air tools help

[hamrs62]

want to get some small air tools for cleaning rust from small areas, and a large da for the large areas, which would work best, and what pads,

[Scooter3]

It takes a compressor that pushes alot of air and a big tank to run a large da sander. I have a 5" electric orbital palm sander that works well because my compressor will not pull a da. It take the velcro backed sand paper discs. I generally uses 80 and 120 with it.

As far as small tools to do some sanding and grinding with. You can't go wrong with a small die grinder and a small angle die grinder. You need to get the tools to match your compressors power mainly the CFM rating on it. If you get to big of tools your compressor will not pull the tools.

As far as pads or wheels go. I mainly use 2 wheels you can get at wal-mart. They are both made by 3M and are either in the tools section or the auto section. One of them is black and it looks like its made out of tar and rubber. Its really good on rust and multi layers of paint and bondo. They make a two layer one that will last longer then the single layer but you cant get into narrow places with it. The second pad I like is red and looks like a scotch brite pad. This pad is good for outer sheet metal that you want to leave a good finish on. These two pads generally run between $5-$9 so they aren't gonna break you if you wear them out really quickly. Lowe's also has a few little wire brushes that you can use to get into the really tight places.

I dont know if you have ever had any air tools before but they turn very high rpm's. Due to this I avoid the wire brush wheels because they will fly out of the wheel. My grandfather lost an eye when these wheels first came out due to a wire flying out of a brush and going in his eye. The two pads I mention above will fly apart but, they are nothing like a sharp wire. They are not rated for what my die grinder turns but I have never had one fly apart. The only pad I have ever had to come apart prematurely was the GatorGrit brand that you buy at Lowe's that was like the black 3M pad I get at Wal-Mart.

There are also a couple really mean wire brush wheels that I have had that will go on a 4 to 41/2" angle grinder. I used these for under coating under my cab and on my frame. They are the most dangerous wheels I've ever used but do a really good job.

If you have any more questions just ask. I sanded probably 80% of my truck using the tools I mentioned so I got a little experience.

[hamrs62]

thanks, a da would be electric, I kinda didn't spell that out, believe me I need all the info I can get

[Scooter3]

No problem man that what this place is for.
My sander is a 5" Orbital Sander. The square vibrating ones dont really work so you wanna make sure its orbital. Mine is a Makita and all of my electrical tools are Makitas and none of them have ever quit working at anytime.

Make sure if you get those air tools to get the oil that goes with them. They need a drop or two periodically. Also, when your sanding where a mask. This paint has lead in it and you just dont want to breath it.

That DA and those two die grinders and pads will get you a long ways. They have for me anyways!

[AnlaufJohn]

Outstanding information there, Scooter3 !
I have been having a bit of trouble getting one or two items matched up to get the work done on my '66.
I have the time, but not the money.
I have the sand blaster available (at no cost), but no compressor.
I have the skills, but not the equipment.
I have a garage, but it's too filled up with other stuff that the '66 has to stay outside.
If it rains, I don't work on it, as the manuals I have are paper.

It's all a balancing act, and the fun is just starting.

Beside, I didn't consider using a DA orbiter, because I stuffed it into a box when we moved. I have one. I need to find it.

Thanks for the initial question and the answers. I like this forum and group.
John

[Scooter3]

I feel your pain. My truck in my parents basement until I can get a job and get my own place. Every time I work on it has to be taken outside. Well that doesnt sound that bad until you think that I have it take totally off the frame and all apart in a one car garage. I am capable of getting the frame out but it takes about half an hour. But, Im not complaining at least we still have a house to live in.

If you need to know anything else about the compressors or tools just ask. Ive got one of those 10 gal. sand blasters that I used to clean my frame with so if you need help getting it to work right just ask.