Best Air tools

What are some good air tools that some of you body men or painters have used? I am going to order me a DA sander and some prep disks and a few other things soon. Also where would you order them from on the net? I am looking at www.thetoolwarehouse.net and they have a lot. I am sure there is not any air tool out there that's the best or anything but I just want to see what you guys have that seems to work real well and not have any problems. I am looking at ingersol rand (sp) and I have used a lot of air tools from them but only used one of their DA's for about 5 minutes and also used a lot of Blue Point.
Any info is greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

Shawn-

csf03716 is right pneumatic Tools are very exspensive but I was alway told you get what you pay for I myself use matco, snap on or mac tool I like the warranty that they have but there only good if you take care of them

One air tool I find very handy is a blue point microsander that you can use to sand down your cars paintwork prior to spraying another coat of paint

















:HMMM: I reduce the picture 60 % and it's still HUGE:confused:

I've got one I use it to do my metal polishing Just ordered it little sister buffer boy your talking about alot of work useing that to do a hole car :LOL: :LOL:

If you've got a lot of bondo to sand down, a reciprocating long board sander is nice. They're cheap, too. I've seen good qualitly metal bodied sanders go for $30.

Just a preventive measure. It does not matter if your air tool is a budget or top of the line, oil it before using and at the end before putting away. Also, oil occasionally during use. This came from a person I know whose company does tool repair. He states that most failures come because people put their tools away dry allowing contaminates to sit and eat during down time.

Ok well thanks for the info but not to sound like an ass or nothing I never really asked anyone to really tell me that it's too much money or nothing, just good brands that they have used and were happy with. Like I said, I do not mean to make that sound bad AT ALL or sound like an ass because I know you guy's are just trying to help. I know that I have to clean and oil them DAILY, I use them basically everyday and do that after every use. I am going to get a sanding line board as well like someone here mentioned and a DA sander. I already have a compressor, regulators, air and oil trap, etc. I am going to get a new water and oil trap when I get my paint spray gun and air brush. I got the money saved now for the tools so I am just looking to see what I wan't now. I am thinking about going with Ingersol rand or Blue Point or something, I don't need no Snap On ones. Snap On is way too expensive and you mostly pay for the name even though yes Snap On tools are nice and all but still, way too much and if I have problems they suck at getting a truck over here to get me a new part and I don't wanna deal with that.
Thanks for the info and all so far, any more are still appreciated.

FMX,

How big is your compresor? Horsepower? Tank size? That makes a real difference.

By the way, here's a hint. When you say "I don't mean to sound like an ass," it generally means that you are ust about to do so. The guys were just trying to give you info to help you make a decision. If you start telling them what information to give you, pretty soon you're going to get zippo.

You might try going to www.Autobodystore.com
They are really experienced body and paint guys as well as Len who runs the site and a body shop and the store. His prices are good and his service as well but I am not promoting any of the brands he sells. You might search the archives there as I know there has been similar questions about DA's , etc.
I think you will learn a lot from this site as well.
Hope this helps
MikeC

Henry, I think I get what you are saying but I am not about to do nothing. And JUST like I said, I know they were just trying to help and yeah I appreciate it because I know that they are trying to help me out so I don't get myself screwed up and waste money. I just couldn't think of any way to put the sentence and was in a hurry so I said it so when more people post they don't have to like waste their time I guess telling me that, just the name and then I am happy. So I hope noone takes that in a negative way and I really appreciate the help. I have never said nothing like that in a negative way before when asking for something so I would hope you guy's wouldn't believe I would do it now. Anyway's before this all get's out of hand, I have a couple of air compressors, one is small and not enough for spray guns and the other is bigger. The bigger one is 15 Gallons and 5 HP. It will be good for the DA and all but I am going to try and get a bigger one from my teacher that he is selling and use it for painting... Either that or pay 50 bucks and buy my own materials and all and use the schools heat booth they have that they spent like 100 grand on I was told. Most likely I will do it at home but just may go to the school and then not have to worry about using my own compressor and all. Either way I do this, it isn't like I will be losing out because if I buy these tools and take real good care of them then they will last me a long time and be worth the money.

