Suggestions on Needle Scaler???

[geomagno]

I like to clean up old rusty hand tools, vises, farm tools, etc., and looks like the scaler would come in handy for the rust and paint, but I know nothing about them - brands, quality, specs, price.
Not wanting to spend a lot but will probably have this for a while so an affordable-new or quality-used one will be the direction I'm heading.
- This will be my first pneumatic tool
- I own a low-end 7gal air compressor (will that be sufficient?)

Suggestions?

 

[zmotorsports]

I don't know if a needle scaler would be your best option for removing rust from tools. They have a tendency to mar the surface quite severely. I hate using my IR needle scaler when welding something older full of rust or paint because of what it does to the surface but many times it is about the only option if I can't seem to get a grinding disk or paint removed into the area. They work great for what they are designed for, removing scale, rust etc. for welding but then you cover it with weld bead so the dimples they leave are for the most part covered. I would think maybe a wire wheel or chemical/acid would be better suited for what you want to do.

 

[1Garageman]

For removing rust from tools you might want to try this method.
It is VERY cheap. It is worth at least a first time try for the tools.

Salt and Vinegar: Nature’s Rust Remover
http://www.finewoodworking.com/2014/06/05/salt-and-vinegar-natures-rust-remover

 

[sberry]

I doubt the comp will be very satisfying. I have one and do use it on occasion, they have their place but my tool of choice is right angle air grinder with 4 inch wire wheel. You fo nt have the air for this kind of work. An electric 4 1/2 would give some power but they are really too fast for wire, a variable speed would be good.

 

[Ign]

If HF still makes a scaler attachment for air hammers try that to dip your toes. That's all I have. It's actually great for cleaning years of gunk and grime from crevices like around D60 webbing, etc

I'm not sure your compressor will give you but 5-10 seconds of run time with the tool before it has to rinse and repeat

 

[sberry]

I did a truck frame repair a bit ago and a guy without a scaler would have not been able to do it as good. It had a tight thick layer of rust in a couple cracks that were problematic and couldn't really be ground.

 

[bulldogr6]

I have literally logged hours apon hours using pneumatic scalers. No exaggeration, I have spent a whole 8 hours shift inside the mixer of an asphalt batch plant removing scale so we could reline it. It is not something I would use for restoring tools. A Chemical dip , abrasive tumbler or vibratory abrasive bowl is much better suited.

Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

 

[JohnDeere1]

A 7 gallon air compressor would not do it for a needle scaler they use too much air same for a die grinder I tried a 5 gallon and it wouldnt run 2 seconds my 20 or 30 gallon just barely runs a die grinder or my air hammer but runs my impact fine same for my air ratchets but a 7 gallon would be too small for any of those as well thats more for a staple gun or nailer I would upgrade to a bigger one. I bought my oiled compressor for $28 off Craigslist and it works great.

 

[davethorik]

Electrolysis.

 

[geomagno]

Didn't think about it damaging the surface. My tool of choice is a wire wheel on an angle grinder but the base of my old drill press had a lot of rust underneath and couldn't get the wheel in there so had to pay someone to sandblast it. Thought I could have used the scaler there.
Maybe the scaler isn't what I need. I appreciate all of the quick feedback guys.

 

[M_George]

I usually get the rust off using a wire wheel, or rust remover. But if there's hard to reach places you want to clean, HP makes a little hand held sand blaster with a gravity feed hopper. Runs a couple of minutes then you'll have to let the compressor catch up. Works pretty good loaded with play sand.
At the cost of $20, why not give it a try.
https://www.harborfreight.com/21-oz-hopper-gravity-feed-spot-blaster-gun-95793.html

 

[bulldogr6]

It's a little half assed for my liking but you elaborate a bit and make one on the cheep to give it a try.

Lol

Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

 

[rsanter]

I like using a needle scaler. I have used it on many rusted castings as well as automotive stuff.
I have a couple of them and they are HF/China type versions, they work fine.
For your first one that's what I would get. If you fall in love with the thing then you can buy a better one

Bob

 

[cheechi]

I have the air hammer attachment one, and another I guess 'normal shaped' one. I think one is HF and the other is Northern. Either way sometimes its easier to use the one kind, sometimes it wont fit and you want the other.

My 33 gal handles it better than my 6 gal, obviously. But I have used them with the 6 gal because of necessity and if you time it strategically it can be really useful in the middle of nowhere.

 

[Lelandwelds]

Needle scalers are big airhogs. Think of them as weld cleaning with a health chunk of stress relief thrown in (for the metal not the operator) .

I dont routinely use my Nitto-Kohki. The 4.5 electric with a knot cup or flat stringer bead is a much better choice. Easier on the operator too.