Picture this, 4 free days of modelling bliss, a KV-2 ready to be made into a diorama masterpiece complete with a BMW R75 with sidecar and bicycles all with PE of course. Hours scanning photos for that perfect idea, on the cusp of greatness I tell ya... but...there is a problem.
The nightmare begins.
First it starts with my usually trusty Aztek A470M, now now don't get nasty. I've had it for over 3 years and has been pretty good to me. Using the tan nozzle I couldn't close it so spraying fine lines was out of the question. I didn't know do I need a new nozzle or is there something wrong with the adjustable screw. Also, the trigger wouldn't spring back into position quickly. It felt like it was stuck sometimes. I know that paint had leaked into the body, so wasn't sure if this was normal after some time. Curiosity got the better of me and I decided to open it up knowing I would void the warranty, but since mine had a metal body and two screws holding it together I went ahead. The inside was chock a block full off paint built up over a long time. Eventually I cleaned all the inside and parts. That would explain the sluggish trigger performance, but what about spraying fine lines and fully closing the needle? I put it back together and felt rather proud I had repaired an infamous Aztek, but as they say don't count your chickens! Time of reckoning had arrived. I loaded it up with paint (MM acrylics) and sprayed. Still couldn't spray fine lines and spitting to boot, then came the leaking out the bottom of the body. Aaaaarrrgghhh. Anyway, to cut a long story short, my 4 days of modelling nirvana evaporated. After racking my brains thinking about what was wrong I took it apart again and attached the cup with water in it to see where it was coming out. To my surprise there was a hairline crack between the two cup attachment outlets. I thought it was made out of some fandangled stronger than metal polymer resin plastic. A hairline fracture robbed me. I think that the crack existed there for some time as there was so much dried paint on the inside and when I cleaned it it probably cleaned the crack as well. How it got there I don't know. I've already sent an email through the Testors website. Do you think they will repair it FOC or charge me? I live in South Korea so I'm desperate for a fast turnaround time. Has anyone experienced this problem also? You can not get replacement internal parts as far as I know. Up until that time it worked very well for me so I'd like to continue with it.
If you've had dealings with Testors before let me know. I would appreciate any info whatsoever.
Thanks for reading it's been very therapeutic.
Hosted by Matt Leese
Aztek disaster!
elph
Member Since: November 13, 2005
entire network: 319 Posts
KitMaker Network: 46 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 01:46 AM UTC
ws48
Member Since: January 30, 2004
entire network: 247 Posts
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Posted: Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 05:50 AM UTC
I sent a 470 back to Testors that would not spray with any nozzle. It was repaired or replaced and returned at no charge.
I never was pleased with the 470. I have since bought an Iwata HP-C Plus for general spraying and a Tamiya Superfine for detail work. The 470 is in a box somewhere and I would not even consider using it again.
I never was pleased with the 470. I have since bought an Iwata HP-C Plus for general spraying and a Tamiya Superfine for detail work. The 470 is in a box somewhere and I would not even consider using it again.
SSGToms
Member Since: April 02, 2005
entire network: 3,608 Posts
KitMaker Network: 512 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 09:11 AM UTC
I had a metal 470 for years and Testors did replace it once free of charge. I never did get the consistency of performance I wanted and have since switched to an Iwata.
elph
Member Since: November 13, 2005
entire network: 319 Posts
KitMaker Network: 46 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 12:29 PM UTC
Iv'e been considering an Iwata, but would like to keep my 470 for general purpose spraying. I guess I'll send it back and hope they fix it for free. Thanks anyway.
Silantra
Member Since: March 04, 2004
entire network: 2,511 Posts
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Posted: Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 01:29 PM UTC
Bret, just send the body to testor and they will replace a new body free of charge. I did this twice so far.
Only a few months ago i sold my aztek and bought an Iwata...
here's a copy of testor email which was written to me a few years back....
I paste it here for your reference..