MikeC, thanks a lot for that site, I will definetely check it out.

Five HP and 15 gallon tank will definitely NOT run a DA, a die grinder, a high-speed sander or a cut-off tool. Anyone telling you that is just trying to sell a compressor. Trust me, I've had two 5HP compressors, and neither would run much more than an air ratchet or an impact wrench. They barely would run a decent HVLP paint gun.

That size compressor will be lucky to put out more than 4.0 CFM at 90PSI. DA's and other similar tools take 6-9 CFM. Some HVLP guns take 10 CFM. My 5hp compressor was lucky to run a DA for more than a few minutes.

I bought a 7hp, 60 gal dual piston unit. Costs more, but at least it works.

I myself like Dayton air tools, also Craftsman.FMX, the 15 gal 5hp is plenty big enough for painting, you only need between 20-50 PSI depending on guns requirements, that compressor is big enough, you may want to consider bigger for air tools but even then, it should be big enough for that too.

It ain't just the pressure . . . it's the flow rate. 5HP is barely enough to paint with. I've done it, but it was a fight, and there was lots of stopping.

Henry I have used a lot of air tools on mine but you are right. It works for me for now but it is running all the time and I don't like to run it hard like that. Noone is trying to sell me nothing, my teacher has I think he said a 60 gallon one... either 60 or 80, I can't remember and he said it will run any spray guns and all my air tools (not all at the same time of course) I am going to see what he want's for it and then also just go to Sears or Sam Club has some big ones too. Do you know if any of the compressors at Sam's are any good or will do good enough and not bust down? Tools is what is going to take up most of my money here. I have 1000 bucks saved up and it's taken me forever to get that much but am going to sell my bike and get another 3300 so I should have enough for the tools and if this compressor is anygood and I get it for a good price then I am hoping to have a lot of money left over to at least get the frame done and my tools bought (enough for the job).

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Originally posted by Henry Rifle
Five HP and 15 gallon tank will definitely NOT run a DA, a die grinder, a high-speed sander or a cut-off tool. Anyone telling you that is just trying to sell a compressor. Trust me, I've had two 5HP compressors, and neither would run much more than an air ratchet or an impact wrench. They barely would run a decent HVLP paint gun.

That size compressor will be lucky to put out more than 4.0 CFM at 90PSI. DA's and other similar tools take 6-9 CFM. Some HVLP guns take 10 CFM. My 5hp compressor was lucky to run a DA for more than a few minutes.

I bought a 7hp, 60 gal dual piston unit. Costs more, but at least it works.

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We used all that except a DA and hvlp on our old stationary home made compressor made from a hot water heater tank and a refigerent compressor, works pretty good too, we bought a 3 horse 7 gal unit because we needed somthing mobile and it's ratings were like 5 or 6 CFM at 90 and I'm shure are old compressor is less than that. I do agree with henrey that there could be a lot of stopping but, you could invest in a storage tank ( around 20 bucks at walmart ), and modify it so you can convert your 5hp to a dual tank and then you would need another preassure regulator. you do it by, taking the stock filler hose frome the holding tank, putting a female quick connect adapter on it, put it into the quick connect on the compressor, put a quick connect into the preassure reguator ( you need to install ) on the top of the holding tank where the pump hose plugs into, slip the pump hose that is now connected to the compressor into the pump valve on holding tank, turn the compressor on and you now will start pumping air into both the holding tank and compressor tank ( open preassure regulator first ), then when ready to start using compressor, open valve on holding tank then the preassure regulator on holding tank, voila you then have a primitive but workable dual tank compressor. I'v done it and it works.

