Archive for April, 2010

What Is The Best Type Of Pipe To Use For A Compressed Air Distribution System In My Home Wood Shop

There are several different materials available to consider, black pipe, copper, PVC, rubber hose, etc. Each material has its strengths and weaknesses.Visit here http://plumbingsupply-copperorg.blogspot.com

Black pipe typically comes in 20′, 10′ and nipple lengths. Consider purchasing from a local plumbing supply house. They typically they carry a better quality of pipe than the local home supply store.

A draw back of black pipe is water and rust. Really, there is only some much that one can do to dry the air. Unfortunately a percentage water does travel in the air stream and will be deposited on the inside of the line. Over time the inside of the line will rust. The question is how long it will take until the rust weakness the wall. Usually a compressor tank will rust out sooner than the air piping.

Tip: Install a tee on the pipe before it transitions to a horizontal run. Have the leg of the tee pointing down. Cap off the end or put a full flow ball valve on the end of the nipple. It will serve a couple of purposes. First, it will help trap debris in the line before it jams your air tools. Second, it will act as a water drain.

Black pipe takes some time and effort to install. It will be necessary to cut and thread the pipe. This will require either having determined before hand, and having the material cut and threaded at the store. Or, rent a pipe threader, manual or powered. Side note, growing up I have cut threads on black and galvanized pipe that was being run for the natural gas lines in a new home (teenage summer job). Cutting threads with a manual tool is not that hard to do; however, power threaders are nice.

Copper is a nice material to use for air distribution system. It is easier to install than black pipe. It does not rust. It will handle the pressure a home air compressor puts out. If the copper tubing fails it will fatigue and bulge out instead of bursting with shrapnel.

Type L and K copper pipe is acceptable for compressed air applications. Type M is NOT. Type M is usually used in residential homes for the fresh water supply lines. The pressure that a copper pipe can handle is dependant on the temperature and the size of the pipe – for more information, see Table 6, Publication 28E, of the CCBDA. The joints are usually rated for less pressure than the pipe.

PVC pipe is very attractive for the home wood worker. It is low cost, easy to install and does not rust. Here is the big problem with it. If / when the pipe ruptures it will send sharp shards of plastic flying and can injure a person. The last thing that you want to have happen is the pipe to fail when your child is in the wood shop with dad. Check out this OSHA bulletin for more information.

I have seen home wood shops that string rubber air hoses along the walls of the shop. The draw back to this solution is that cutting the air hose is not an option since special tools are needed to crimp a fitting on the end. So, what to do? Well just coil up the excess tubing and all is well. Well…. Not really, for each bend in the air line adds turbulence and increases the static air pressure in the line. Thus there will be a significant drop in air pressure at the tool end of the hose compared to the setting on the air compressor’s regulator.Visit here http://plumbingsupply-copperorg.blogspot.com

Three Top Manufacturer’s of Air Compressors

There are many great air compressors on the market today that come in many different styles and sizes. And though one of the most important things in choosing an air compressor is to get the correct one for the job, you also want to make sure to get one from a good and reputable company. Let’s take a look, in alphabetical order, at three manufacturers that are known for producing affordable, quality products that they will stand behind.

Campbell Hausfeld has been around longer than any of the other companies, dating back to 1836 where it got its start by the Campbell brothers manufacturing horse drawn wagon for agricultural equipment. Within a few years they had expanded to farm equipment as well as wagons and carriages. The company continued to grow as they developed new and innovative farm equipment. In the 20th century, Campbell started manufacturing furnaces for Joseph Hausfeld. The work relationship was so successful that they two companies merged in 1920. The company continued to diversify and entered the air compressor business in 1940, and followed with air tools in 1945. Since then, they have added many product lines, and have continued to expand their offering of air compressors, air tools and other accessories. Their tag line is “Built to Last” and they have backed this up by striving to produce durable and reliable products, both for the professional and the do-it-yourselfers.

Campbell Hausfeld makes a large variety of sizes of air compressors, including residential, contractor and commercial sizes. They develop different capacity and styles as well, including single stage and oil-less pumps, as well as 2-stage and quad pumps. With air compressors, you also need air tools, and with Campbell Hausfeld you can find most any tool that you could possibly need.