**********************************************************************************************************
Dear Hobbyist,
Thank you for purchasing the Aztek airbrush you now possess. The Testor Corporation is proud of the Aztek line of airbrushes. We feel that our line of airbrushes are some of the easiest to use and most maintenance free airbrushes on the market today.
As with any delicate instrument that is produced, things may malfunction and/or just plain, wear out. The Aztek airbrushes (A320, A430, A470, A7778, A480 or 3000S) are covered under their warranty; as long as the airbrush has not been misused, taken apart, or consumer damaged. Consumer Damage is considered: improperly cleaning the airbrushes, dropping, stepping on or throwing the airbrushes. We also will not replace airbrushes that have been damaged due to an animal chewing on the body.
If you feel your airbrush is not working properly and is covered by a warranty (3000S, A320, A430, A470, A480 & A7778.) Please send it to us for evaluation using UPS, Fed-Ex, Certified or Registered Mail. We cannot be held responsible for airbrushes lost in transit, without a tracking number.
Please send the airbrush BODY ONLY (no hoses, adapters, nozzles or cases) along with a brief letter explaining the difficulties you are experiencing, and a physical return address to:
The Testor Corporation
Attn: Aztek Returns
440 Blackhawk Park Ave.
Rockford, IL 61104
Upon arrival of your return, our technicians will inspect the airbrush to see if it qualifies for a warranty replacement. If the airbrush is under warranty and defective due to craftsmanship, we will then replace the airbrush with either a new or refurbished body, whichever is readily available. Please keep in mind that this process can take between 1 - 3 weeks, depending on how soon we receive your return.
We thank you for your cooperation in this process and for purchasing from the Aztek line of airbrushes.
Sincerely,
Amanda Eldon
The Testor Corporation
Customer Service Department.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cheers,
Zaidi
Only a few months ago i sold my aztek and bought an Iwata...
here's a copy of testor email which was written to me a few years back....
I paste it here for your reference..
**********************************************************************************************************
Dear Hobbyist,
Thank you for purchasing the Aztek airbrush you now possess. The Testor Corporation is proud of the Aztek line of airbrushes. We feel that our line of airbrushes are some of the easiest to use and most maintenance free airbrushes on the market today.
As with any delicate instrument that is produced, things may malfunction and/or just plain, wear out. The Aztek airbrushes (A320, A430, A470, A7778, A480 or 3000S) are covered under their warranty; as long as the airbrush has not been misused, taken apart, or consumer damaged. Consumer Damage is considered: improperly cleaning the airbrushes, dropping, stepping on or throwing the airbrushes. We also will not replace airbrushes that have been damaged due to an animal chewing on the body.
If you feel your airbrush is not working properly and is covered by a warranty (3000S, A320, A430, A470, A480 & A7778.) Please send it to us for evaluation using UPS, Fed-Ex, Certified or Registered Mail. We cannot be held responsible for airbrushes lost in transit, without a tracking number.
Please send the airbrush BODY ONLY (no hoses, adapters, nozzles or cases) along with a brief letter explaining the difficulties you are experiencing, and a physical return address to:
The Testor Corporation
Attn: Aztek Returns
440 Blackhawk Park Ave.
Rockford, IL 61104
Upon arrival of your return, our technicians will inspect the airbrush to see if it qualifies for a warranty replacement. If the airbrush is under warranty and defective due to craftsmanship, we will then replace the airbrush with either a new or refurbished body, whichever is readily available. Please keep in mind that this process can take between 1 - 3 weeks, depending on how soon we receive your return.
We thank you for your cooperation in this process and for purchasing from the Aztek line of airbrushes.
Sincerely,
Amanda Eldon
The Testor Corporation
Customer Service Department.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cheers,
Zaidi
keenan
Member Since: October 16, 2002
entire network: 5,272 Posts
KitMaker Network: 2,192 Posts
Posted: Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 12:55 AM UTC
They replaced one for me too, no charge.
