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Discussion Forum

Air or Electric?

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Mike Behr

09-05-2002 19:17:03




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This has probably been discussed in the past, but being new to this list, here goes: What are the pros and cons of air versus electric tools?




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Kendall

09-09-2002 14:02:51




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 Re: Air or Electric? in reply to Mike Behr, 09-05-2002 19:17:03  
Air tools dont get hot and wont shock you or cause sparks in dangerous environments. One power source (air tank) runs may tools. Each electric tool you buy has its own motor so the cost is higher. No switches, brushes, armatures to wear out means air tools probably will last longer. Air tools are more fun. Some big diesel rigs even have air powered starters. (now thats a cool sound!)



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Bus Driver

09-07-2002 15:46:37




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 Re: Air or Electric? in reply to Mike Behr, 09-05-2002 19:17:03  
Due to the considerable inefficiency of compressors, the cost of operating air tools is much higher than electric. But for body shops and places with gritty dust in the air, the air tools do not draw that grit in for cooling as do the electric tools. An electric sander will not last long in a body shop. I find a useful place for both kinds in my shop.



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RayP(MI)

09-06-2002 13:37:44




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 Re: Air or Electric? in reply to Mike Behr, 09-05-2002 19:17:03  
In my experience, air powered drills are hard to regulate the speed as compared to variable speed electric drills.



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Red Dave

09-06-2002 08:10:14




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 Re: Air or Electric? in reply to Mike Behr, 09-05-2002 19:17:03  
Most industrial quality air tools are more powerfull and rugged than their electric counterpart. Electric tools are a better choice though for small or short duration jobs because of portability and the ability to plug in nearly anywhere. Battery powered tools take that advantage to another level altogether.
There is not as much difference in power and durability between air and electric tools today as there was 30 years ago, but I still prefer air for some applications such as Impact wrench, Hammer Drill, Chipping Gun/Pavement Breaker. I have used the electric versions of these tools, but they just don't measure up to air powered tools.
At least the ones I used anyway.

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Ray,IN

09-05-2002 20:08:10




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 Re: Air or Electric? in reply to Mike Behr, 09-05-2002 19:17:03  
For home use electric powered tool make more sense. They may be used readily in more places, and are more economicial to use. Air powered tools are desired in explosive atmospheres over electric for obvious reasons;thus are commonly used in factories and commerical operations. Air powered tools cost more to use because you are paying for the power twice, once when you buy the electricity to power the compressor, and again when when you use the compresed air to power the tool. Each time you use an air tool the compressor has to run until it reaches the max. set pressure, this "overkill" costs money, but using an electric powered tool uses power only when needed. Nothing is free, when using air tools a small amount of power is lost in the compressor and again at the tool. In a large shop, air tools are more convenient, and safer to use. That's my thoughts on the matter.

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LarryG

09-06-2002 04:51:37




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 Re: Re: Air or Electric? in reply to Ray,IN, 09-05-2002 20:08:10  
..... .. but you can't burn out an air tool by overloading it! I bought a 6 hp compressor with a 60 gallon tank and some tools to go with it. I love it. An impact wrench makes rotating tires on the truck a lot easier. A needle de-scaler is great for rust removal, as well as a small sandblaster. And my spray gun. I was digging a post hole and ran into a large rock. The whole was too close to the patio and removing the large rock would have disturbed a lot and made for a lot more work. Out came the air hammer with a point on it and enough of the rock came out in pieces so that I could put in the post. A compressor with air tools is great. The only downside is that the compressor shakes the floor in the garage and the bride's not too happy about that. One of these days I'll have a real shop..... .....

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JoeK

09-06-2002 19:06:01




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 Re: Re: Re: Air or Electric? in reply to LarryG, 09-06-2002 04:51:37  
Larry,a few yrs ago my 6hp/60gal had to be in the basement.because of space and electrical reasons,Vibations"telegraphed" thru whole house. Cut a square of 1/2-3/4 plywood to bolt the compressor to.Drill it to match the feet on the compressor.Cut 2nd piece of plywood the same size.
Now cut 3-4 pces of heavy duty rubber carpet pad,stack and glue(appx 3/4-1")them to the bottom(2nd pc) plywood.Set top plywood on top and mark bolt holes on foam.Remove top and notch foam for wrench to bolt heads.Place bolts in holes from bottom and glue top of foam plywood samdwich in place.When set up,bolt sandwich pad to compressor feet.I scrounged everything so cost was nil.

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Captain.n/e,Mo.

09-06-2002 04:26:36




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 Re: Re: Air or Electric? in reply to Ray,IN, 09-05-2002 20:08:10  
im my expierence air tools last longer too



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