Jenny is also a very old US company, with roots going back to 1870 as a manufacturer of ball and plug valves for the steel industry. In the late 1920′s, they revolutionized the cleaning industry with the invention of the steam cleaner, and in the 1950′s with the first self service car wash system. It wasn’t until 1998 that they broke into the actual air compressor industry when they purchased the Davey Compressor Company, a leader in innovation in the compressor industry by being the company that designed and built the first portable, air cooled air compressor in the 1920′s.

Jenny pride’s themselves of manufacturing a complete and extensive line of air compressors, including: hand carry and two-stage wheeled portable compressors, service vehicle compressors, industrial size compressors and climate control and fire sprinkler compressors.

Mi-T-M Corporation was founded in 1971 by a professional painting contractor, who’s first product was a pressure washer. They have since then expanded into a variety of products, including wet / dry vacuums, generators, water treatment systems and air compressors. In a variety of sizes, they offer hand carry, portable and stationary compressors, both single and double stage.

Though a newer company than the other two, they have set themselves apart by establishing a reputation for manufacturing high quality products, and standing behind their products with unparalleled customer service. To customers of Mi-T-M, their name stands for performance, value, quality and dependability.

There are many great, and not so great, air compressors manufactured in the world today. If you are in the market for one, make sure to check out these three companies. They all have a history and a reputation of quality air compressors for competitive prices, you cannot go wrong with any of these three manufacturer’s.

MJ is a freelance writer for Clickshops, Inc. where you can find a great selection of air compressors for your home or business at www.durableaircompressors.com.

Work Shop Safety –The Most Important Air Compressor Safety Tips

An air compressor is a versatile tool that can perform a variety of tasks when attached to air tools, also known as pneumatic tools. Here are the most important air compressor safety tips that you should always follow.

Read your owner’s manual carefully before operating a compressor or any air-powered tool.

Do not reset any switches or valves on the compressor; they have been preset at safe levels at the factory.

Check the hoses, plugs, wires, pipes, and tubes of the compressor, and the tool air inlets before each use. Do not use the compressor or tool if any part is worn or damaged.

Wear safety glasses and hearing protection when using air-powered tools.

Do not exceed the pressure rating of an air tool or accessory.

Always plug a compressor into a grounded outlet of the appropriate amperage.

Relieve pressure slowly when depressurizing the tank.

Do not press the trigger of an air tool when connecting it to an air hose.

Do not remove the belt guard of a beltdriven comoressor when the machine is operating.

Turn the compressor off if it produces an unfamiliar noise or vibration, produces insufficient air pressure, or consumes excessive oil; have the machine serviced before resuming operations.

Allow the compressor to cool before performing any maintenance; wear gloves to disconnect any parts that are still hot.

Turn the compressor off before moving it.

Do not touch the compressor while using it or immediately after; the machine can become very hot.

Drain any moisture from the tank after each use to prevent rust; tank pressure should be no higher than 10 psi when draining it.

Replace the tank if it has any pin holes, rust spots, or weak spots at welds.

Learn woodworking with a woodworking video. Find easy plans for woodworking designs and projects online.

Air Compressor Regulator

One of the important parts of an air compressor is the air-regulator unit. When you purchase a brand new air compressor that are commonly used in portable pneumatic or air tools, a filter-regulator unit is already installed. Sometimes, some cheap air compressors only install an air-regulator without the filter to cut cost, but in some reputable brand like Ingersoll-Rand Air Compressors, are equipped with modular air filter-regulator unit. All pneumatic equipments including pneumatic actuators, valves and air-tools have a desired operating pressure to operate and to function properly. Too low will make them to malfunction or stop functioning, too high pressure causes the seal to pop-up and leak. It is important to set the pressure before connecting your favorite air-tools, if you accidentally connect an air tool that supposed to have 85 psi to a 200 psi air supply it could be very dangerous and might explode or damage the tool itself.

This is where the compressor regulator comes into action. The air regulator maintains the preset air pressure before going to the system. If the pressure from the compressor tank increases the air regulator will still maintain the preset pressure. The air regulator can only prevent the air pressure from exceeding the desired pressure but it cannot compensate it if the pressure from the air tank drops below the desired pressure. If for some reason the pressure from the secondary side increases, it has a built-in relief valve that allows it to bleed the excess pressure until it reaches the set pressure. It has a big knob on top of it that can be turn to adjust the pressure output. A pressure gauge is also included to monitor the secondary pressure. Without the gauge it will be impossible to adjust the air regulator because you have no way of telling how much pressure is present on the secondary side. In some air compressors you will see 2 sets of gauge, that’s for the primary and the secondary side.