Shaun
Shaun
elph
Member Since: November 13, 2005
entire network: 319 Posts
KitMaker Network: 46 Posts
Posted: Friday, December 28, 2007 - 02:02 AM UTC
I got a reply today and they said they were willing to overlook my opening the airbrush. I can't tell you how relieved I was 
. I'll probably still buy an Iwata, any recommendations?
. I'll probably still buy an Iwata, any recommendations?
docdios
#036
Member Since: December 01, 2001
entire network: 1,998 Posts
KitMaker Network: 257 Posts
Posted: Friday, December 28, 2007 - 06:39 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I got a reply today and they said they were willing to overlook my opening the airbrush. I can't tell you how relieved I was
I have just started to use the Iwata TR-2 (review here ) and have been very suprised at how good and easy it it to use.
I have alos tried a aztec many years ago and gave it up as a bad job, my badger 200 was way better than the aztec.
cheers
keith
JimF
Member Since: July 05, 2002
entire network: 717 Posts
KitMaker Network: 0 Posts
Posted: Friday, December 28, 2007 - 06:43 AM UTC
You might want to look at the Iwata Revolution line; I have a Revolution CR (gravity-feed), an Eclipse BR, and an Eclipse SBS. All are well-machined, excellent paint atomizers. The CR goes for $70 USD and up, the others start at $100 USD and up. Parts are a little more expensive and may be a little harder to get, depending on the suppliers in your neck of the world, you you do get quality for your money.
SSGToms
Member Since: April 02, 2005
entire network: 3,608 Posts
KitMaker Network: 512 Posts
Posted: Friday, December 28, 2007 - 08:28 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I got a reply today and they said they were willing to overlook my opening the airbrush. I can't tell you how relieved I was
Brett, when I first bought my Iwata, I did the same thing, keeping my Aztec for "general" jobs and using the Iwata for precision jobs and camo patterns. But I found that if I used the Iwata and just opened it up more, it sprayed large coverage jobs better than the Aztec; I could spray from 1.5mm lines to the whole model without switching parts; and since I use arylics, I never have to take the airbrush apart to clean it. I shoot a cup of windex through it and hang it up, done. So it's actually easier and better than the Aztec in all aspects and all areas.
I have an Iwata Revolution CR - it has a .5mm needle and will spray a whole tank down to 1.5mm line.
I also have a Tamiya Spraywork HG - it has a .3mm needle and will shoot a less than 1mm wide line. Tamiya airbrushes are made by Iwata.
I have had both brushes for 6 years now and have never had a malfunction. Once a year I open them up and give them a thorough cleaning. Otherwise, I have never in the 6 years had to take them apart or replace any parts. These brushes are not shelf queens, either. I get in modeling time every day. I've owned many airbrushes in 40 years of modeling but I consider the quality, performance, durability and precision of these two airbrushes to be unmatched in my experience. If you like the Aztec, an Iwata will be a revelation for you.
Automaton
Member Since: August 12, 2007
entire network: 153 Posts
KitMaker Network: 13 Posts
Posted: Friday, December 28, 2007 - 04:30 PM UTC
[quote]I got a reply today and they said they were willing to overlook my opening the airbrush. I can't tell you how relieved I was . I'll probably still buy an Iwata, any recommendations?
[quote]
I don't think you'd regret buying an Iwata. The HP-CS (part of their "Eclipse" line, .35mm nozzle, gravity feed, 1/3 oz. color cup) is IMHO really hard to beat for modelling. The "Revolution" line are less expensive, I haven't tried them, but I've heard they're good, too. If I were "made of money", I might try an HP-Cplus. It looks like a VERY nice gun, and its .30mm nozzle would probably still be big enough to get along well with model paints, but it would probably be overkill for our purposes.
The HP-CS (especially with the tip removed) will spray as fine a line as modellers are likely to ever need, yet will still lay down a wide enough pattern to cover even relatively large kits quickly. The action is smooth and precise, the needle is a durable stainless steel, and the chrome is thick and mirror-smooth (read "easy to clean"). Needles are inexpensive, nozzles a bit more expensive, but not exhorbitant.
