Air n tools needed for auto repair

[Travinsky]

4 years ago I bought a beat up pickup to learn about body restoration and custom work, but never got around to it until now that I have plenty of time. Can anyone tell me what tools (air and manual) I should be looking for and which compressor cfm rating will be needed to run these tools? I currently have 120 volt in the attached garage.

Truck is rusted, dented and leaks inside the cabin. For many reasons I won't be doing any painting. I just plan to learn about cutting, welding, body work and sandblasting for myself not as a business. Also because I am now in "permanent retirement" this might take me years to complete so I am looking for medium quality tools for a good price, used or new, and made in USA is a PLUS but not a requirement.

Here is a pic of my truck a couple years ago but it still looks the same with badly faded hood and roof. I currently have these parts still in boxes that include a front spoiler, rear steel roll pan, 4x4 fenders and valance to install.

If you know of any good articles/books I can read, it's much appreciated.

 

[K-Dog]

you will be using a cut off wheel a whole lot in this project.
That and a grinder for phase one of your project.
A D.A. and a file sander for the next phase.

 

[bcradio]

Looks nice to me... fix the leaks and hit the dusty trail

 

[woody 73]

Maybe the following can help give you a start in what to look for:

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com...ick-The-Perfect-Two-Stage-Air-Compressor.html

Sometimes in life you can get by with starting out with smaller type machines but in the case of buying an air compressor bigger is always better; I have never heard of anyone saying gosh I wish I had not bought such a large air compressor, rather the other way around...My unit is not able to run many air tools for my project.

Best of luck.

 

[woody 73]

Maybe this chart can give you some more useful information:

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/air-consumption-tools-d_847.html

 

[woody 73]

A look see at auto body air tools:

http://www.autobodysupply.net/Articles.asp?ID=138

 

[woody 73]

Information on books to get you started:

http://www.autos.com/auto-repair/best-books-for-auto-body-repair-training

 

[Askme42]

Not saying the job can't be done but you're not going to do much with air tools unless you have 220. Trust me unfortunately I know. I only have 110 at the moment.

 

[crewchief888]

most 110v compressors just dont have the air volume to keep up with air grinders, sanders and media blasting.

what i've done is use electric powered tools whenever i can.
a 4 1/2" electric grinder ( or 3 or 4) will do quick work of panel cutting, rough grinding, and wire wheeling.
a 110v mig welder with .025 wire/ gas will take care of your patch panels.

i use glass bead, a suction type sand blaster and an oiless compressor to do any blasting i need to do.
the compressor runs continuously, and doesnt really keep up even at low air pressures.

i sometimes use a da sander, most of my bodywork doesnt need to be anywhere near perfect on my s-10 blazer trail truck.

there are a few decent quality electric DA sanders available at your local big box store.

just my $0.02

pic attached of some extensive body modifications on the blazer, all done with electric power tools.

 

[Travinsky]

Thanks everyone but I have good news. Today I discovered my landlord has a 25-amp timer that was connected to a defunct sprinkler pump and her main box has a dedicated 2-pole 20 amp breaker. I looked at the wires and they appear to be 10-12 gauge, I checked the wires and they are reading 244 volts in the garage using a Klein MM100. So now I am looking to get the biggest compressor that will run with less than 20 amps. Any ideas you can recommend?

Also, Woody thanks for all the links.

 

[Travinsky]

pic attached of some extensive body modifications on the blazer, all done with electric power tools.

Chief,
I having been watching videos on electric plasma cutters and tig welders, do you have any recommendations? Lowest price is very important but I hate buying used since I don't know how to tell if it's in good condition, thanks.