If you purchase an air regulator, you should know the size of the regulator you need to buy. The size is designated by the flow rate capacity. As the flow rate capacity increases the port size also increases, it is actually directly proportional to each other. So, you can also use the port size as the basis of the air regulator sizing. For example if your existing air regulator has a ¼” port, then you should buy a ¼” air regulator. The air regulator are not commonly available in most hardware, you can probably find them in hardware stores who sells air compressors. Some specific companies also sells them, like SMC Pneumatics who sells pneumatic valves, actuators and compressor accessories like filter, regulator, air-dryer, main line filter and after coolers. Other pneumatic companies like FESTO, Bosh, CKD, Bimba also sells them.

If you need a reliable and affordable air tools, you can visit www.ingersollrandairtools.net. Here you will find various Ingersol-Rand pneumatic tools and accessories.

How To Choose Appropriate Dental Air Compressor

How to choose appropriate dental air compressor

Choose the approriate dantal air compressor, air tools used in your work or at home can be confusing. Lots of information, different models, compressor. It is very important that you know how to read this information and find the best dantal compressors to your request. There are specific information, you should find before you buy your next dantal air compressor.
You should consider above all is the number of air pressure, you will eventually requirements. Depending on where the dantal air compressor was made, you will find the pressure rating given in a couple of different ways. It can be in the PSI or pounds per square inch rating, or the BAR rating, which means the number of atmospheres. This is the amount of air that will be delivered from the dantal compressor to the tool.
Your tools, also can give you volume of air, you need to run them constantly, in the best possible way. The information will either be given to you in CFM, which means cubic feet per minute, or LPM which means litres per minute. This is the information that you need to determine how quickly the dantal air compressors that you choose must deliver the air to your tools for them to work effectively.
For those in more than one tool, at the same time, you should put the number of air, every minute, you will need to all of them. This is the lowest amount per minute, you must meet the air compressor works, what you want.
It isn’t necessary to add up the pressure requirements, but you should take the requirement of the biggest tool and make sure that your compressor meets this need.
You should also consider the air, will inevitably occur waste. As time goes on, you will begin to leak of tools. If you only have the minimum number of oilless air compressor from you, you will begin to notice the effectiveness of deterioration. It is best to consider buying a dantal air compressor that delivers a bit more than just the minimum. However, it isn’t necessary to go over that number by a huge amount. You will be paying more for more airflow, so consider your budget when you are calculating your requirements.
There are many other considerations, you need to make your choice of dantal air compressors. Running tool, no need to worry about oil free air, or use your filters. But you still want to consider the amount of moisture in the air, the noise level of compressor and dantal temperature of compressed air. The most important thing is that you consider your special circumstances, the need for your dantal air compressor.


Air drills – Invaluable tools, now available online

The basic premise of the air impact wrench is taken and refined to create the air drill. Air drills can be used for a much wider range of jobs and can be viewed as the ultimate evolution of the air tool concept. These drills are light in weight, very powerful, and come with enough speed to make any job seem easy.

The advantages of air drills over the electric power models are quite a few. When a person is working with an air drill, he or she would get the job done with a lot less effort, than is otherwise possible. The air drills come with light motors, quite unlike the electric power tools, and are easy to hold and use. This way, one can work for longer hours without feeling tired or fatigued. The air drills also come with simpler motor systems which are harder wearing than their electrical counterparts. The motor systems in the air tools come with fewer parts that can burn out or fail in use; this makes the air tools more reliable over their lifetime.

Different kinds of air drills and air tools are currently available in the market. There are the basic light weight models on the one hand which are perfect for day to day use on a wide range of tasks. Then there are the extremely powerful air drills that can cope with much tougher jobs with ease. These tools are sure to deliver all the power you need, every time you switch them on.

One can now find basic air drills which are light in weight and features a number of refinements. The shape of these tools is compact and ergonomic which make them easy to operate and handle. The more powerful air drills come with reversible and re positionable heads to provide full power in forward and reverse; sometimes these tools are equipped with in-built muffler for noise reduction. No wonder, these air tools and air drills are increasingly being used to drill through almost anything and get any job done quite effortlessly.

