Wal Mart Air Brushes?

So I may be getting an air brush for christmas, I asked nicely... My LHS has two, a super duper testors kit for $220 and and some uber-kit for $300+ ... both out of the question for my g/f. Wal Mart has two, one is about $100 and the other is some cheap-o testors piece for $50. For the life of me I can't remember the brand name (sorry) but has anyone used either of those airbrushes from walmart? Propellant can style is not an option, I want a compressor and these self-contained kits seem to be pretty affordable... These are at the Canadian walmart so I don't know if the Americans have the same products, as I can't find it on the website. It has a black case, if that helps

:p

use the search. there have been an over 18 page thread about that. Testor airbrushes are bad and not worth the money in any way.

I've used (and still use) the cheap testor air brush ($20 in US dollars) and worked well for me. Well, about as well as very well controlled spray can anyway. But yeah, not that great if you want intricate paint jobs, but decent if you just want simple/solid paint jobs.

Ya know, I have two of these Testors/Aztek airbrushes (the really really cheap ones!) and I use them more for everyday spraying than any of my others.

For one, they have a sealed body so they're easy to clean up. The heads can be taken apart for further heavy duty cleaning if need be (although Testors says not to do this). Parts are cheap and if ya ruin a head, toss it out and buy a new one (they're always on clearance somewhere). . .

Secondly, they just "get the job done". . . Let's face it, we're not paintin' a Picasso here . . . we're merely painting a model car body. The higher end airbrushes offer more control and features but, I have yet to use any of them while simply painting a model. Plus, they're a headache to clean. . . With the Testors/Aztek brushes, I can yank 'em out, spray what I need to, rinse them off and back in the box they go! No fuss, No muss! :lol:

If it weren't for the fact that I do most of my body painting with a full-size touch-up airbrush (which is better when using automotive paints), I'd have no problem using one of these airbrushes for body painting. . .

However, I DO use them for miscellaneous painting such as, interiors, trim, etc..

Good little workhorse of an airbrush and not really sure why they get such a bad wrap and beat up on in these forums??? :dunno:


use the search. there have been an over 18 page thread about that. Testor airbrushes are bad and not worth the money in any way.

I use my Aztek single action A270 to do most of the work. It's super easy to use and to clean. It's a step up from the A220. It's in the $30-40 range so your g/f should be able to afford that. Just becareful with the little trigger, it's easy to break it off.

but why buying a cheap Aztek at 40$ when you can get good badger airbrush for 60$ ?

Anyway, I used an Aztek a320, but I can't even compare it to the Badger 155 I use now (and they were the same price with the "testor package")

I did use the search function, but being that I didn't know the brand name of the OTHER airbrush at wal mart (not the testor's one, the black one) I felt the need to ask in a new thread.

The aztek doesn't look like the one I saw in walmart either...

Well no model, no brand, no picture.. we can'T really help you euh!

You guys are making the azteks look good and I have seen both of your works so you guys prove it that they are good. So is the a good set?http://www.testors.com/catalog_item.asp?itemNbr=43

Also, what is double action and is it worth it, and will the airbrush sets fit any compressor?

Well no model, no brand, no picture.. we can'T really help you euh!

ya, I know... I was hoping someone else had been to walmart recently and knew of it, or owned it. I guess I'll go get more details.

Also, what is double action and is it worth it, and will the airbrush sets fit any compressor?


You are a member here long enough to know what I see say :D

What kind of airbrush should I buy? (http://www.scalewiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=What_kind_of_airbrush_should_I_buy %3F)

This "kit" is a money waster. Stick with Spray Can if you don't want to pay at least 60$ on an airbrush.

I think I know which one you're talking about. It's found in the automotive section rather than the model section, no?

It's along the lines of the Badger 350 external but, it's not a Badger, it's crap! This type of airbrush is nothing but a hassle to use. They spit and sputter like there's no tomorrow and leak EVERYWHERE!

http://img475.imageshack.us/img475/4678/g6320sl.jpg

I guess what it boils down to is economics. If you can afford to buy a better airbrush, do so but, I can't justify a $20 increase for a few features that I just won't use . . . My point being, if ya want a nice, no hassle airbrush for not a lot of money, ya can't beat the Testors/Aztek brushes.

Higher end airbrushes are intended for artists which is why they offer so much control. How often do you lay a 1/16th inch line down on a model? On the other hand, a higher end airbrush is good for weathering and such!

Oh man. . .Choices Choices!!! :screwy:




ya, I know... I was hoping someone else had been to walmart recently and knew of it, or owned it. I guess I'll go get more details.

Nope, that's not it, but thanks. It IS in the model section, right beside the crappy testor's one. It's in a blue and white box, and the actual airbrush compressor itself pictured on the box is black with fins...