If you get an Iwata, be aware that you'll either have to get an Iwata hose or an adapter to go between their airbrush and someone else's hose. Iwata hoses are "standard" on the compressor/airtank end, but different (larger diameter) on the airbrush end. Also, I think a lot of people who've been using Aztecs exclusively for a long time become "spoiled" by one area where Aztecs are actually more durable than other airbrushes--resistance to chemical damage. If you've developed a habit of prolonged soaking of parts in thinners/brush cleaners, etc., remember that you'll have to be more careful in this regard with ANY "regular" chromed airbrush. Prolonged soaking in anything, and just the USE of some things, (including, some say, ammonia) can harm the finish, rendering it dull and harder to clean at best, or at worst even gradually dechroming it.
HTH;
Automaton
[quote]
I don't think you'd regret buying an Iwata. The HP-CS (part of their "Eclipse" line, .35mm nozzle, gravity feed, 1/3 oz. color cup) is IMHO really hard to beat for modelling. The "Revolution" line are less expensive, I haven't tried them, but I've heard they're good, too. If I were "made of money", I might try an HP-Cplus. It looks like a VERY nice gun, and its .30mm nozzle would probably still be big enough to get along well with model paints, but it would probably be overkill for our purposes.
The HP-CS (especially with the tip removed) will spray as fine a line as modellers are likely to ever need, yet will still lay down a wide enough pattern to cover even relatively large kits quickly. The action is smooth and precise, the needle is a durable stainless steel, and the chrome is thick and mirror-smooth (read "easy to clean"). Needles are inexpensive, nozzles a bit more expensive, but not exhorbitant.
If you get an Iwata, be aware that you'll either have to get an Iwata hose or an adapter to go between their airbrush and someone else's hose. Iwata hoses are "standard" on the compressor/airtank end, but different (larger diameter) on the airbrush end. Also, I think a lot of people who've been using Aztecs exclusively for a long time become "spoiled" by one area where Aztecs are actually more durable than other airbrushes--resistance to chemical damage. If you've developed a habit of prolonged soaking of parts in thinners/brush cleaners, etc., remember that you'll have to be more careful in this regard with ANY "regular" chromed airbrush. Prolonged soaking in anything, and just the USE of some things, (including, some say, ammonia) can harm the finish, rendering it dull and harder to clean at best, or at worst even gradually dechroming it.
HTH;
Automaton
elph
Member Since: November 13, 2005
entire network: 319 Posts
KitMaker Network: 46 Posts
Posted: Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 03:06 PM UTC
Thanks all for the advice. Choices choices... which one? I found a pretty good shop here in South Korea that I visited and prices seem to be reasonable and they have plenty of spares. It's also close to Japan so they can order anything if it's out of stock. I read the TR-2 review and am thinking about that or the Eclipse HP-SBS. I like the sidecup as I also build aircraft and need to get closer for detailed painting. Anyway, I might buy both for the heck of it.
Now come to think of it, it was probably good that my Aztek broke down, because now I'm convinced I must get an Iwata. Alls well that ends well
Now come to think of it, it was probably good that my Aztek broke down, because now I'm convinced I must get an Iwata. Alls well that ends well
Automaton
Member Since: August 12, 2007
entire network: 153 Posts
KitMaker Network: 13 Posts
Posted: Sunday, December 30, 2007 - 12:18 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I read the TR-2 review and am thinking about that or the Eclipse HP-SBS. I like the sidecup as I also build aircraft and need to get closer for detailed painting.
Don't hold me to this, but I believe you'll be able to use your Aztec paint cups with the SBS. I once saw a photo online somewhere in which a guy was using an Aztec cup on sidefeed Micron (CM-SB).
