Pneumatic Tools

[theveed]

Guys, any of you have any experience with pneumatic DA or Rotary buffer/sanders?

I understand that the speed of these devices are controlled by regulated air pressure. I have several questions as I'm planning to use pneumatics in my shop (if ever it pushes through).

1) How much power (compressor) do I need if I need to run 2 polishers simultaneously and each polisher 4 CFM at 90psi...

2) Will it help if I use an extra air tank? How large will suffice?

3) How will the speed of the buffers/tools be adjusted? I understand that there are regulators either included or can be attached in the air-line, but how will I know what pressure = what speed?

Please feel free to add what other pointers you can add in terms of pneumatic tool usage in general.

The reason why I'm seriously considering using pneumatics is because the stalls that I'm hoping to lease will already have provisions for pneumatic hose attachments along walls, beams and such. It used to be a car repair shop with lifters and all.

Although I'll still be investing in electrical tools for backup, I believe that the lightweight and ease of maintenance (no electric shock and stuff) aspect of pneumatics are big factors for my shop.

(Should I have posted this in the Pro's section? Anyway...)

Help... thanks guys.

[Jimmy Buffit]

You'll need a tank that is bigger than 80 gallons. Air tools require huge amounts of air. I'd plan on 7-8 cfm @ 90 psi PER TOOL. Even at that rate, the compressor will run constantly with both tools operating. Running the compressor 'full-time' would be noisy and expensive..

Me, I'd rethink the strategy and go electric.

Jim

[Intel486]

I'd say talk to a company that sells pneumatic tools about what you need to handle them.

I know detailplus sells pneumatic tools. Maybe give them a call.

I'm pretty sure some other people will post with their info.

[theveed]

Jim, Thanks for that great insight... I was wondering about that as well, whether the compressor needs to run full time or not... I guess we'll stick to the electric and just have one pneumatic for backup in case there's a power shortage (not a rare occurance here)...

[Alfalfameister]

I hope Bud Abraham doesn't mind me re-posting this:

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A buffer requires about 17 cubic feet of air per minute at 100 psi
A shampooer requires about 11 cfm at 100psi
An orbital requires about 10 cfm 100 psi

A 5HP air compressor with an 80 gallon tank puts out about 18cfm
A 10 HP with an 80 gallon tank about 36 cfm
A 15HP with 120 gallon tank puts out about 58 cfm

If you are a loner using one tool at a time a 5 or 6HP compressor with a 60 or 80 gallon tank will work. The problem comes when two or more tools are being used at the same time.

If you are interested you can see our tools at www.detailplus.com clicking on Detailing Supplies and Chemicals.
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--Alf

[theveed]

Hey Alf, thanks...