Questions on Pneumatic Random Orbital Polishers

[SR99]

Is a pneumatic random orbital polisher something that you would be immediately productive with, if you've used electric DA's, or is it a completely new learning curve?

How much oversizing of the compressor is recommended? For example the 3" Rupes LRH75 needs 88psi @ 11.3 cfm (not sure if that is average or peak). If your compressor's max rating is essentially the same (90 psi @ 11.3 cfm), is long term use at the max rating OK, or is that not likely to be a good pairing and you'd need a beefier compressor? If some headroom is desired, how much oversize is recommended?

 

[SuperiorAutoLLC]

It's relatively the same, but pneumatic sanders/polishers use a TON of air, and I mean A TON. You should invest in the largest capacity compressor you can purchase if you're going to be pneumatically polishing on a regular basis.

The only major difference between electric and pneumatic polishing is that you will have to make sure your air stream is consistent and not sporadic so your end results look the same.

Good luck.

 

[tuscarora dave]

It's relatively the same, but pneumatic sanders/polishers use a TON of air, and I mean A TON. You should invest in the largest capacity compressor you can purchase if you're going to be pneumatically polishing on a regular basis.

The only major difference between electric and pneumatic polishing is that you will have to make sure your air stream is consistent and not sporadic so your end results look the same.

Good luck.

Couldn't have said it any better. I have an 80 gallon 19 CFM 100% duty cycle 2 stage air compressor and it's not enough to polish continually with a pneumatic. You'd need a big screw type compressor and a few hundred gallons of reserve compressed air to to run a few pneumatic polishers all the time.

 

[SR99]

Thanks for the info. I guess in addition to the costly big compressor you'd also have to budget for a 240V 30A dedicated circuit (or maybe even larger) installation.

 

[tuscarora dave]

Thanks for the info. I guess in addition to the costly big compressor you'd also have to budget for a 240V 30A dedicated circuit (or maybe even larger) installation.

Yes but you'd need more than 30 amps. Mine requires a 50 amp circuit breaker and it's just a 5 H.P. single phase motor. If you'd be buying quality equipment, you could figure another grand for piping, air dryer, a good regulator, oiler if you go that route and some worthy quick couplers.