Air tools.. Any advantage to plug in?

[MagicMarker]

So I'm debating about getting air tools for the garage.

I mainly work on detailing the cars, buffing etc... is there any advantage to air tooled vs. plug in electrical?

If so, what is the ideal sized compressor?

 

[Shippy95]

Personally i'd go for plug in if only using for detailing.
Air tools are far noisier and no real advantage.

Both do the same job

 

[nine4gmc]

Air tools are real loud, not to mention needing a loud compressor to run them and can't take them to a friends house to work unless he has a loud *** compressor as well. Corded is the only way to go for tools like that imo.

 

[zkling]

Industrially air tools are more compact, safer and in the long run cheaper than their electric counter parts. For the home garage a 60gal 10cfm @90psi unit is about ideal. For a buffer, you will be better off with electric, cleaner, easily portable.

 

[MikeF2316]

Air tools never overheat. I don't use them often, but when I do I always marvel how the more you use them, the cooler they get.

 

[MFolks]

For Aerospace work, on the factory floor it's Pneumatic(air), as it can be used in dangerous situations(fuel leaks, and other easy to ignite items.) Most electric hand tools are not shielded. so sparking by the motor at the brushes, is a safety concern.

 

[Bill Bowman]

For the average (detail) guy, air tools **** too much air, i.e., you're going to run your compressor to death.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

IMO: It's a matter of personal choice.

If you have a lot of work to do, then air tools are the way to go because they're lighter, smaller (easier to store), more efficient, and will last a very long time as long as you oil them & keep out moisture.
The down side of air tools is that you will need a minimum 5HP. compressor, dryers (particulate & coalescing), pipe/hose/fittings, air tool oil, and 220 volts in your garage.
A larger cash outlay, but pays off if you use your air tools to make money. Obviously, your air hose length dictates where you work.

Corded tools are cheaper for the overall outlay of cash, only require 110 volts, easier to use wherever your needs are. However, they can overheat and burn out sooner than their air counterparts. There is also electrical safety concern with corded tools. However, most modern ones are double insulated or well grounded. So there is little risk, unless you're standing in water.

My vote: If I was starting out, and just needed something for my own use, I'd go corded. However, I'm set up for air, and do enough side jobs to justify the compressor investment.

Good luck.

 

[woody 73]

I find that the noise from the compressor in my small man cave just kills what little hearing I have left so I do enjoy the electric tools from time to time; Not the answer you are looking for. I find that in my old age using corded, cordless and air all have a place in my small garage.

 

[dnschmidt]

Air tools are only valuable where their smaller size and weight make a difference. Using a air powered buffer is flat out stupid. They don't have the speed control or torque of an electric and they consume 10 times the electricity in the form of the 7.5HP compressor needed to power them. I much prefer air powered RO sanders as their not top heavy like electrics are. If you can get an electric that performs equally or better than air (certainly the case for a buffer) go with that every time. If it's something that air does better go with that. No electric sander works as well as a Dynabrade or an AirVantage and no air powered buffer works as well as a Makita. However, if the tools are equal always go with electric. It's just way cheaper as air compressors are power hogs and LOUD.

 

[ed_v]

For detailing, I'm not sure which is better.

For doing mechanic work, air tools are far better. A air impact wrench will have far more torque than an electric. Not to mention the other air tools available that are useful. The nice thing with air tools is that you can use a retractable hose reel and the hose connects at the tool. Much more manageable than an electric cord to me.

Ed

 

[BDT/NWMN]

So I'm debating about getting air tools for the garage.

I mainly work on detailing the cars, buffing etc... is there any advantage to air tooled vs. plug in electrical?

If so, what is the ideal sized compressor?

A proper sized compressor will be BIG and expensive, and should be properly located, wired, and plumbed..
Grinding, buffing, and drilling are three jobs where I prefer to use my electric power tools over the air powered;;; although I do have a large compressor.

unless you have other equipment that required a beastly compressor, I would stay with what you have.. and forget about that compressor.

 

[MagicMarker]

Thanks guys. I'll kill the compressor idea.

 

[warweapon762]

If you are just doing detail work and buffing, any plug in DA is fine. If you were into serious body work and mechanic level stuff then go air (although lots of people are getting by with 20v impact guns these days)