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Hi all,
I've recently upgraded compressor to something that's capable of doing more than inflating a tyre. Got a few basic questions for you more experienced owners.
How do you keep track of the maximum pressure to run each tool at, do you label them or something? E.g one of my tools takes 6 bar max, another takes 10, the air blow gun seemingly has no data on a maximum listed etc.
What media should I use in my blast cabinet for removing rust from steel parts? Aluminium oxide? any particular grade? Do I need to take any safety precautions (silicosis?). It's an entry level cabinet with a small internal cone air filter over a round hole, would you advise I look at upgrading that?
Thanks in advance.
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Sept 7, 2020 10:11:55 GMT
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I never bother to adjust output for general blowing/spinning air tools. Too much hassle. Just plug in whatever tool and used it. Only for delicate things like spraying would I use an in-line dryer/adjuster.. Cant help on the blasting question.
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slater
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 6,390
Club RR Member Number: 78
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Sept 7, 2020 18:00:26 GMT
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Just adjust the pressure to get the tool to work the way you want it. I wouldnt take any notice of the specs on tools really. Most are made in china nowerdays and they have probably just pulled it all out of thier anyway.. if the tools going to fast turn it down. If it needs more umpf turn it up.. As for blasting yeh ally oxide is probably your best bet for affordable rust removal in a cabinet. I woulnt expect it to work very well tho. Those small suction blast cabinets are really more for surface conditioning than heavy rust and paint removal. You will learn that tho lol. Maybe start with a medium grade grit and see how you get on. Obviously course grit tends to cut faster but leves a worse surface finish and wont go through a small suction gun very well.
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slater
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 6,390
Club RR Member Number: 78
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Sept 7, 2020 18:02:28 GMT
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Oh and connect the filter up to a vacuum cleaner for extraction.
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Thank you both. Sounds like I might end up selling the cabinet on then but I'll give it a go and see how I get on.
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Sept 8, 2020 12:42:29 GMT
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If your compressor is smaller than a 3hp, 200l tank you're going to be very disappointed with air tools! Even you use it.something small like a 3" cutoff saw/grinder will have that size compressor running all the time you use it. Electric/cordless grinders/drills/sanders are much better unless the small size of an air tool is essential.
Even if I had space for an industrial size compressor, it would only be used for spraying.
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Sept 8, 2020 16:13:52 GMT
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It's a reasonable motor, 3hp 14.5 cfm, but only a small 50 litre tank. I've sourced another spare 50 litre tank to daisychain to it but it sounds like it may not be enough?
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pptom
Part of things
Posts: 464
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Sept 8, 2020 16:43:40 GMT
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I have a pressure pot for blasting (£60), they are much more air efficient then the suction cabinets as you're not wasting air by trying to suck up the media and my Clarke 150l compressor keeps up no problem. For a cabinet I've converted an old oil drum, but you could easily use your cabinet combined with a pressure pot if your suction feed is struggling. I use it for everything, one of my most valuable tools, currently using Garnet, but I was using crushed glass for years which I prefer. Needs to be quite fine, I'm using 180 / 250 micron from keyabrasives.
The only other things, apart from spraying, that I use the compressor for is a die grinder, tyre inflator and DA (very air hungry and on the compressors limit) and blow gun. Used to have an impact gun, but it was a bit pants, upgraded to a DeWalt which has 3 times the torque, air drill I've also found to be rubbish.
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Sept 8, 2020 17:38:34 GMT
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I have a pressure pot for blasting (£60), they are much more air efficient then the suction cabinets as you're not wasting air by trying to suck up the media and my Clarke 150l compressor keeps up no problem. For a cabinet I've converted an old oil drum, but you could easily use your cabinet combined with a pressure pot if your suction feed is struggling. I use it for everything, one of my most valuable tools, currently using Garnet, but I was using crushed glass for years which I prefer. Needs to be quite fine, I'm using 180 / 250 micron from keyabrasives. The only other things, apart from spraying, that I use the compressor for is a die grinder, tyre inflator and DA (very air hungry and on the compressors limit) and blow gun. Used to have an impact gun, but it was a bit pants, upgraded to a DeWalt which has 3 times the torque, air drill I've also found to be rubbish. I've been moving away from air-tools as well. I like the sound of the drum blasting cabinet though.
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slater
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 6,390
Club RR Member Number: 78
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Sept 8, 2020 18:04:30 GMT
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The size of the tank really doesnt make any practical difference if youre using alot of air. Tanks really only work to your advantage if the compressor is well over spec for the amount of air youre drawing. (Ie the compressor runs for a few seconds and then you get a few mins peace) A bigger tank wont make a small compressor do any more than it already can.
Pressure pot is definitely the way to go for blasting kit but really how quick and easy it is is directly related to how much air you can move. If you have any idea how a proper blaster should work You will get curse word off quick with a garage style compressor running one, not to mention rag its tits off trying to keep up. Its not the pressure pot saving you air as such its just moving more grit more efficiently than the suction feed does. The only way you can save air is go to a smaller nozzle and hence move less grit and get less work done unfortunately.
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Sept 8, 2020 19:28:47 GMT
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Appreciate the advice, I'll get hold of some grit and give it a go with the kit I've got so far and expect to be underwhelmed. I went for a second tank as a.)it was virtually free and b.) my compressor comes in a 100 litre variation with the same motor. I couldnt stretch to buying the 100 litre version, nor could I quite fit it in the space I've got for it. I do have room to shove a second tank up in the roof though, if it's not any use then it can go on gumtree/faceache to cover the fuel i spent collecting it.
Will report back on the shortcomings for anyone who gives a curse word.
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pptom
Part of things
Posts: 464
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Sept 8, 2020 19:59:42 GMT
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Couldn't remember the rating of mine, hence quoting the tank size to get an idea, but I think it's 3hp, 14cfm. I'd love a professional blasting setup, but for the total of about £80 I can live with the drawbacks, in fact the only thing it's struggled with has been powdercoat. I've done everything in mine from motorbike wheels to cam covers and bolts, the only time I have to stop is if the vacuum cleaner hits it's heat lockout, it's never overwhelmed the compressor. Extraction is an absolute must, otherwise you'll be trying to look through a cloud after about 10 seconds Pressure pot runs at 75psi You can see my cabinet in the photo. Just a barrel on its side with a wooden framed window, 2 bits of 6" pipe for arm holes and a door at one end. There is an LED floodlight inside and an old cooker shelf to keep the part away from the bottom. I don't protect the glass, it's only £4 a pop from the local glass suppliers and will last me 6 - 12 months hobby use before it's too cloudy to see through.
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