Aztek Airbrushes....Do they do a good job?

[mondotrains]

Hi,
I've seen the Aztek A7778 airbrush, which has an ergonomically designed METAL handle and wondered if it is better than the one I have. Apparently, this model comes with different nozzles from fine-line to high-flow. I currently use a Badger that only has one nozzle and wondered if the different nozzles would offer me some advantages that I'm not aware of. Both the Badger I have and the Aztek A7778 are double-action internal mix airbrushes.

Would it be worthwhile to have both in my****nal of tools or should I just stick with the Badger which I have mastered already?

Thanks in advance for any help.
Mondo

[tommyr]

I have one & I am more than happy with it. Having the different nozzles is a real bonus. I had a Badger single action for about 20 years. It took a bit of practice to get used to the double action. I ca't say the Aztec is any better than the Badger except for the ability to change nozzles to suit the job.
Tom

[Anonymous]

What about a "adjustable" nozzle?

[mondotrains]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tommyr

I have one & I am more than happy with it. Having the different nozzles is a real bonus. I had a Badger single action for about 20 years. It took a bit of practice to get used to the double action. I ca't say the Aztec is any better than the Badger except for the ability to change nozzles to suit the job.
Tom

Hi Tom,
I appreciate your input above. I really don't understand why one needs the different nozzles. With my Badger, I can adjust the pattern from tight to wide by pulling back on the trigger. Therefore, I can go from a wide pattern spray to a tight pattern. Can you explain the use of the different nozzles on the Aztek? Also, I've found that the Badger tends to clog up on the tip of the nozzle often and I have to stop and pick at it with my fingers. Does this happen with the Aztek?

Thank you,
Mondo

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mondotrains


I've seen the Aztek A7778 airbrush, which has an ergonomically designed METAL handle and wondered if it is better than the one I have.

I used a Paacshe for years and dropped it. It broke, not fixable. My generous spouse bought me an "expensive" Aztek. I have not had good luck with it at all. The air feed line input threading is non-standard, so that you have to use a special air hose. They don't make a high quality air feed line hose. Some types of paint don't feed well, it is splattery, and after only a couple of months the "double action" broke so now it is only a single action. sigh, I need to get around to sending it back. I don't even notice the ergonomic design while using it, other than the air hose comes out behind my hand rather than in front.

QUOTE: Apparently, this model comes with different nozzles from fine-line to high-flow. I currently use a Badger that only has one nozzle and wondered if the different nozzles would offer me some advantages that I'm not aware of.

Don't know what advantages you are aware of. But if you use different types of paint and want different effects it really helps to have the right nozzle. The different nozzles do the work instead of having to learn how to manipulate the brush for whatever you are trying to do. I would hate to try to do a pinstripe with a general purpose nozzle.

QUOTE:
Would it be worthwhile to have both in my****nal of tools or should I just stick with the Badger which I have mastered already?

If you have mastered everything that you want to do with your existing brush I would say, "no it's not worth it".

[mondotrains]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Texas Zepher

QUOTE: Originally posted by mondotrains


I've seen the Aztek A7778 airbrush, which has an ergonomically designed METAL handle and wondered if it is better than the one I have.

I used a Paacshe for years and dropped it. It broke, not fixable. My generous spouse bought me an "expensive" Aztek. I have not had good luck with it at all. The air feed line input threading is non-standard, so that you have to use a special air hose. They don't make a high quality air feed line hose. Some types of paint don't feed well, it is splattery, and after only a couple of months the "double action" broke so now it is only a single action. sigh, I need to get around to sending it back. I don't even notice the ergonomic design while using it, other than the air hose comes out behind my hand rather than in front.

QUOTE: Apparently, this model comes with different nozzles from fine-line to high-flow. I currently use a Badger that only has one nozzle and wondered if the different nozzles would offer me some advantages that I'm not aware of.

Don't know what advantages you are aware of. But if you use different types of paint and want different effects it really helps to have the right nozzle. The different nozzles do the work instead of having to learn how to manipulate the brush for whatever you are trying to do. I would hate to try to do a pinstripe with a general purpose nozzle.

QUOTE:
Would it be worthwhile to have both in my****nal of tools or should I just stick with the Badger which I have mastered already?

If you have mastered everything that you want to do with your existing brush I would say, "no it's not worth it".

Hi Texas Zepher,
I think you just saved me a lot of money. I really appreciate your candid response. I especially enjoyed your question as to whether I have mastered everything I want to do with my Badger. For now, I have. I think I'll just keep enjoying my Badger airbrush.

[tommyr]

Hi Mondo
Texas Zepher said it pretty well. If you are using different types of paints it is handy to have varying sizes of nozzles. I like to use the larger size for painting large areas & the smaller to add weathering . Hope this answers your question..
Tom

[AntonioFP45]

TommyR,

Cool photo. Could you tell us more about your layout and more photos? You can even create a thread on it.

As for airbrushes guys, it's like purchasing a car. Whether an Iwata, Badger, Paasche, etc., talk to owners but find out what type of materials they're using and their maintenance routine! Clean well after each use and performance will always be at its best.

I'm switching over to the Badger after 15+ years with my Paashe VL. Good airbrush, but I dropped it on a hard floor and it hasn't been the same since, no matter how many times I take it apart and try to repair it.

[tommyr]

AntonioFP45
Thanx for the compliment. I am modeling a branch of the Canadian Pacific. It is in a 12' by 8' room. I t is adouble level point to point. The upper level is reached via an elevator in the room next door. I am going to replace the elavator with a helix in the near future. I posted pics in the weekend photo fun a couple of weeks ago.
Tom

[Anonymous]

HI I was using the Aztek when it was a testors line I have had several of them and had many problems 1. they do not clean as easy as they clame 2. I had two of the double action, the air line inside the body broke. I could sent them in to get fixed but I just keep putting it off ( my own falt) If you use water base you might have better luck than oil base.

[Anonymous]

I have used a paasche for a long time,wasnt happy with the paint clogs and quality of spray width.
I purchased an iwata eclipse a while back and its like night and day,like they say keepit clean and your good to go....
It sure is nice to be doing 2 hobbies at once..