Tornado Black - Has anyone bought/used one?

CleanGene

CleanGene

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Just curious if anyone has had any experience with the newer Tornado (Black) model. I've bought one but it's on backorder and have been pondering cancelling the order. I've heard good things about the original and was wondering if the black model is just as good. It supposedly runs off less air, which is good because I'd like to run it off a small compressor. If anyone is using one with a 4 gallon compressor or less, I'd like to know how well its working for you and what's the SCFM/CFM of your compressor?
 
I can tell you this a LOT of people have bought them, we just ran out, but I think we have more coming in Monday. So someone on here has to be able to chime in and help.
 
Hey Meghan. I'm waiting patiently, hoping to get one soon. I thought there would be a few users out there. Maybe they're all out using them right now. :dunno:
 
I have had the Black Tornador since shortly after AG got them in stock. It is amazing and I love it I had never used the Classic but got a chance to compare the Classic and the Black at Boot Camp a couple of weeks back. The additional power is amazing. The Black is supposed to have a lower air demand but I can't speak to that. I highly recommend this unit.
 
CleanGene said:
Just curious if anyone has had any experience with the newer Tornado (Black) model. I've bought one but it's on backorder and have been pondering cancelling the order. I've heard good things about the original and was wondering if the black model is just as good. It supposedly runs off less air, which is good because I'd like to run it off a small compressor. If anyone is using one with a 4 gallon compressor or less, I'd like to know how well its working for you and what's the SCFM/CFM of your compressor?
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Maybe I can help :props:

I use my Tornado Black both at home and at the dealership. The dealership uses a massive air compressor (I don't know its specs) at home I use a small 5gallon unit with the Tornado Black and see NO difference in performance from moving between the two. With the 5 gallon at home I gets 3.5 SCFM at 90psi, if I remember correct. I can normally do what I need to do on the exterior and interior of the car with the compressor turning on 2 or 3 times max during the process.

Couple points and thoughts about the Torando products...

- I use to use the original Tornado also, but I use it ALOT and the spinning ring inside would cut the white plastic to dangerous levels.
**Yes the make replacements tips and even a replacement with steel inside - but at that price and replacements I just bought the Black, much more economical (the tip no longer hits the plastic housing which I would have to replace)

- The Tornado Black is MUCH more powerful and MUCH quieter, I've found in my use.
** the tip on the Tornado Black doesn't hit the plastic housing which makes it so much quieter. There is enough noise in the body shop!!

-Also I can attach the foam tip to it and volia... I have a foam gun!
** I use my Black Tornado for everything I can...
1) Foam gun
2) Deep carpet cleaning
3) Leather cleaning
4) Drying of crevices after exterior wash - No leaf blower need. I also use my compressor needle pointer attachment once in awhile, but mostly the Tornado.
5) Also use to blow out body shop dust on the car before cleaning or vacuuming.

Hope this helps you out Gene!! :dblthumb2:
 
DealerDetailer said:
Maybe I can help :props:

I use my Tornado Black both at home and at the dealership. The dealership uses a massive air compressor (I don't know its specs) at home I use a small 5gallon unit with the Tornado Black and see NO difference in performance from moving between the two. With the 5 gallon at home I gets 3.5 SCFM at 90psi, if I remember correct. I can normally do what I need to do on the exterior and interior of the car with the compressor turning on 2 or 3 times max during the process.

Couple points and thoughts about the Torando products...

- I use to use the original Tornado also, but I use it ALOT and the spinning ring inside would cut the white plastic to dangerous levels.
**Yes the make replacements tips and even a replacement with steel inside - but at that price and replacements I just bought the Black, much more economical (the tip no longer hits the plastic housing which I would have to replace)

- The Tornado Black is MUCH more powerful and MUCH quieter, I've found in my use.
** the tip on the Tornado Black doesn't hit the plastic housing which makes it so much quieter. There is enough noise in the body shop!!

-Also I can attach the foam tip to it and volia... I have a foam gun!
** I use my Black Tornado for everything I can...
1) Foam gun
2) Deep carpet cleaning
3) Leather cleaning
4) Drying of crevices after exterior wash - No leaf blower need. I also use my compressor needle pointer attachment once in awhile, but mostly the Tornado.
5) Also use to blow out body shop dust on the car before cleaning or vacuuming.

Hope this helps you out Gene!! :dblthumb2:
Click to expand...

Yeah, this helps a lot. Just looking for a little positive reinforcement. I'll probably buy a 4 gallon compressor to run it and just wanted to make sure I get one with enough flow. Thanks.
 
CleanGene said:
Yeah, this helps a lot. Just looking for a little positive reinforcement. I'll probably buy a 4 gallon compressor to run it and just wanted to make sure I get one with enough flow. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Your welcome! The tornado is a great tool to have!
 
I have one of these on the way in this week.

I am curious how you use it for cleaning leather? Do you use lexol?

