After not touching a model in 20 years, I have taken the plunge and started building again. I bought an Aztek airbrush and a Testors mini compressor and this is where the problem starts. I have tried the airbrush in both single action and double action modes, but apart from an initial puff of paint I get nothing. I have tried different nozzles and even tried spraying water in case I had the consistency wrong, but to no avail.

I last used an old Badger many years ago and my recollection was that the flow of air was stronger than I seem to be getting through the Aztek. If I blow air through the brush, without any paint, I cannot feel even the slightest breeze more than about 4 - 5 inches from the nozzle. Is this right?

I am at a loss and would welcome any suggestions -
- is it the compressor?
- is the regulator too restrictive?
- is it the airbrush?
- or is it just me?

Thanks,
Iain

A few possible problems I can think of. Most likely is that there is something blocking the air flow in the air brush. You will need to take it apart and clean out the the tips with solvent and brush until you can see light through them.

Also, make sure that the air hose is tightly connected to the air brush and compressor.

To check if you are getting good air flow from the compressor, remove the hose , place you thoumb over the air compressor valve and see if it build up pressure(set to 20 psi so its not too high). Put the hose on it and do the same thing at the end of the hose to see if you have air flow there.

Basically try to isolate in sections where the pressure loss is happening. If you have air at connection A but no air at connection B, something is wrong with section B.

Sean

Thanks for the advice Sean. The brush and compressor are both brand new - only received them yesterday, so was obviously a bit disappointed. I pulled everything apart, checked for blockages and could see nothing obvious except for what I imagine is the regulator - a small white piece inside the end of the hose where it attaches to the compressor. This has a tiny hole to let the air through, but seems to restrict it severely.

In desparation, I went through my old tool boxes and much to my surprise, found the original single action Badger. This had been hidden so long that the foam inside the case had totally disintegrated and stuck to the brush. Half an hour and a bit of elbow grease and I had the old airbrush looking reasonable. Unfortunately, the air hose had long since vanished, so it was down to the local hobby shop. No Badger spares, but they did have a Revell air hose which looked about right. To cut this long story a bit shorter, the Revell air hose, badger airbrush and Testors compressor worj fine together.

Having forked out £75 (probably about $125) for the brush, it is annoying that it doesn't do what it's meant to.

So once again, I appeal to the good folks on Armorama, what next? Are there alternative hoses for the Aztek that don't strnagle it? Unfortunately, the fittings are different to the Badger, so not interchangeable.

Help,
Iain

Can you return the defctive airbursh? I have the testors compressor and love. I have pretty good luck with a single action Paache F series air brush. I know alot of people love the Iwata's. someday I may try one, but the cost is a bit high (I think around 150 USD).


Sean