Electric vs. Air Sanders-Question

[paul oman]

Hello everyone:

just got myself an air compressor and wondering if the air sanders are 'better' then the electric models. Would I notice a big difference in performance/speed, etc.?

paul oman
progressive epoxy polymers

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

They're usually lighter - I'd count that a plus.

[Gresham CA]

What kind of compressor? It takes a lot of air to keep up with an air sander.

I like air over electric though.

[pipefitter]

Air tools have to be oiled daily.Then you gotta have a decent moisture trap in line and a pretty stout compressor say 11cfm's @ 90lbs minimum volume.Especially if using an air long file.The roll around model compressor at the home center probably wont keep up with most sanders.The hoses are more cumbersome than an electric cord would be.Only thing I use air for at work is my air drill,cutoff wheel and die grinder and the blow nozzle for dust and debris.Also,when you oil your air tools make sure you have caught all the oil residue that comes out of the exhaust port before using it or it will get on your work.

[WoodenBNut]

I do use an "air file" Long Board with a Cambell Hausfeld 20gal 2HP 110V compessor. Model VT6290.
I forget the air delivery specs. But, it will run the long board pretty good. *You may have to wait for the compressor to rebuild pressure once in a while if you are sanding continuously. But, all in all it does pretty good - a lot easier than a manual Long Board - but I use both. But, be carefull, as an air file/long board can take a lot of material off in a hurry. *** Forget the orbital air sanders as they really take a lot of cfm air capacity and unless you have a huge compressor - they won't work.

[Billy Bones]

Originally posted by WoodenBNut:
*** Forget the orbital air sanders as they really take a lot of cfm air capacity and unless you have a huge compressor - they won't work.If you DO have a big compressor, as I do, and you use an orbital, you'll fall in love with it. The work wonderfully well--better than the electric variety by far, and are much more pleasant to use. The better ones make a venturi out of the exhaust and suck up all the dust into a bag with it.

Still, I use an electric out of reach of the shop because it's just easier.

My Ingersoll Rand compressor delivers a huge amount of air, (14.2 cfm @ 175 psi) and cycles on and off pretty often with the sander.

http://air.ingersoll-rand.com/images/2545ol.jpg

[pipefitter]

I have a C.Hausfeld compressor that is rated at 4hp or 4 stars whatever.For one thing,they arent going to squeeze 4 hp into that motor. More like 1hp/1.5hp max.(note on the motor where it says "hp" it says SPL) It struggled with the long file running the whole time having to let it catch up. I have since gotten a speed-aire dual stage (rebuilt) which is ALOT quieter and does keep up with the long file. I do like the air powered DA over the electric one. Also the air reciprocating saw is great.Hacksaw blades will fit the air recip saw. I can cut them to any length and I use an 18tpi blade which almost keeps up with the sawzall for cutting speed. Just make sure you point the hacksaw teeth to work on the pull stroke.
With that big IR compressor you could add another tank to the system which will increase motor life substantially since start/stop is the most wear on electric motors.
The compressor at my shop is a 9hp speed-air which is very old and still going strong.It supplies air to 5 different stations in the shop and is used constantly.

[ 04-25-2005, 10:02 PM: Message edited by: pipefitter ]

[Tom Hoffman]

I use both, and I much prefer my Porter Cable electic ROS model 715 I think. It is variable speed, and has tons of power for hogging down if need be. Air won't do that and I have a 60 gal. Cambell Hausfeld.

The 715 looks like a right angle grinder with a side handle on it if needed. Does a really super job of leveling and I get my sticky back disc from an auto finishing supply house and they have grits from 60 - 2000

The porter cable is a really good sander.

Tom....

[Dan McCosh]

You might also look at your electric bill. Running a 5 hp. compressor to power a small sander is about the same power consumption as heating with electric heat.