I will have to agree with henry here on the size of the compressor I just bought a 27 gal to day but that is just for my small air tool my heavy duty tools I have a 150 gall dual piston not that my gig one wouldn't handle all my need It was a painto sterech all that hose to where I do my metal polishing the only thing I will use that little compressor for is my micro d/a and buffer and air ratchets

FMX,

The 7 HP/60 gal. units at Lowe's, Home Depot, Sams, Northern Tool, etc., are all pretty much the same. Campbell Hausfeld, Coleman, whatever the house brand, they all seem to be made by the same company. Those will definitely work for a home shop.

John,

I'm not arguing that it won't work, but there's one problem with dual tanks on a single compressor. Sure, they'll run longer - but they take equally longer to build both tanks back up to a useable pressure. Unless you're doing very short duration jobs, the compressor output is the critical path. I just couldn't put up with the constant waiting for the pressure to come back up.

By the way, what was the pressure rating of your water heater tank? I get a little nervous with tanks that aren't tested to the requirements of a compressor tank. If you get 100psi or so in a tank and it blows, it's literally a killer.

Okay, Okay I'll admit it Im a tool junky I knew you weren't arguing henry I just had to tell some one about my new tool :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: daddy got a new tool!!! daddy got a new too!! yeah:LOL: :LOL: do you think I need tools anonymous :LOL: I think mamas going to take daddy check book away when she see the bill :( :LOL: :LOL: :LOL:

Quote:

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Originally posted by Henry Rifle
FMX,

The 7 HP/60 gal. units at Lowe's, Home Depot, Sams, Northern Tool, etc., are all pretty much the same. Campbell Hausfeld, Coleman, whatever the house brand, they all seem to be made by the same company. Those will definitely work for a home shop.

John,

I'm not arguing that it won't work, but there's one problem with dual tanks on a single compressor. Sure, they'll run longer - but they take equally longer to build both tanks back up to a useable pressure. Unless you're doing very short duration jobs, the compressor output is the critical path. I just couldn't put up with the constant waiting for the pressure to come back up.

By the way, what was the pressure rating of your water heater tank? I get a little nervous with tanks that aren't tested to the requirements of a compressor tank. If you get 100psi or so in a tank and it blows, it's literally a killer.

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We'v had it up to 130 PSI b4 but normally 90-110 is the shut off point cause it's not automatic shutoff, takes a long time for it to get to 130 but, it does hold air for a good long while, even when using die grinders and other things like impact wrenches and air hammers, it's lasted about 16 years and it still works good.

Thank you Henry. I will check out the one my teacher is selling. He said he rebuilt the motor because a internal part broke so he bought some kit and just rebuilt it and has a bigger compressor now because he owns some auto body and paint shops here in NC. I will check it out first and use it and if I don't like it then I will head to sams and all those and look for the best deal. I am actually going to try and head to harbor frieght tomarrow and look for a new powder coating gun since they got some cheapie ones there and I will check out their prices on the compressors. It will also be nice to start having all my own tools instead of using my dad's. :)

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Originally posted by Streets
Workin' experience with air toolin'
is the best teacher!!
I have 4 compressor 80 gal tanks
and a 2 stage 20 HP 220 compressor..
runs anythang I want it to includin'
the 8' blast cabinet.. ALWAYS buy
the biggest ya can get, because
when ya need more and don't have it...
IT SUX!!!

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Streets, do you think I should go with an 80 gal instead of 60 then or will it not be too much of a difference?

Ok, then lets be sensible. 1) 220 can usually be wired into any house as long as you know where you want it and are willing to pay the electrican(or have a father for one);). 2) FMX, you always have to consider Cost and Space. Chances are that a 60 will do just fine. 3) the 15 gallon ones are meant to be portable untis usually. Last time i checked, no one was running sprayguns on the side of the road! Then again, in this group:confused: Finally, CSF, your doing it again. Mellow out a bit or your going to get ragged again.

yes please let us not go down that road :p :D

I am just going to go and look for a nice 60 gal then. Thanks guy's. And CSF your right about the 220 thing.

well ya can do what I did run a long extention cord bought the cord for a dollar and nine cents a foot plus a plug at ace hardware then when mama wasn't useing the dryer I plugded the compressor in so long as as ya dot a dryer plugin wiitch not to many houses dont

How does that work? I thought it would be more...

