k0ua
Epic Contributor
Good Points!
James K0UA
Air Compressors??
- Thread starter Airedale
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Good Points!
James K0UA
Are you sure you need to go the pneumatic tool route?
Pneumatic tools remove sparking/electrocution hazards in flammable or wet shops.
If these conditions aren't a factor, electric tools are more efficient and convenient with no need to run a big compressor.
In my shop, I get by easily with a small 120v for tire pumping, blowing and paint spraying needs, and use electric for the tools.
Pneumatic tools remove sparking/electrocution hazards in flammable or wet shops.
If these conditions aren't a factor, electric tools are more efficient and convenient with no need to run a big compressor.
In my shop, I get by easily with a small 120v for tire pumping, blowing and paint spraying needs, and use electric for the tools.
Bird
Rest in Peace
I think I'd have to disagree with that. Generally speaking, electric tools are cheaper, but heavier, more awkward to use, and less powerful. Yes, I know you can find an exception to every rule, but they really are the exception. I've owned two electric half inch impacts and that's just fine if you don't have a compressor, but they were considerably heavier and less powerful. There are some electric drills that are very powerful, but also heavier, and I know of some pneumatic drills that are far superior. I've also owned electric angle grinders. They'll do the job, but the pneumatic ones I've used were so much nicer.Bird,
You're right on the power to weight and ease of use of pneumatics - if the compressor is big enough. They are nicer.
But by electric tools being more efficient, I mean for the homeowner / part time shop user, the overall cost of electric is much less. More efficient use of your dollars. Also it's more convenient in that you don't need 220v if it's not available, a big tank taking up garage space or have to wait for pressure if it hasn't been used for awhile.
For professional, daily shop use, or someone who needs the best and has the cash, everything pneumatic, yes. For most homeowners, it's not needed.
Another possibility too, is combining both electric and lower consumption air tools like the impact tools, with a smaller 120v compressor. They take less air than the air motors like grinders. A smaller 120v compressor will handle a 1/2" impact wrench. Personally I just wouldn't go with a big 220v compressor unless I worked in the shop more fulltime.
You're right on the power to weight and ease of use of pneumatics - if the compressor is big enough. They are nicer.
But by electric tools being more efficient, I mean for the homeowner / part time shop user, the overall cost of electric is much less. More efficient use of your dollars. Also it's more convenient in that you don't need 220v if it's not available, a big tank taking up garage space or have to wait for pressure if it hasn't been used for awhile.
For professional, daily shop use, or someone who needs the best and has the cash, everything pneumatic, yes. For most homeowners, it's not needed.
Another possibility too, is combining both electric and lower consumption air tools like the impact tools, with a smaller 120v compressor. They take less air than the air motors like grinders. A smaller 120v compressor will handle a 1/2" impact wrench. Personally I just wouldn't go with a big 220v compressor unless I worked in the shop more fulltime.
Bird
Rest in Peace
OK, David, I agree.
radioman
Super Member
I had a 3 hp hotdog devilbliss compressor for 9 years until the brushes finally burned up. I used it for everything, impact wrench, rachet, blowgun, fill air, touch up spray painting, air chisel. Granted I have to keep waiting for air, but once I got the air needed, I was able to use it in short bursts. It did fine as long you had the patience. I ended up with largest kobalt 120v twin pumps. and its so much better then before. I agree that you should buy the largest one you can afford, it will giv eyou less aggravation. Granted I wont be able to sandblast contiunously, but at least I'll have a semi portable unit on 120volts. I think it all depends on your current needs.
That's what we do.
The big air grinders will really tax even a good size compressor.
They cost more, have less torque for the money, get really cold, cause the compressor to make a lot of water, and need expensive high volume piping, hoses, & fittings, for best performance.
Get 2 or 3 guys using one at the same time, and a 10 hp, 2 stage compressor falls behind.
Bigger than a 5" disc grinder, or buffer, I prefer to use electric. So do 9 out of 10 guys I have worked with.
I currently have a Hitachi 18 amp, 9" electric grinder that only cost $140. It's incredibly powerful, you cannot stall it. Your going to pay most of that for a good 1/2" air hose, and high volume fittings. And, you still have to buy the grinder.
Soundguy
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sanders, drills and angle grinders I like electric.
impact gun and a die grinder I like air power.
soundguy
impact gun and a die grinder I like air power.
soundguy
Bird
Rest in Peace
When I was repairing air tools, one of my customers had several Sioux 7" 1285 grinders; pneumatic, of course. They were far out of my price range, and of course, bigger and more powerful than I ever needed, but WOW! Talk about fine tools. I could repair them and check them for proper operation with my 60 gallon 230 volt V-twin compressor, but that would not have been enough compressor to work much with them.:laughing:
