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Ford 9N, 2N & 8N Discussion Forum
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OT - Pneumatic Tools - Good Quality?

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Larry (MO)

06-23-2004 09:43:01




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I posted this same message on the off-tipic board but there is a much larger reader group on this one so I am posting here as well.

Thanks.

I recently bought a 6.5hp compressor (mainly for airing tires) at an auction for $50 and it works like a champ. I came with a drill, grinder, and a brad nailer. I was looking at the air tools at the store and they are about 1/3 the price of the electric tools that do the same thing.

Can you all share your thoughts on the quality of these air tools? Are they as good as the medium to high end electric (or battery) powered? Are there certain brands that are better than others? Is there any special maintenance needed on air tools other than a little oil on the moving parts?

Seems like a good way to get more tools and spend less money.

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Jeff

06-23-2004 19:40:54




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 Re: OT - Pneumatic Tools - Good Quality? in reply to Larry (MO), 06-23-2004 09:43:01  
Larry,

Ditto what Rob said about oiling the tools after use. In addition I would recommend spending another $30 and buy an oil/water filter to add to the line out. Helps catch the crud before going to the tools. I bought a Campbell Hausfield set on ebay (impact,grinder,shear,wratchet) and have had great results.

Safety & blue skies...

DJ



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souNdguy

06-23-2004 10:55:53




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 Re: OT - Pneumatic Tools - Good Quality? in reply to Larry (MO), 06-23-2004 09:43:01  
One reason why an air tool may be cheaper than an electric tool is power supply. Each electric tool has its own power supply ( electric motor ). On an air tool, the power supply is the compressor... That way you have one central power supply powering a multitude of tools. Of course.. battery powered ones offer you the flexibility of portability...

For non-pro work.. I've been pretty happy with cheapy air tools. like harbor freight.. etc. Likewise with things like electric screwguns.. etc... However I bought a 18v saw a while back and am not completely impressed with its performance...

Soundguy

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Eric ATL

06-23-2004 10:39:48




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 Re: OT - Pneumatic Tools - Good Quality? in reply to Larry (MO), 06-23-2004 09:43:01  
Finally something I know something about. I use all of the above. CFM's (not pressure) are your biggest issue. The air volume at which the pump recharges the tank. An impact wrench is a must. it uses a lot of air but is normally used in short bursts so it doesn't drain your tank too fast. They really don't make an electric replacement for it. Air drills are great but use ton of air on at a continuos rate. They'll drain your air faster than it can recharge. They also don't have the power of an electric. I have an industrial compressor that generates 25 CFM and it won't keep up with constant use of a drill. A die grinder is a good tool to have. Campbell Hausfeld is an OK brand. Fairly inexpensive, Good quality. I have a couple of Jet impact wrenches that are great. I'd steer away from off brands. I do have a Chicago Tool rivet gun that works good but I don't know about the rest of their tools. You really do get what you pay for. You have to ask yourself how much you will be using a particular tool. You may not use it enough to justify "top of the line". I have air, electric, and battery tools. They each serve a different purpose depending on the job I'm working on. I use electric most. Where the multitude of tools is handy is when I have to use two drills ,jig saw, impact wrench, router, air nailer, and an air finish nailer all on one job at once. It's just easier to have two extension cords, two air hoses, and my battery drills than constantly changing tool hookups. The most important things in maintaining your air tools are lubrication and keeping as much water out of them as possible. Drain your tank at least every week. If you'll be using air tools a lot, I recommend getting an air dryer to put into the line. They are pricy but I've had a refrigerant dryer for three years now and it has paid for itself a couple of times over. I used to spend a lot of money on repairs but since getting the dryer I've had NO repairs related to the internals of my air tools. You can get in-line filters that help a little by trapping some water. Another way is to get yet another tank to route your air into and run your shop off the second tank. This gives you more air storage and provides a second opportunity for water to condense out of the air. These humid summer days will generate a LOT of water. Mine spits out about a half gallon a day. One tool is a MUST in my shop. A good spray gun. If you want to paint anything it's the way to go. Grainger has Binks brand spray equip. You can get a real good gun for about $90.00. I also have a Cambell Hausfeld gun that's pretty good I paid about $60.00 bucks for. Good electric tools: I'm sold on Dewalt and Porter Cable. The new Rigid stuff looks good but I personally don't have any history with it. Obviuosly I have plenty to say on this subject. So I don't runnnnn on forever just email me if you have any more questions. Hope to help, Eric

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Larry (MO)

06-23-2004 11:40:02




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 Re: Re: OT - Pneumatic Tools - Good Quality? in reply to Eric ATL, 06-23-2004 10:39:48  
Thanks for all the info. The air tools I have are Ingersoll-Rand and look to be in great condition. The power & battery tools I use are mostly Milwaulkee, Dewalt, and Ryobi. I have had great success with Dewalt and only one complaint about the Ryobi cordless saw: It cannot saw through old oak barnwood. I have a large stash of it that I use on my old "big ugly" barn and various projects that need seasoned hard wood. I always have to go back to my corded circular saw.

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SteveB(wi)

06-23-2004 20:36:06




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 Re: Re: Re: OT - Pneumatic Tools - Good Quality? in reply to Larry (MO), 06-23-2004 11:40:02  
Ingersoll are upper end tools and should give you excellent service. they aren't like the cheap stuff where you throw'em out when they break.



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Rob

06-23-2004 12:34:15




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 Re: Re: Re: OT - Pneumatic Tools - Good Quality? in reply to Larry (MO), 06-23-2004 11:40:02  
I called Campbell Hausfeld when I got my tools to find out if any of the 6 or 7 kinds of oil I had laying around would do for air tools and learned two surprising things about air tools lubrication. One, the proper air tool oil is any ol clean 30w so long as it is NON-detergent oil. Cheap at 79-cents a quart. Bought me a nice new oil can I felt so clever saving money not buying pricy air tool oil.
Second, oil the tools at the end of the day not the beginning. That way any moisture is driven out and everything is lubed before you set the tool on the bench and not after the moisture has set in there all night...or all month or two.

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