a certain effect that I hope to use it on, I got 3 Bike models that should have a very strange metallic effect and I think this might work.
Thanks, again.
This is how the effect looks on material like this pellon practice sheet I painted this on:
You can use some black, some purple, and some gray paints one after the other and achieve a good representation of granite. I like to keep the airbrush moving in clockwise circles to get an even coverage on what I am painting.
Mike
Thanks, for the Pic.
I think that will work.
The paint effect is very strange and was used on some custom Bikes.
It looks like different coloured metallic flakes were imbedded into a clear coat covering the Tank, Fenders and even the frame after they were painted.
Standard colour schemes were
1.) Copper
2.) Aluminum & red
3.) Metallic green
I want to try to replicate this using different metalic paints and the technique you used.
Will also try that on some rocks for a 1/6 scale Dio I got half-finished.
Thanks, again much appreciated.
MMF,
You are welcome my friend. I hope you can replicate what you are looking for. [;)]
Mike
Hey johnwayne, did you get a new airbrush yet? What is your current airbrush that you are trying to upgrade? How much are you looking to spend?
The Iwata Revolution airbrush; gravity feed, double action is priced at only $59.00 at www.Dixieart.com. Not sure what your spraying will be for your modeling but this is one awesome airbrush! It handles all paints from acrylics to laquers with ease. The .5mm is sutible for our thicker hobby paints and is able to spray fine lines as well as Iwatas higher-end brushes. The quality is typical Iwata without the high price. Lastly the parts are not as expensive either…good for us! Check the Revolution out, I know I couldn’t be happier with this airbrush.
Being a trained artist, I have a Badger (that I bought in 12th grade) that I used through college and still do. I have also obtained 2 Paasches and an Aztech. All of these brushes have thier strong and weak points. My only advice is to get one and learn how to use it. If you have friends with different airbrushes, ask them if you could try them out.
aztec = teh sux
This was painted with an Aztek. So it’s not just the instrument but the hands that wield them. [;)][:D]
Mike
Well my Aztek crapped out yesterday…I soaked the airbrush overnight after some serious clogging. Now the air portion of the trigger does not work, and since it’s a molded body I can’t tear it apart to fix it. It started as a dual now it’s a single!! LOL As much as I enjoyed the option of changing tips on a wim, I’ll leave it as it is…a starter brush. Now it’s time for that Omni!!! Hopefully I’ll get it this weekend, and I’ll let you know how it works