Also, what is your process for cleaning leather? I know with lexol, you are supposed to apply it with a damp microfiber, would you just use the gun to apply the cleaner, work in with a brush, then wipe it down with a damp towel?

And as someone who is totally new to this type of equipment, what hint, tips, and advice would you give me?

I am really excited to try this bad boy out once it arrives!!!

Thanks!
 
Tderby, wish I could help you out. Still waiting on mine. Still on backorder.
 
Tderby said:
I have one of these on the way in this week.

I am curious how you use it for cleaning leather? Do you use lexol?

Also, what is your process for cleaning leather? I know with lexol, you are supposed to apply it with a damp microfiber, would you just use the gun to apply the cleaner, work in with a brush, then wipe it down with a damp towel?

And as someone who is totally new to this type of equipment, what hint, tips, and advice would you give me?

I am really excited to try this bad boy out once it arrives!!!

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I use OPC mixed 10:1and spray slowly across the leather. I then wipe with terry towel and blow dry. Repeat if needed. If the leather is real dirty, you will see a river of gunk start to run. If not so dirty, may only see slight dirt on towel. You can use any cleaner safe for leather but haven't tried Lexol. Have tried several other all purpose cleaners but like OPC best.
 
Robert8194 said:
I use OPC mixed 10:1and spray slowly across the leather. I then wipe with terry towel and blow dry. Repeat if needed. If the leather is real dirty, you will see a river of gunk start to run. If not so dirty, may only see slight dirt on towel. You can use any cleaner safe for leather but haven't tried Lexol. Have tried several other all purpose cleaners but like OPC best.
Click to expand...

+1 on that. Just about use the same process - my APC is 15:1
 
How about the Autogeek Tornado vs the Tornado Black.
Also how do you turn it in to a foam gun?

Thanks
 
CleanGene said:
Tderby, wish I could help you out. Still waiting on mine. Still on backorder.
Click to expand...

Finally, it's here! Can't wait to give it a shot. Ordered an extra canister for dressing. Thinking about filling with 303 Aerospace. Any other suggestions?
 
I received mine today. With the VIP discount and free shipping I couldn't say no anymore.

I have the classic Tornador as well. The Tornador Black didn't seem to show much more power than the classic until I started doing the carpeted floor boards then it became noticeable.

Is it better I think so, however it wasn't worth buying it since I had the classic and am not detailing for a living. Would have just bought cones as necessary. I really needed to try it because otherwise it would have bothered me until I did find out for myself. If I had the choice of buying either the Classic or the Black I would spend the extra to get the Black due to its better design. Hate the idea of a design that kills itself.

I'm still using the cone with the brush that I had originally purchased with it a couple years ago. No horrible wear rings yet but there is definitely a groove.
 
Interesting. What size compressor were you using? That's the bigger factor for me,I have a 55 gal and6 gal comprador and would love to be able to use the 6.what's the VIP discount? can you post the link plz. What cleaner do you use with it?
 
Mobile detail said:
Interesting. What size compressor were you using? That's the bigger factor for me,I have a 55 gal and6 gal comprador and would love to be able to use the 6.what's the VIP discount? can you post the link plz. What cleaner do you use with it?
Click to expand...


The compressor was a Kobalt KLA3706056 60 Gallon compressor ( 11.5 SCFM @ 90 PSI).

The VIP special has changed it was $179.95. There is a signup for the VIP Members list.
Autogeek VIP Club
 
Dear Mobile detail

Do sign up for the VIP Club. It doesn't cost anything and will save you some money. However, the Tornador isn't on sale right now.

If I recall correctly, the Autogeek page for the Tornador Black recommends 5.3 sustained CFM at 90psi, though I've noticed that there are some forum members who have compressors less capable than that who enjoy their Tornadors.

Sasquatch is hiding in Frank's compressor.

I've been considering one of these, too, but since I don't have an air compressor, it'd be a big-ticket purchase if I indulged. I just take care of a few family vehicles.
 
Mobile Detail, I wanted to add the tornado to my mobile setup and had to get a little creative. I have a 3 gallon 2.6 scfm @ 90 psi compressor; however, I added a 7 gallon accumulator tank for a total of 10 gallons and the tornado runs great.
 
I got the chance to use one last friday for the first time. A buddy of mine had one. To be honest i was always a little skeptical. I could never really figure out where the dirt goes especially in carpets and I wanted to try one before I order one. The test subject was a soccer moms surbuban with cloth seats and dirty carpets. The interior seats were suppose to be a light grey but were dark due to wear, grime, and filth. We set the Tornador up with two ounces of Meguiars APC. I was absolutley blown away at the cleaning effect this had on seats. After one pass the original color had returned. We continued and I cleaned the entire carpet and seats with it. Also the door jambs, dash, console, and interior plastics. I was totally blown away. If I were you I wouldn't cancel the order. I haven't seen anything like this and am about to place an order for my own.
 
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