You are a member here long enough to know what I see say :D

What kind of airbrush should I buy? (http://www.scalewiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=What_kind_of_airbrush_should_I_buy %3F)

This "kit" is a money waster. Stick with Spray Can if you don't want to pay at least 60$ on an airbrush.


Yeah I have seen that thread but was to lazy to read it :p
I guess I'll go with the badgers or maybe the passche ones. Is the one you recomended come with every thing like hoses,etc. Also is the $60 in Canadian? :smile:

PS:sorry tigeraid for posting so much. :)

When it comes to airbrushes, opinions are like belly buttons, everybody has one. I painted this:
http://images12.fotki.com/v239/photos/2/224343/2125527/DSC00007-vi.jpg?700525
http://images12.fotki.com/v216/photos/2/224343/2125527/DSC00334-vi.jpg?700525
with one of these:
http://i24.ebayimg.com/04/i/05/86/ed/cd_1.JPG
Granted, I used Tamiya rattle can primer and clear. I also have an Aztek A320 single action internal mix that works great for everthing else. I prefer the other one because it lays down more paint for painting bodies, similar to but better than a good rattle can like Tamiya.

I have a buddy that has won numerous trophies at contests including several best paint awards using the "el cheapo" Testors model. Learn the basics of airbrushing with the less expensive models before spending big $$$ on high-end models. Then you might even find you don't need the high $$$ airbrushes. My buddy recently spent over $100 on a new Iwata, but still likes the Testors airbrush.

.

Is this the one you are talking about?
http://i1.ebayimg.com/01/i/04/75/34/5c_1_b.JPG
The airbrush is the A270 with three different tips. I don't have any experience with this one but it probably works fine.

As for the compressor, look in the hardware section of Wal-Mart for a 1hp 2 gal compressor set. Here in the US they sell for about $60-70. Much better than any hobby compressor for the $$$.

Also is the $60 in Canadian? :smile:



Look on EBay. My Badger 155 cost me 85$cnd with shipping and customs fees (in Canada). It come with hose and everything needed.

My point is why spending 50$ (plus taxes) on a cheap walmart airbrush when you can get much better for only 30$ more. I don't mind you get those crappy airbrush, It's not my money. But something I always look in life is bang for the buck. I don't want to trow 50$ on something crappy if I can get something much better for few more buck. Don't have those buck ? then wait...

btw those cheap external mix airbrush from Walmart are on sell on eBay for less 6$. It's hard to call something that cost less then 1 tamiya spray can "quality airbrush".

Dude Don"t Buy Anything From Wal_mart< Disgusting

Is this the one you are talking about?
http://i1.ebayimg.com/01/i/04/75/34/5c_1_b.JPG
The airbrush is the A270 with three different tips. I don't have any experience with this one but it probably works fine.

As for the compressor, look in the hardware section of Wal-Mart for a 1hp 2 gal compressor set. Here in the US they sell for about $60-70. Much better than any hobby compressor for the $$$.

That's the one! Thanks. Does it not have a compressor built in? What's the big black thing :D

i use the aztek A270 with the stupid testors mini-blue compressor. the airbrush seems to be fine, but in my not so expert opinion, i dont think the compressor is really strong enough. i haven't been able to spray acrylic paint yet unless it is farrrr too runny to look normal, and im guessing its a lack of pressure causing this. i really dont have a problem with enamels.. occasionally i can't get black to shoot too well, but other than that i do fine with them.

i dont have a lot of airbrush experience, or anything to compare it to, but the aztek is a good airbrush to learn on. its cheap, and not fancy, so you can get the hang of airbrushing without having to worry about all the advanced features right away. you can buy it on ebay for about $20 USD. http://cgi.ebay.com/AZTEK-A270-Airbrush-Propellant-Instructional-Video_W0QQitemZ8238312261QQcategoryZ28111QQssPageN ameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

to be honest, when it comes down to it, i prefer using spray cans since clean up is about 5 seconds (inverting the can and spraying) and i don't have to worry about thinning the paint properly. only downside is the color selection is a smaller (for testors), but there arae a couple can colors that you cant get in jars.. oh yeah and i haven't found flat or semigloss colors by testors yet either...

:bloated:

That's the one! Thanks. Does it not have a compressor built in? What's the big black thing :D
That black thingie is a compressor. I wouldn't waste my money on it.

I am a new member who just joined this forum...I am an owner of this thing so I think I can provide you with a good review.

Needless to say, I am a beginner in this hobby. I bought this in Walmart about two months ago and has been using this ever since. I do not know what quality you can get with some real good quality airbrushes because I never own one. My goal is to just get the cheapest tools available (this is an expensive hobby)... :)

However, I must say this airbrush fits my needs.