Automaton
JimF
Member Since: July 05, 2002
entire network: 717 Posts
KitMaker Network: 0 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, January 16, 2008 - 05:00 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextI read the TR-2 review and am thinking about that or the Eclipse HP-SBS. I like the sidecup as I also build aircraft and need to get closer for detailed painting.
Don't hold me to this, but I believe you'll be able to use your Aztec paint cups with the SBS. I once saw a photo online somewhere in which a guy was using an Aztec cup on sidefeed Micron (CM-SB).
Automaton
I use my Aztec side cups with my Eclipse SBS, particularly when I'm running cleaning solutions, water, etc. between color changes. The only use I have now for the Aztec 470 (hooked up with a surplus compressor) is as a blower gun for moving dust around on my build desk.
sgtkopp
Member Since: May 16, 2005
entire network: 103 Posts
KitMaker Network: 0 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, January 16, 2008 - 10:22 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I sent a 470 back to Testors that would not spray with any nozzle. It was repaired or replaced and returned at no charge.
I never was pleased with the 470. I have since bought an Iwata HP-C Plus for general spraying and a Tamiya Superfine for detail work. The 470 is in a box somewhere and I would not even consider using it again.
I also had a 470 and replaced it with a HP-C plus and have never looked back. Even the cleaning is faster and color changes is a 20 sec ordeal.
inqzitr
Member Since: January 10, 2008
entire network: 30 Posts
KitMaker Network: 30 Posts
Posted: Monday, April 14, 2008 - 06:02 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextQuoted TextI read the TR-2 review and am thinking about that or the Eclipse HP-SBS. I like the sidecup as I also build aircraft and need to get closer for detailed painting.
Don't hold me to this, but I believe you'll be able to use your Aztec paint cups with the SBS. I once saw a photo online somewhere in which a guy was using an Aztec cup on sidefeed Micron (CM-SB).
Automaton
I use them all the time with my SB if I want to have good solid paint flow (the intake is larger than the iwata side feeds).
I'm thinking of updating my entire 'collection' to side feeds- SBS, CM-SB and SB+ (which I already have...).
I like side feeds because they basically act like a gravity feed brush, but have detatchible cups. If you like painting multiple colors in sequence, then it's great (like if you are doing weathering, and spray dust, mud/gunk, blacks and rusts...).
I use my Aztec side cups with my Eclipse SBS, particularly when I'm running cleaning solutions, water, etc. between color changes. The only use I have now for the Aztec 470 (hooked up with a surplus compressor) is as a blower gun for moving dust around on my build desk.
inqzitr
Member Since: January 10, 2008
entire network: 30 Posts
KitMaker Network: 30 Posts
Posted: Monday, April 14, 2008 - 06:03 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextQuoted TextI read the TR-2 review and am thinking about that or the Eclipse HP-SBS. I like the sidecup as I also build aircraft and need to get closer for detailed painting.
Don't hold me to this, but I believe you'll be able to use your Aztec paint cups with the SBS. I once saw a photo online somewhere in which a guy was using an Aztec cup on sidefeed Micron (CM-SB).
Automaton
I use my Aztec side cups with my Eclipse SBS, particularly when I'm running cleaning solutions, water, etc. between color changes. The only use I have now for the Aztec 470 (hooked up with a surplus compressor) is as a blower gun for moving dust around on my build desk.
I use them all the time with my SB if I want to have good solid paint flow (the intake is larger than the iwata side feeds).
I'm thinking of updating my entire 'collection' to side feeds- SBS, CM-SB and SB+ (which I already have...).
I like side feeds because they basically act like a gravity feed brush, but have detatchible cups. If you like painting multiple colors in sequence, then it's great (like if you are doing weathering, and spray dust, mud/gunk, blacks and rusts...).
SgtDinkyduck
Member Since: April 20, 2004
entire network: 249 Posts
KitMaker Network: 0 Posts
Posted: Monday, May 05, 2008 - 05:31 PM UTC
this exact same thing happend to me. I ditched the Aztek and got a badger 155, the thing is a beautifull problem free brush.
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