One can now find the latest and the best in air drills, air impact wrenches, and welding hoses online. There are some reputable online providers working in this domain and offering the best deals in Sioux air drills and other tools. You can purchase the air tools you need from such sites and accrue huge savings in the process.

Arizonatools supplies all kinds of power tools cordless power tools, chicago power tools and electric power tools.

Air Tools Demonstration


This video features Keul Whitford, Product Training Specialist for Agri Supply. Keul demonstrates several of the air tools available at Agri Supply and gives tips on best uses. Air tools featured are the air cutoff tool, air grinder, air rachet, air drill, air chisel, and air impact wrench. www.agrisupply.com

Air Tools: Three Best Pneumatic Framing Nailers

A good pneumatic framing nailer is a must-have tool for many in the crafting and construction business. With the ability to securely fasten with speed, power, and durable precision, these pneumatic power-houses are a brilliant part of any tool collection. For an introduction to the industry’s most impressive, most efficient nailers, look no further than these three reviews of the ultimate pneumatic framing nailers.

Hitachi’s NR83A2 framing nailer is one of the most high-quality, high-performance pneumatic framers on the market today. Weighing only 7.9 lbs the tool is clearly lightweight and the tool is extremely well balanced for the most comfortable operation and maneuverability. The framer has a tool-less depth adjustment allowing craftsmen to choose their depth of drive, and with an open nose design, extracting a jammed nail is hardly a hassle. The framer also features selective actuation, a favorite feature of most users, which allow craftsmen to simply transition from single actuation to contact actuation for the greatest versatility through a variety of applications. The tool is strong, fast, and versatile, and because it’s also so lightweight and well-balanced, continuous work and awkward applications are far less strenuous. Ultimately, the NR83A2 is a seriously tough framer built for durability on the jobsite and for reliability through the most heavy-duty applications. Lastly, pricing from about $290 – $320, Hitachi’s framer is a bit spendy, but is worth every penny. (Note: This tool is also available as a sequential trigger gun (NR83A2S) for just about $300.)

On another hand, Porter-Cable’s FR350A 3-1/2″ roundhead framing nailer is one of the more heavy-duty pneumatic framing tools on the market today. With the power to drive nails up to 3-1/2″ x 131″ into engineered lumber, the tool has intense power. The framer’s compact body design contributes to its well-balance and overall smooth style while an internal piston catch mechanism ensures each shot is consistently powerful. A selectable trigger transitions modes between restrictive or contact actuation mode, and with a tool-free adjustable depth-of-drive, craftsmen have complete control over the tool’s performance. The tool is simple to reload, and a nail lockout mechanism alerts you when its time to reload your tool. Keeping your materials protected during work, the framer also has a (tool-free, adjustable) exhaust and a (removable) non-marring nose tip, and also having on-tool storage, the FR350AR is endlessly convenient. Ranging in price from about $200 – $230, the framer is a brilliant tool at a certainly reasonable price.

The FR350A is also available reconditioned (FR350AR) for just about $160. As a reconditioned tool, this nailer presents a truly superior value to craftsmen and builders. For those unfamiliar with recons, they are an extremely great value that bring craftsmen the highest-performance tools at a tiny fraction of regular cost. Reconditioned tools, for some minor cosmetic or technical defect, have been returned to the manufacturer. There, they undergo a series of stringent tests and retests and restoration processes before being re-released with an “R” trailing the model number. This little “R” (and potentially hundreds of dollars) is truly the only difference between a brand new tool and a recon. The value with reconditioned tools is a no-brainer; when they are available, buy them.