I only use it to spray things like the interior, engine details, suspension details and pretty much everything you can think of that requires an airbrush. Except I never use it to spary paint the body, as I always use a spray can. So cannot comment on how well it does.

The black compressor is good enough for spraying. But the biggest drawback is you cannot control the pressure.

Cleaing is very simple if you use acrylics. Just use water to clean the parts and you are done. Takes me less than 2 minutes.

I would say go for it if you are really tight on budget like me.

Winston

I am a new member who just joined this forum...I am an owner of this thing so I think I can provide you with a good review.

Needless to say, I am a beginner in this hobby. I bought this in Walmart about two months ago and has been using this ever since. I do not know what quality you can get with some real good quality airbrushes because I never own one. My goal is to just get the cheapest tools available (this is an expensive hobby)... :)

However, I must say this airbrush fits my needs.

I only use it to spray things like the interior, engine details, suspension details and pretty much everything you can think of that requires an airbrush. Except I never use it to spary paint the body, as I always use a spray can. So cannot comment on how well it does.

The black compressor is good enough for spraying. But the biggest drawback is you cannot control the pressure.

Cleaing is very simple if you use acrylics. Just use water to clean the parts and you are done. Takes me less than 2 minutes.

I would say go for it if you are really tight on budget like me.

Winston


any pics of your work?

I will attempt to post some pics of my 300ZX (Note that the red is sprayed with Tamiya Italian Red spray can and most of the other stuff is sprayed with the airbrush except small details):

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/379173300ZX01.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/379173300ZX03.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/379173300ZX02.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/379173300ZX04.jpg

On my experience with both kind of airbrushes, plastic(Testors) and metal(Badger and Paasche), I have to say that all of you are right in all the aspects you guys defend.

Plastic could be a very good toll for paint front car bodies, interiors, engine parts, to some complex camouflge artworks on military stuff. It's also true that at the time of cleaning(this is the part that have some modelers very far away to enter the airbrush express) this kind of plastic airbrushes has a good advantage over metal ones, like Badgers. Acutually, the tip/needle combo, it's the only part you can put apart in pieces on this kind of airbrushes. I use this kind of airbushes just for interior, engine parts, and small parts.

I found that metal ones should be considered as "real" airbrushes. An average airbrush, like my Badger Crescendo 175, can do almost any kind of airbrush work. I find that them with the right thinner/paint/air preasure combination can take you a perfect paint job, you will just need the only "real" tool....Ability!


Like I said at the beginning, both airbrushes can do great jobs. Like we said in spanish in Puerto Rico:

"No es la flecha, es el indio"...

that means in english:"It's not the arrow, it's the indian(who throws it)"

These are some of the models I had paint using both airbrushes:


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/gsl05_00183.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/gsl05_00177.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/FerrarienBirmingham.jpg

great models!

well let me say this....

the first airbrusch i bought was an Aztec, cheap from Wal-mart. it was my first and i loved it cus i could spray custom colors. but it broke in a few months. it was an areosol can type. i paid like $15 for it plus i bought about 4 aero cans so total cost of use was $55.

Then i bought a single action Paasche, very similar to Badger 150. it was even better, it sprayed alot more even and constistant then Aztec.
i spent $55 for it plus i had to replace the tip once for $8 so total cost was $63.

Then i bought an Iwata Revolution for $90. Its incredible compared to the others and i can use it for so many different things. i will never have to buy another airbrusch again! (or until i get like Phil and have different airbrushes for color, metallics and clear ;) ).

the point is.....

I spent about $120 dollars on cheap airbrushs when i could have just bought a good one for $90 that ill never have to replace. So its your choice but i would have your GF buy you a nice airbrush now and worry about getting a compressor later. like any tool, buy the best you can afford.

this doesnt include my compressor, $150 for a Paasche D500. but you can get cheaper compressors.

^^^ what is your Iwata revolution? I'm getting a SAR would like reviews about it.

^^^ what is your Iwata revolution? I'm getting a SAR would like reviews about it.

I've got a Revolution CR Dual Action gravity feed. I havent sprayed a body with it but I have sprayed many parts with great control. I still like cans for body color. i would spend money on the dual action or buy a cheaper Badger single action.
:2cents:

most of your local cheap tool shops such as harbor freight, and this place we have here in Oklahoma called Steve's Wholesale Tools, will have inexpensive good quality air brushes. I bought a dual action internal mix from harbor freight for $12 and it is as good or better than the badger I broke. yeah, I BROKE an airbrush, they don't like being dropped on concrete.

here's one for $10 usd. it's not the best but it's a lot better than that cheapo testors kind. I have one of these and it's actually very good for a beginner air brush.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=47791[/url]