air sanders

**aawood** · 01-08-2003, 08:55 PM

Wondering if anyone has any info on pneumatic ROS (Sioux, ARO, etc.). Electric ones that I've been using are taking a beating much too fast, and the pads aren't lasting, also would like more dust extraction choices. From what I've read so far, my compressor won't provide the needed CFM, especially with staplers and spraying. This may not be the place to ask, but if you know anything, I would appreciate it. Thank you-Tony

**Lou_williams** · 01-09-2003, 12:45 AM

Air sanders are great. Sonny has been using them for years and loves them. They are the original ROS and are the primary method used in the auto paint industry.

You will need a lot of CFM for this kind of tool. My compressor is a big unit. 5 hp continous, and 80 gal tank. A small pancake won't cut it.

**srpoly** · 01-09-2003, 10:51 AM

My "business shop is auto related, and I only use air. IR Brand. One of the main reasons behind my decision was safety. Employees sanding pickup beds all day often wet or snow covered, standing on concrete...... I really like no electricity!!!!!

That said, if I had the compressor size at my home shop I would use them more. Lou's dead on right, a small contractor unit aint gonna cut it. I'm sure there are good options for dust collection, but mine aren't it! Add to that, the exhaust air blowing dust back in you eyes is sometimes a nuicance.

The finish you can obtain is, IMHO, better than I can get with my Bosch or Dewalt ROS, but not to the level of a PC block sander.(333?)
Vibration is minimal compared to my electrics.

hope it helps-

**woodchuck1954** · 01-09-2003, 02:02 PM

If you can justify the spending of several hundred dollars on a larger compressor and a few hundred dollars for an air sander-GO FOR IT. But if I were you, I would simply step up to a better electric sander. I have a Bosch 6" ROS that is as smooth as any other tool I own. Pads will last the same on air OR electric sanders.

**aawood** · 01-09-2003, 04:24 PM

You're right about the Bosch. The one I had lasted longer than anything else I've bought. I have a DeWalt and a Makita now. As far as the compressor, I never imagined the one I have now would ever be insufficient. It's a DeVilbiss 6.5hp, 60gal. I have glanced at some larger ones in the last few days and don't know that I've found any, even the largest ones in any catalog that I have, that would provide the CFM some of the sanders I've checked on require. I talked to a Sioux rep today and inquired about a model I had seen (690) and she said it required 20 CFM! Can that be right or am I misunderstanding something? If that is the case, how could anyone use one and any other tool at the same time?

**srpoly** · 01-09-2003, 04:51 PM

Yep, That's about right. The big difference is the compressor head. A machine like your Devilbiss is a single stage. A two stage unit takes ambient air, and compresses it to maybe 75-100 psi. It is then pulled into a second chamber for compression, often as high as 175 psi. The biggest difference is volume. Most any compressor can achieve 125psi which is enough to run most any tool, but a large two stage machine can maintain that pressure at the required volume for extended periods. My shop machine is a 10hp 120gal and can run constant at 42cfm at 100psi. Even with that much delivery and storage, my IR sander cycles the compressor every 3 minutes or so.
For most home shops that much air just isn't feasable. For one thing your not going to find that much HP without three phase power.