I have a twin pump compressor 60 gal tank ,what I did to increase the tank size was I took a 20 foot length of 4 in pipe and ran it along the wall then welded the ends closed installed fitings and that helped the storage size for my air.

I allso ran my pipe up the wall and slanted it down along the wall with a bleed valve at the bend .
air sanders air grinders are huge air hogs the more air stored the better off you are.

I know that in the old days the electric coumpanys would only look at one leg but now days they monitor both legs coming into the house.

Later all
Earl

220 Draws more voltage, but less amperage. Think of it like the Fuel through the line. What will require less energy, a 60psi with a one inch hose or a 90 psi with a 2 inch hose? Also, for the price you will pay running a 110 compressor 1 year, you could have Easily gotten your 220 hookup. Plus, it makes it a Whole Lot Easier for parts afterwards(Welders anyone?)

It is true you will save money by using 220. but it wont be that much. where you will save money in using 220 is there is less heat loss in using 220 .


The Electric Co. charges by how many watts you use .
Volts X Amps = Watts
220 = less amps but more Volts
Earl

One thing I would like to add is most of the compressors that Home Depot & Sams sell are the oiless compressors and talk about obnoxious noise !!!!!!!
My wife bought me a 30 gallon Coleman from Sams for my Birthday for the garage
it works wonderful and will run the D A ,inline sander ,small die grinder & the HLVP just fine, but it won't keep up with the grinder or cutoff tool, And I hate it because of the noise, terrible noise, The big twin cylinder 80 gallon 220 volt compressor at my shop is quiet compared to it, Dang things so noisy I won't run it after 9 p.m. and I won't run it with the garage open cuzz I'm afraid the neighbors would complain to the city .....
If ya can, get a regular old piston type compressor just for the noise factor ( the ones that run the compressor with a belt)

The smaller compressors (up to about 5.5 HP) at Lowes, Sams, Home Depot, etc., are oilless. The larger ones like my 60 gal, 7HP are twin iron cylinder oil-lubricated. My 7hp makes much less noise than the 5hp Craftsman.

Yeah the damn things are really loud. I hate when my dad leaves ours on and then at about 3 in the mourning it goes off and my room is right above the garage out of the house and the whole room shakes and all... I will have to go out and look for some and see what I can afford. We don't have 220 in our garage though but is it hard to put in? My dad know's how to do it and all but I never asked him how hard it is or nothing. The noise doesn't bother me too bad but when it runs for a few hours it starts bugging the hell out of me then.

Quote:

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Originally posted by FMXhellraiser
Yeah the damn things are really loud. I hate when my dad leaves ours on and then at about 3 in the mourning it goes off and my room is right above the garage out of the house and the whole room shakes and all... I will have to go out and look for some and see what I can afford. We don't have 220 in our garage though but is it hard to put in? My dad know's how to do it and all but I never asked him how hard it is or nothing. The noise doesn't bother me too bad but when it runs for a few hours it starts bugging the hell out of me then.

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It isn't hard but, you will need a breaker for 220, the plug and wire, if your house is like most with garages as part of the house, the breaker box is right in the garage which makes wiring easier cause you don't have to run a wire through too many walls.

Yeah the breaker box is in the garage right behind my speed bag. :) I talked to my teacher about his compressor and he said it's 220 but he said that I should just go with 110 compressor and get one from Sams or something so that is what I will do. I need to go check them out tomarrow if I have some time. I am hoping to be able to do a lot of my car tomarrow since I don't have any school.

Quote:

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Originally posted by john gemmer
Okay, Okay I'll admit it Im a tool junky I knew you weren't arguing henry I just had to tell some one about my new tool :LOL: daddy got a new tool!!! daddy got a new too!! yeah:LOL: do you think I need tools anonymous :LOL: I think mamas going to take daddy check book away when she see the bill :(

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You're hilarious! At least ya got the tool b4 she takes the checkbook away...he he he!!! :rolleyes: :p