Hey All,
I’m considering the purchase of a new 5″ orbital, and I’m debating the virtues of air vs electric (Dynabrade vs Festool). As you can tell from the brands I’m considering, I plan to spend a bit of money.
Previous discussions of air vs electric have focused on lower quality units, and so I don’t think necessarily apply in this case. I have ample air power (5hp, two stage, 16cfm@ 120psi), thoughout the shop, and I’ve heard that the Dynabrade units are quieter than most, so noise shouldn’t be a factor.
So what I’m hoping is that I’m not comparing apples to oranges here, but by selecting between two top brands, I can make a fair comparison.
Any opinions?
Tom
Replies
Last time I looked, Dynabrade rated their sanders at 15CFM @ 90 PSI, so you have enough compressor, but not by much. They are smooth, powerful, and pretty quiet, and you'll never wear one out if you lube it properly. You also can't burn one out by abuse. This is why they are so popular in commercial shops.
I haven't used Festool, but a good electric sander gives performance almost on a par with air. They can be more convenient in that you can use them wherever you have power. They tend to be heavier and less durable.
Needless to say, I have both air and electric. I use electric most of the time, and pull out the air sander for big jobs.
FWIW
Michael R
I haven't used the Festool but have used Dynabrade extensively and can say one thing to consider is weight. The Dyna is very light and if you use the right hose it stays light. Very comfortable and the other advantage is variable speed.
I know electrics have variable speed but I'm talking more along the lines of continuously variable versus on/off with an adjustable running speed as electrics will offer.
Air units also seem much faster, but I can't quantify that. Its just my impression.
I'm using a low-end Porter Cable RO electric and have considered the Festool as I've heard nothing but good things. Still if I had the compressor power I would go air-powered.
The weight may not be such a big deal if its mostly horizontal flat use.
We were able to run two dynabrades with our 5 hp two stage 80 gallon compressor at the last place I worked. Economy wise it makes more sense to run one electric sander than a 5 hp motor to run a sander. Air sanders are extremely durable and simple mechanical wise. They can take a heavier beating and getting dropped aren't as vulnerable for commercial shops. Also doing wet sanding is a plus for air, you won't get electrocuted or short out the sander. We did metal and wood so they got a work out. I recommend http://www.industrialabrasives.com for sandpaper. I buy from Klingspor and others but industrial abasives is my main source. Best prices on custom belts. I do purchasing for my company so I'm cost and quality conscious.
Tom,
The otheres have covered some of the relative +/- of air versus electric, and I tend to agree on those points. Just to muddy the waters, you may not be aware that Festool is marketing their own air-driven ROSs here in the states now. Before you make your decision I would check them out. They have incorporated their great dust collection system into a one-hose mount, wherein the air supply and vacuum are integrated. I do not know how Dynabrade handles dust control. This is not a knock on Dynabrade. We use there air driven Dynafiles extensively. We have at least 40 of them in constant use 24 a day. It only takes a 200HP compressor with a 100HP back-up.
Greg
I know Fein make excellent sanders, never used their pneumatic one , see link below.
they are known for the quality products. check dealer listing for where you live to see if there a dealer near you. Good luck.
http://www.feinus.com/p/NEWdustfree/New-6ros.htm
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