RE: air compressors
Right on with the air compressor. It probably gets more use than
any other power tool.
Although tank size is important, so is delivery rate. We started
out with Sears 1 hp, 13 amp, 110 volt unit. This is the old hp
rating and it was more like a 3.5 hp and it's delivery was about
6.8 cfm at 40 and 5.4 at 90 cfm. About five years ago, I
purchased a new 5 hp 220 unit with 12.8 and 11.5 delivery rates.
For those drills, zip guns, impacts, etc. the smaller rate is
fine. But, If you plan on doing a lot of blasting, or sanding
with orbital, and jitter bug sanders, or using a cutting tool
with cut off wheels, you need higher delivery rates. Some tools
I have purchased took more air than what was listed.
If you want to keep water out of the lines, run about fifteen
feet of hose between the compressor and the water separator.
Then coil some of the hose and place it in a bucket of water.
You'll be surprised at how much more water the separator will
catch as the water is no longer in vapor form.
Another great shop tool is a hammer driven impact tool. These
work great on screws and the bit won't slip out, and the
hammering helps loosed the fastener.
I've also made a paint baking oven. It's a 2X2X2 foot cardboard
grocery box lined with foil. A 60 watt bulb provides the heat
and two dowels run across the top to hang parts. You need a few
holes at the bottom and top for ventilation. Parts sometimes get
to hot to handle inside, so be careful.
Blake
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