As the title says, I have been away from scale models for awhile. Anyway I have some airbrush related questions.
Back in 1998 I bought the A470 Aztek airbrush (and no I no longer have the warranty card or the paperwork - even the video is missing). I just read on here this evening that some folks were having some problems with theirs, and other folks swear by them. Well, I am having some issues with mine. If it means anything, I am using a W.R. Brown Diaphram compressor with a Badger pressure regulator/trap on it. There’s my set up - hack away.
However, in the 7 years that I didn’t do scale models, I developed wrist problems (among other things) and I really hate the 470’s trigger action and was wondering about a replacement airbrush with a much smoother action - something comfortable, easy to use and clean - and something thats easy to learn with because I am basically having to start all over. Single action or double action doesn’t bother me either way (I did have Badger and Paasche in mind for manufacturers) but I was wondering about what you folks would think about it. Parts availability is important though. Thanks.
I dont know enough to comment on your compressor etc but I have seen some Iwata Airbrushes that have a trigger grip which may be useful for you, I think they are the TR range. I’m sure other people with way more knowledge can tell you if they are any good.
Trigger on top would probably be better than a pistol grip type. So far the Aztek is comfortable to hold, its the fact that I have to hold back the trigger that’s getting to me. That’s why I’m starting to think single action. Push instead of push and pull at the same time.
It sounds like that you want a single action, internal mix airbrush. The badger 200 series should fit the bill. You have a choice of siphon and gravity feed.
The gravity feed 200G may match better with your diaphram driven compressor.
Another option is the Badger 150. It is a double action airbrush, but the old model has a set screw (parts #50-043) to allow the user to pre-set the paint level to simulate a single action. However, the latest picture on the Badger web site does not show the set screw anymore. Down load the manuel and call Badger to verify if the 150 still has the pre-set option before you buy.
With a double-action airbrush you can loosen the needle spring tension and make it softer to pull back. If you want a siphon-feed model I would recommend the Badger Anthem 155, if you want a gravity-feed model the Badger 100LG, and Omni 4000 are great. There is also the new 105 Patriot coming out that is a gravity-feed version of the 155 Anthem.
I fired up the 470 and sprayed water through it (to eliminate paint from being a factor) and…
Sometimes, mid-pass - paint flow (in this case water) stopped - then started again,and this was using the single action mode. And yes the brush is clean. I also unhooked the jar to see if this was an air pressure problem - blows air just fine - however put the jar back on and it keeps doing it. That doesn’t sound right does it? Might explain some ruined finishes too…
I was just messing with my Iwata CR Revolution. And noticed that I use my right forefiger to press and pull back (it is a Double action A/B), but I have to bend my wrist to aim it.
Would this cause a problem with your wrist?
If so maybe try the Aztec with the Bret Green method. He cups the A/B in his hand and use his thumb to press and pull.
Using the thumb…just tried it - would take a lot of practice to get used to it.
I did notice something else though.
I’ve been using the 470 periodically today to test paint/thinner ratios and I found out something else. My general use (gray) and high flow nozzles (aqua) just spatter and make a mess - the fine line (tan) nozzle is the only one so far I’ve used that actually works normal. And I thought I was going crazy. Put the tan nozzle in and got the best finish I’ve achieved in probably ever. I still don’t care for the trigger but this nozzle issue worries me because this airbrush really doesn’t have much time or use on it (only used it 3 months out of the year from 1998-2002 and even then it wasn’t everyday or anything). So I may in fact shelve the 470 and get a replacement - still not quite sure with what though. I am having a hard time finding Badger dealers and the kits they offer aren’t quite what I want.
I would like either a Badger 350 or a 200 - I found a nice 350 kit but a nice 200 kit seems to elude me at the moment.
I’m still using my Aztek A470 metal version (my first AB). Mainly for spraying landscaping( for Architectural model ). But if you have a wrist problem. You are better off using a pistol trigger type airbrush. It is more ergonomic feel. And you will brush longer with it. And you can switch finger between an index and middle finger. I swear by this 'coz my main brush is a Iwata Kustom TR. Detailing and short brushing I use infinity and Iwata Eclipse SBS.