Like Hitachi and Porter-Cable, Senco is known for building some of the best pneumatic tools and nailers in the industry. With well-seasoned experience and superior craftsmanship, Senco is an steadfast contender in the world of pneumatics. Pricing from about $270 – $290, their SN902XP framing nailer is a brilliant and saucy little tool with 904 in/lbs of power in a compact, 7.3 lb package. This round head framer is also built with a innovated design that requires up to fifteen-percent less air than other comparable models, and still having the power to drive 2 – 3-1/4″ (round head plastic collated) framing nails with fast efficiency, the nailer perfectly unites precision power and lightweight convenience. The nailer also drives 2″-3-1/2″ smooth shank nails and 2″-3″ ring shank nails. The tool’s compact design also contributes to its ability to work in tight spaces in between studs and joists, and its overall balance and ease of operation. Additionally, the gun is easy to transition from rapid fire to sequential fire and is simple to load and unload for optimal convenience on the job. The SN902XP is ideal for a huge number of applications from framing, fencing and subfloors, to trusses and decking. It additionally has a patented TrueDrive magazine to prevent jamming and an adjustable depth of drive for unfailing precision with every shot. Like the above Porter-Cable nailer, Senco’s SN902XP is also available reconditioned (if you can find it) for about $170.

In the end and whatever your needs may be, one of these nailers is certain to be an ideal framer. With big power, acute precision, and the accountability of a time-honored manufacturer, these pneumatic framing nailers are the best of the best.

Specializing in tool parts & web communications, Mallory joined M&M Tool 4 years ago adding to their over 150 years combined experience. For over 70 years M&M Tool has provided the best service to the tool industry with replacement parts, sales, & service to woodworking products, machinery & power tools like Hitachi’s NR83A2 framing nailer and Porter-Cable’s FR350A framing nailer.

Air Tools: Two Best Pneumatic Brad Nailers

For craftsmen, carpenters, and cabinet shops, a quality pneumatic brad nailer is basically a bare necessity. Designed for trim, baseboards, cabinets, furniture, and etc, a brad nailer is built for the most precise, clean, and effective nailing. Where-ever you need smooth and crafty fabrication or installation, a brad nailer is just the tool for the job. Finding the best brad nailer, though, can be a tough process, so I’ve compiled a bit of information on the industry’s very best pneumatic brad nailers to help you narrow your search for the ultimate air tool.

Firstly, Senco is known for building some of the best pneumatic tools this industry has ever seen and their FinsihPro18 (18 gauge) brad nailer is brilliant example of the Senco difference. With the power, durability, and perfectly compact design to bring you the most professional, impressive results, the FinishPro 18 is a tool to be remembered. Weighing only 2.9 lbs the tool’s lightweight design entirely eliminates the pains of continuous or overhead work, and this comfort comes without any sacrifice to power; the nailer drives fasteners up to 2″ into hard woods making this brad nailer ideal for cabinetry, trim, and any type of finish work. The tool also has an adjustable depth-of-drive for the most precise nailing, and a hardened steel driver for longevity and durability. The tool is simple to load, and with a low-load indicator you’ll never be caught off guard with an empty magazine. The tool’s no mar pad and rear exhaust (designed to keep debris and oils away from your materials) work together to ensure your workpieces are always clean and unsmudged. Ultimately, this nailer is tough enough for heavy-duty applications while being ultra compact to ensure you are always comfortable and in control of each shot and each application. Additionally, as the Finish Pro 18 only costs around $80 – $90, this brilliant tool comes at a brilliantly affordable price.

On another hand, Porter-Cable’s BN200B is another (18 gauge) brad nailer with all the power and innovation to bring you impressive results with every single shot. With a long-lasting, virtually maintenance-free motor, the tool’s durable high-performance is unfailingly reliable, and with a rear exhaust keeping oils and contaminants away from your workpieces, your results are clean and precise. Additionally, a (removable) no-marring nose piece keeps your materials protected against scrapes and scuffs for for the cleanest possible results. the BN200B delivers consistent high-power with each shot, and with a depth of drive adjustment driving nails from 5/8″ to 2″ in length, the tool accommodates a variety of applications. A low nail reload mechanism indicates when a reload is required, and with a tool-free jam release, nail removal is always simple. The tool has a 100 nail magazine capacity, and weighing only 2.6 lbs the tool is comfortable during continuous use and even the most awkward applications. Although its strikingly lightweight, the tool is also built with a strong die-cast aluminum body for long-lasting durability, and a special hardened driver blade additionally contributes to the tool’s overall longevity. Ultimately, this nailer is pretty awesome, and pricing at only around $100, its a superior tool that will also fit into your budget.

Among the best of the best, either of these pneumatic brad nailers is certain deliver exceptional, impressive results.

