Mini Air Tools won't run

[philsnyder]

i just bought the headlight kit with tools

my air compressor will not run them!
it is a 20 gallon unit rated at 4.7 cfm

any suggestions?

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Mini Air Tools won't run

It won't run them at all, or it shuts down after a brief period of time? If they won't run at all double check the speed adjuster on the back of the tool - you can basically shut off the air almost completely to them if it's dialed down.

[philsnyder]

Re: Mini Air Tools won't run

they run briefly and then fizzle out rapidly

i am putting out 4.7 cfm
which isn't even close.

what cfm is the minimum that i can get away with?

[philsnyder]

Re: Mini Air Tools won't run

i followed your advice and turned the adjusting knob on the back

now the da sander works ok but the polisher feels weak
needs more air flow
that's why i am interested in knowing what the specs for air flow are

[photoadjuster]

Re: Mini Air Tools won't run

If you have not already oiled it, put 2-3 drops of oil in the air hose connector before coupling on the air hose. This needs to be done daily if you do not have an auto oiler on your air compressor.

Use "Air Tool Oil" from harbor freight or any other store.

If that is not available, 3 in 1 oil is OK, but get the air tool oil soonest. It is designed not to gum up the works.

The 3m air tools, in the headlight kit, say to use 40-50lbs of air. This is not enough. I have to run 80-90lbs to get any work done. 90lbs is the max the tools are rated for.

Also note that 3/8" air line is best, rather than 1/4", because there is a pressure drop though every fitting and quick connector.

Please note that the above is only my finding on the Chicago Pneumatic tools, so other brands may vary.

Also, Check your regulator. Some of them can not pass enough air volume though the regulator to spin the air tools.

[Brian Hann]

Re: Mini Air Tools won't run

they run briefly and then fizzle out rapidly

i am putting out 4.7 cfm
which isn't even close.

what cfm is the minimum that i can get away with?

Read Mike Stoops response here...

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38259&highlight=minimum+psi&page=3

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Mini Air Tools won't run

The rotary unit will use more air than the D/A does, and we recommend a 30 gallon tank with these tools. Still, with your 20 gallon tank you should still get several minutes run time before depleting the tank. How quickly does the compressor kick back in to start refilling the tank?

[philsnyder]

Re: Mini Air Tools won't run

it is not an air capacity problem
it just does not rotate fast enough

maybe i will buy a 60 gallon compressor

[cnfowler]

Re: Mini Air Tools won't run

it is not an air capacity problem
it just does not rotate fast enough

maybe i will buy a 60 gallon compressor

You definitely do NOT have the required CFMs being supplied to the tools. Air tools are air hungry. Air sanders and polishers require a ton of air.

You need to find what tools you want to use, check the air flow requirements of each, then choose a compressor that meets those needs. Make sure you check the CFMs for the specific psi each tool is designed to be used at. Most compressors will give you the CFMs supplied at 40psi and 90 psi.

Keep in mind there are even drastic differences in the CFMs between different brands in the 60 and 80 gallon size compressors.


Colin

[aerogt01]

Re: Mini Air Tools won't run

One thing that has not been mentioned is the ID (internal diameter) of the hose you are using. It should be 3/8" for use with these tools (this can be a fairly heavy hose). Also, what was mentioned is using 3/8" hose connections. While I don't believe this is as important, it would definitely help.

If the tool is not spinning fast enough initially, your air tank is close to 120-150 psi, your regulator is set at 90 psi, and the air compressor is not running at that instant, then it is not a capacity problem, it is an air delivery problem. This could be due to small hose ID, small connector ID, or a slow regulator.