Posted by Tim Way on Tuesday, January 16, 2001 at 1:11AM :
I have finally started work on my truck and need some advice. I have built a decent set of hand tools over the years, but I have never had the need for (although I’ve always wanted) a compressor, welder or other “big shop” items before now.
I know that quality is everything and with that in mind I have tried to keep my collection of hand tools to name brands (Craftsman, Snap On, etc) and I have been very happy. But as I price these big-ticket items I’m not sure that I need (or can afford) top of the line. I built my garage knowing I would own a PW someday and I have space (although limited) and power (2 ea 220V 30A outlets and 110 all over the place). Keep in mind that the tool budget and the PW budget are one and the same and every dollar I spend on tools is one less that goes into the truck.
I have done some fairly large jobs without the luxury of air tools and have always looked at them as a convenience more than necessity. As I turn ratchets for hours on end and wire brush my way through this truck, I have decided that I NEED these things!
What is a good “hobbyist” size air compressor (what cfm at what pressure, tank size, HP, oil or oil free)? I want to be able to run impacts, sand blaster, grinders, and paint. I’m not running the tire lane down at Pep Boy’s but I don’t want to have to stop and wait on the compressor either. What would be an “OK” brand of air tools?
What is a good choice for a welder (MIG, TIG, stick)? What brand? Are the MIG welders without inert purge worth a dime? I have stick and TIG welded before and I have been leaning towards a MIG but about all I can afford would be a lower end model. I need it for bodywork mainly with a little heavy welding on occasion.
I know that I will either need to buy a sand blaster or have it done by someone else. Is it worth it to purchase? I have been looking into maybe a small blast cabinet for the shop and having all the big stuff done professionally. I would more than likely get more use out of a blast cabinet and wouldn’t have to deal with the mess of open air sand blasting. What are the + and-‘s of a blast cabinet or a sand blaster?
As I get into this thing, It’s becoming VERY clear that spray cans of de-greaser in a bucket “ain’t gonna’ cut it”. Is the expense of a re-circulating parts’ washer worth it? How do you deal with the waste? What type of solution (water based or petroleum)?
Sorry for the long post. Sometimes I get carried away ;)
Thanks!
Tim Way
Albuquerque, NM