Quick question. Just about tool to use..

[robpoe]

I have a really cr*ppy grinder i bought from Cummins Tool. It's a 4inch 90degree angle grinder. It has no guts, overheats (very little airflow) and last time I used it on the fiberglass, I got it hot enough that it smoked and crackled for a while. After it cooled off, it still works - I'm not real skippy on using it too much though...<br /><br />Recently I got a nice air compressor (6hp 28 gallon) from Santa (ho! ho! ho!). Can I use an air grinder (realizing that it will blow the 'glass around more) instead of the electric? I have an air powered straight grinder at this point, and with a full head of air in the compressor tank .. that thing will grind steel with no problems. <br /><br />Or should I go get a quality 90 degree electric grinder.<br /><br />I do have 50 feet of hose, so the grinding will happen AWAY from the compressor (i.e. compressor in garage, door closed, etc).<br /><br />Thoughts?

 

[Wimperdink]

Re: Quick question. Just about tool to use..

Using the air grinder will make your compressor run nonstop unless of course you stop every so often to let it catch up and cool off. (a royal pain) With a decent electric you can keep going and going and going. Save your compressor and put the constant abuse to the electric. (electric grinder is cheaper than compressor) Use the compressor for cleanup.. (blow gun) Just my opinion humble or not.

 

[robpoe]

Re: Quick question. Just about tool to use..

Since I got no manuals with the compressor (but it DOES come with a 2 year onsite warranty) I know not of the "run time" that I need to watch for as far as overheating, etc. It's an upright tank compressor and it blows air over the compressor fins when it runs. If heat is an issue with these (as I'd imagine it could be) I was already thinking anyway of rigging up a computer type muffin fan to put MORE air across the fins.<br /><br />I did a bunch of grinding on an old motorcycle frame I'm scrapping, just to see how well the grinder worked. The compressor did run a lot, but the grinder seems to be pretty good about how much it uses (air wise). Had the guts to "go and go and go and go" .. the compressor keeps up well..<br /><br />Dont know .. haven't thought about it much more, will have to think more

 

[Wimperdink]

Re: Quick question. Just about tool to use..

I just moved from kansas city late last year.. I went to cummins tool a lot.. in raymore right? Anyway, Its my feeling that running sanders and grinders and the like for extended periods will take lots of life off of a noncommercial compressor. Just my 2 cents

 

[ColdFire]

Re: Quick question. Just about tool to use..

rob, just go to biglots, we've got a few in our area, and pick up one of their cheap 4" grinders and let it self destruct on the boat project. The one I picked up from there was $20 and it survived my project, full floor, stringer, transom and cutting the through the cord a couple of times and it is still going. Let's face it grinding the fiber glass is dirty nasty and hard on the tools I would rather go through a $20 grinder than have an expensive name brand just sitting around after a project, I just think I get more bang for my buck.

 

[swimmin' for shore]

Re: Quick question. Just about tool to use..

I think this is really hinging on the size of your compressor. 28 gallons isn't a lot. It will do a lot of jobs, but you don't want it under constant load, either. DA sanders, grinders, etc...take a lot of air. I'd go with the electric, too. If you want a good one that will last, buy a good one that will last. It's much cheaper than a new compressor.