calling all air tool experts!!

[neilyweely]

I did think about hijacking someone elses thread for this question, as it should be quite simple to answer -


I bought a SIP TS2/25-0 compressor a while back, and now am wondering if it is ok for what i need; I shall be using it when I set up the workshop mostly for nailing, but considered using it for other woodwork applications. First, at 2hp, 8cfm, 24litre and so on I guess it is powerful enough for a nailer, yes? Then secondly, what about air operated sanders and the like, is there any other tool it can run that I should consider?

It seems that air tools are comparatively cheap as opposed to standard power tools, why is this?

I am an 'air virgin' so any help/advice would be appreciated.

Oh yes, one other thing, when it gets up to pressure do i need to turn it off, or will it cut out automatically when reaching max pressure? I don't want to blow it up!!

Any air experts please help me!!!

Thanks again guys!

neil

 

[gidon]

Neil
You need to look in the spec at the free air delivery (FAD). Match this to any tools you are considering. You'll be fine with nailers but most other air tools need more FAD. I have the SIP 3HP/50L machine which I bought so I could do some spraying too - but this is the minium I need for spraying. Sanders require more than spray guns.
This chart on SIP's website may give you some idea of what's needed for what although think it may be a little conservative:
http://www.sip-group.com/catalogue/197.pdf
Yes the machine will cut off at the pressure you set.
Cheers
Gidon

 

[neilyweely]

gidon

Thanks mate, now i am gonna abuse your generosity and ask you 'how do I set the pressure?'

I think I am going to use it primarily for nailing, so I guess I am ok for the time being, although can you tell me if there is any advantage to air sanders over mains powered varieties? I thought about one of the smaller 'jitterbug' numbers, what do you reckon mate?

Thanks Gidon

Neil

 

[OLD]

The hand book will give the info .
With air tools you can not overload them so ideal for heavy use and as they do not have electric motors are usually lighter but robust

 

[mailee]

I think you will find that you need in the region of 15CFM to operate a sander add to that that you will need a large cylinder to stop the compressor cutting in all the time. :wink:

 

[punkrockdad]

Heres an interesting list with avg cfm of different sanders.

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/range/details/air-sanders/path/air-sanders-polishers

 

[Jake]

With air tools you can not overload them so ideal for heavy use and as they do not have electric motors are usually lighter but robust

If you overload a sander, you aren't using the paper effectively. In an industrial setting, the simpler/reliability thing might make a difference with a sander. I imagine for body shops, etc, half the attraction is spark-free-ness. I don't really see what real advantages an air sander would have in a woodworking setting (outside of a paint-shop).

I await my education...

 

[gidon]

Sorry Neil - haven't been able to reply sooner. Looks like all your questions have been pretty much answered.
Air tools are cheaper and I guess fewer things can go wrong - pretty simple. If you already have a good air supply in your shop maybe worth considering, but don't know many people who use them in woodworking - although did spot David Marks on Woodworks using an air disc sander in his to-die-for workshop.
Cheers
Gidon