Air tool for piercing?

[David Shombert]

I've done a little bit of piercing using the Foredom high-speed micromotor rotary tool, and I'd like to move up to a higher speed air-driven tool. The only compressor I've got is a compact California Air Tools model 2010A that can supply a couple of CFM at up to 90 PSI. Can anyone recommend an air tool that will work with that, or is this just a pipe dream? Thanks.

 

[Tom Gall]

You should check the CFM requirement(s) for the air turbine tools you are looking at. Your compressor should be just fine. The turbine is small and the inlet air tubes have small ID's.
I'm sure you are aware that your material has to be pretty thin - turbine tools have very little torque and no where near the torque of your micromotor tool.

 

[Kevin Jenness]

David, have you seen this video? piercing on the cheap

 

[Donna Banfield]

David, that very compressor, the California 2010A is the one that I use for demos when I travel by vehicle and need to supply my own compressor. It is relatively quiet, but best if you can have it in another room. It will kick on as soon as I begin running my NSK Presto air tool.

 

[David Shombert]

Thanks to all who replied. Donna, what I hear you saying is that I can expect the compressor to be running more or less constantly in this setup - ?? Depends on the work being done, I suppose.

 

[Donna Banfield]

Thanks to all who replied. Donna, what I hear you saying is that I can expect the compressor to be running more or less constantly in this setup - ?? Depends on the work being done, I suppose.

Yes. It will kick on within 30 seconds or so of the tool being used, and continue to run for a few minutes after you stop using the tool. How long depends on how long it will take to fill the tank after stopping use.

 

[Richard Coers]

You can always install an inline storage tank to any compressor to reduce run time when you don't need mobility.

 

[Breck Whitworth]

I use the NSK also for serious piercing and it is by far the best for delicate piercing. You can do the work with many different tool systems but a great deal depends on your ability to turn thin enough to not burn out your tool prematurely. If you can turn to 3/32 or 1/16 then the NSK is so smooth it's amazing if you are piercing up to 1/8" then patience and maybe a heavier tool might be best. I have a Dewalt 30gal air compressor and it will kick on by times or as soon as the pressure level drops below set pressure for your system.