Specializing in tool parts & web communications, she joined M&M Tool 4 yrs ago adding to their over 150 yrs combined experience. For over 70 yrs M&M Tool has provided the best service to the tool industry with replacement parts, sales, & service to woodworking products, machinery & power tools like Senco’s FinishPro 18 brad nailer, and Porter-Cable’s BN200B brad nailer.

Cold Air Tool Cooling Permits Machining Without Coolant

Since 1983, EXAIR Corporation has engineered Intelligent Compressed Air® Products that provide unique solutions to common industrial problems. EXAIR’s Cold Gun Aircoolant System is one of those products that provide a solution to an old problem. Heat build up on dry machining operations reduces tool life and machining rates. The Cold Gun Aircoolant System produces a stream of clean, cold air at 50°F (28°C) below supply air temperature. Operation is quiet and there are no moving parts to wear out. It will remove heat to prolong tool life and increase productivity on machining operations when liquid coolants cannot be used.

Many machining operations use mist coolants to cool the parts and maintain tolerances. However, there are problems associated with mists. The coolant is costly – with costs associated with the purchase and disposal of cutting fluids. Another problem that people are becoming increasingly more aware of is the worker related health problems from breathing airborne coolants or slipping on wet floors. EXAIR’s Cold Gun is the alternative and can either completely eliminate the mist or greatly reduce its use.

Machining operations typically run all day and it is important that the Cold Gun be able to run for the duration, providing a steady stream of cold airflow. EXAIR’s Cold Gun is non-adjustable to prevent freeze-up during use. Cold airflow and temperature drop are factory set to optimize the gun’s cooling capability. It provides the maximum Btu/hr capacity for the amount of compressed air that is consumed.

The typical applications include:

• Tool sharpening

• Drill & cutter grinding

• Routing

• Plunge and form grinding

• Milling

• Surface grinding

• Drilling

• Tire grinding

• Band sawing

• Plastic machining

• Laser cutting

• Chill rolls

• Setting hot melt adhesives

EXAIR’s Cold Gun offers some distinct advantages:

• Improves production rates

• Prevents burning

• Extends tool life – reduces breakage

• Improves tolerance control

• Prevents smearing of metal or plastics

• Finished part is dry

• Eliminates wheel loading

• Low cost

• Compact, lightweight, portable

• No moving parts – maintenance free

• Quiet

• No coolant cost

• No electricity

Need more cooling power? EXAIR’s got it! The High Power Cold Gun produces twice the airflow of the standard Cold Gun, doubling the cooling capability. It produces cold air at 50ºF (28ºC) below the supply air temperature so the air is as cold as possible without freezing up. Two systems are available: the Model 5230 High Power Cold Gun with Single Point Hose Kit and Model 5330 High Power Cold Gun with Dual Point Hose Kit.

You might wonder how effective the Cold Gun really is. Recently, there was a long term study on the effect of refrigerated air on tool wear in wood machining conducted at the Forestry Products Department of Purdue University by Ms. Judith Gisip. The Purdue Study was under the direction of Dr. Rado Gazo (department professor) and Harold Stewart (professor at North Carolina State University and 35 years in wood machining research).

Wood is brutal on tooling. In metalworking, most of the heat goes away with the machined chip. Wood is an excellent insulator and doesn’t conduct the heat away, which keeps it all there at the tool. Temperatures can exceed 800°C!

The extensive tests with the EXAIR Cold Gun at Purdue were conducted in a 70°F climate controlled room. They tested (4) 1/2″ (12.7mm) two-flute cutters on a CNC router at 16,000 rpm. (22) sheets of 3/4″ thick MDF (medium density fiberboard) were fed one at a time, cutting away 1/4″ (6mm) depth of cut on each pass. Power consumption of the CNC was recorded (current draw increases as the tool starts to dull). When finished, the surface of the tools was examined using a scanning electron microscope. Machining with the Cold Gun’s 20°F air reduced tool wear by over 21% compared to the results with no cooling.

How Much Can You Save?

A 1/2″ two flute router bit for wood is approximately $58.

The 21% reduction in tool wear when using a Cold Gun is $58 x 0.21 = $12.18 savings per bit.

If you use (1) router bit per working day, the savings is $12.18 x 5 working days = $60.90 per week / $3,167 per year – And that’s for one bit!

The overall analysis is that the Cold Gun can help to reduce tool wear along with increasing feeds and speeds without all the mess of liquid coolants.