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Workshop Advice…Electric vs. Air?

Got a project that you are working on that is not a tractor? Maybe a barn to hold your tractors or just fun stuff like woodworking, glass, tools, sheds, gardens, custom implements, etc., this is the place to talk about it.
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Bigschuss
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Workshop Advice…Electric vs. Air?

Postby Bigschuss » Fri Jul 04, 2014 10:46 am

Hey guys…I am going to put some money into my workshop this summer. I use it for timber framing, carpentry, and all kinds of automotive and tractor service work. Looking down the road I can see myself restoring a tractor at some point, or maybe restoring an old pick-up truck.

Can I ask you guys who have high-end shops what are the pros and cons of using and maintaining air tools vs. electric? Besides the obvious ability to do some sand-blasting and painting, does a a large air compressor and associated tools provide any benefit compared to comparable electric tools (grinders, impact wrenches, nibblers, cut-off tools).

Basically, I am trying to decide if I need an air compressor in my shop for my needs. And if so, do I need I large 60 gallon compressor, or can I do with a smaller, portable compressor.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Blair
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- Merle Haggard

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Eugene
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Re: Workshop Advice…Electric vs. Air?

Postby Eugene » Fri Jul 04, 2014 11:05 am

I have both a larger and a portable air compressor plus some powered by 12 volt DC. The portable doesn't have enough reserve to operate air powered tool for much more than a minute. The larger A/C will operate tools continuously. Usage depends on which air compressor I utilize. The portable air compressor is much easier to move from job to job.

Electricity is better for some tools such as grinders, saws, and stationary shop tools.

Sorry I didn't answer the question. Thinking you will need both air and electric powered tools.
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Re: Workshop Advice…Electric vs. Air?

Postby tmays » Fri Jul 04, 2014 11:27 am

Never seen a high end shop that didn't utilize both
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Re: Workshop Advice…Electric vs. Air?

Postby Rob in NH » Fri Jul 04, 2014 12:12 pm

i would have both and the the compressor would be 60 gallon or bigger. i have an 80 gallon ir and it has plenty of air for a 1 person shop. at home i have a 30 gallon kobalt, which is not enough air for me. if you want some good ideas for garages check garagejournal.com
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Re: Workshop Advice…Electric vs. Air?

Postby John *.?-!.* cub owner » Fri Jul 04, 2014 9:12 pm

When I built my shop I installed an 11.4 cu ft 60 gallon compressor, and also bought a 5.1 cu ft portable, and to keep up using a small sand blaster it takes both. For years I used air wrenches, but as I have gotten older, and arthritis gets worse I have been converting to battery wrenches, much handier and can take them anywhere.
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Re: Workshop Advice…Electric vs. Air?

Postby Rodney51Cub » Sat Jul 05, 2014 6:04 am

Mine is not a high end shop. I do have both air and electric tools. The only thing I will recommend is get a big air compressor because the smaller compressors do not run a sand blaster or some impacts very well. All other tools will be your choice for the projects you get into.

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Re: Workshop Advice…Electric vs. Air?

Postby grumpy » Sat Jul 05, 2014 8:15 am

My shop is small but I have both elec. and air. I have an 80 gal in the shop and a portable 15 gal elec. compressor. Both have been handy. Myself, I would rather drag an air hose around the shop than an extension cord. I also had a double tank compressor ran by gas engine that was fairly easy to move around. My son borrowed it 4 years ago and says he's not done with it yet. Grump
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Re: Workshop Advice…Electric vs. Air?

Postby ScottyD'sdad » Sat Jul 05, 2014 10:00 am

Minimum of 14 cu. in.,, 60 gallon compressor. Electric is fine,, for small stuff,,, but you need a good air supply for "real" work. Yesterday, a Pricey yellow battery impact gun,, wouldn't remove bolster to engine bolts. Air did it,,, like it was tightened,, by a 3 year old!
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Re: Workshop Advice…Electric vs. Air?

Postby Eugene » Sat Jul 05, 2014 10:30 am

Plasma cutter requires both air and electricity; 220 volts and around 7 cubic feet per minute.

Recommendation is to purchase the contractor/heavy duty grade tools and larger than you think you will possibly need.

John makes a good point on battery powered tools. The recommendation is to purchase only one high quality brand, and voltage, and contractor grade. The same batteries and chargers can be utilized with all battery powered tools.
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Re: Workshop Advice…Electric vs. Air?

Postby Bigschuss » Sat Jul 05, 2014 1:52 pm

Thanks guys. Just what I was looking for. I appreciate you all taking the time to comment. Looks like I need to budget both space and cash for a quality air compressor.

Blair
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Re: Workshop Advice…Electric vs. Air?

Postby Rudi » Sat Jul 05, 2014 8:53 pm

Blair:

I also have both. 100 gallon lay down compressor tank .. DeVilbliss - nigh on 30 years old now I guess but sure does the job both in my cabinet shop and in the pole barn. I think both are required as both have their uses and best tool for job points. I love the air for sanding, finishing in the cabinet shop and I use my air powered drills for drilling and the electric/battery drills for screwing and such. In the pole barn air does the majority of the work .. everything from impact wrenches to ratchets, drills and such. Couldn't do without either.

Have fun in your shop .. that's the main point no matter what is there. It can be all muscle power as long as that is what you enjoy.
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Re: Workshop Advice…Electric vs. Air?

Postby PVF1799 » Sat Jul 05, 2014 9:46 pm

My shop is in a single car garage attached to the house. It is my small well organized work space. When I started Rex'48 I did not have the following - but very quickly realized I needed the follow in my shop. After some careful layout I wedged in;

1. 60 Gallon 12 CFM Air Compressor
2. Sandblasting Cabinet
3. Numerous air tools and all sanding supplies
4. Oxy/Acetylene Torch
5. Mig Welder

My shop is a mix of air, elec and battery tools. In my mind there is a time and place for each type.

Ken

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Re: Workshop Advice…Electric vs. Air?

Postby Bigschuss » Thu Jul 17, 2014 6:52 am

Thanks Ken and Rudi…much appreciated.

Blair
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Re: Workshop Advice…Electric vs. Air?

Postby Rudi » Fri Jul 18, 2014 3:01 pm

Blair:

You don't have to spend a King's Ransom on a good unit. Compressor shops always have trade in's that might be a few years old but produce large amounts of air economically. These are ideal as they are pennies on the buck compared to brand new compressors. Check out your local industrial supplies, pretty sure you will find one. Your local Kijiji or whatever eBay's list is down there should have them too.
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