david01130

Im not sure where this thread belongs but Im sure a lot of you use air tools and could help me out. I have an air compressor (I believe its 30 gallons) and Im looking for some sanding air tools. There seems to be a very wide range of prices for these from $10-$100+. Anyone have any good recommendations? links? Im looking for quality I dont want any cheap crap. thanks

JHPSTANG

In my experience with tools you get what you pay for. I usually buy the best or next-to-the-best. In the long run you will be glad you didn't waste your money on cr@p.

rmodel65

hutchins ftw www.abtm.com for a search able autobody supply site

JMD

+1 on the Hutchins... especially if you are going to use the tools yourself.... Hutchins tools work great and last a long, long time. possibly a lifetime for the hobbyist...

If you are going to use the tools once on one project or for others to use you might consider Ingersoll Rand or another American brand....

But then again, unless they get stolen or "walk away", Hutchins is hard to beat under any circumstance...

Oh yea,,, you will NEED a longboard ORBITAL sander (Hutchins Hustler) if you intend on doing body work....

rmodel65

the hutchins are balanced closer which leads to the long life but also less stress ont he user. you will be able to worker longer

david01130

thanks for the help. hutchins really looks like they have some quality tools. and thanks rmodel65 for that website. They are a little on the expensive side and Im going to search around on ebay for some deals but are there any other brands? I will use them on more than one car so Ill need something with quality like the hutchins but maybe a little cheaper.

david01130

how is national detroit?

rmodel65

never used them? for high dollar stuff like air tools i normally buy hutchins or then matco or snap on(or there value line stuff)

JMD

The Ingersoll Rand air tools are pretty good. The dual action sanders and inline sanders (air boards) will last for at least 5 complete cars.... way more than good enough for the average hobbyist.

Stay away from the cheap imports, like Harbor Freight sells for example.... look to pay about $100.00 for a D/A, and about the same or a little more for a longboard...

The Chinese stuff is tempting, but usually it is not only short lived, it is often not able to do it's intended job to start with. A couple of years ago my uncle bought a longboard from harbor freight, what a bargain! It was only $29.00.... but he may as well have flushed the money down the toilet. It was a sad, sad, sad, excuse for a tool.... man

MBDiagMan

For sanders, especially a DA, you need to look closely at air volume requirements. The cheap DA's seem to require a LOT more air volume than your compressor will be able to supply.

There are some high priced DA's that require less air volume. The cheap ones probably won't let you sand more than 30 seconds or a minute before you have to stop for a cup of coffee while the air tank refills.