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info from diver's who use pneumatic grinder's
I need info from diver's who clean big props. Want to know if a pnuematic underwater grinder will work with a carbide 3m disk to polish to rubert's scale? What type of commericial air compressor will power the unit? Im looking at hydraulics but it's expensive and the maintainence on head can be costly. Pnuematics is cheaper. The air bubbles from air doesn't concern me .Would love feedback from divers with experience using hydraulics or pnuematics to clean props and hulls.
Thank you
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Fred C. Johnson on
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Pnuematic grinder will work but only if you run the air exhaust above the surface.
install a ball valve on the exhaust this then becomes the on/off valve, tape the origonal trigger open that way the grinder is always full of air and not water.
85 cu ft per min at 100 psi is a good start.
Hydraulic tool motors are 1/2 the size of air and more horse power that is why hydaulics is better and the power pack is smaller. flush off the hydraulic tool with fresh water then spray a little WD 40 on it and it is always good to go.
Air tools can get froze up from salt and they are not sealed for underwater use. but they are also throw aways.
Air tools are not cheaper then hydraulics when you figure in the cost of a diver and the down time when the air tool dies.
There are water powered tools available for cleaning pools and they will also work. you will need a hp water blaster pump to run one but you can exhaust direct into the water.
Hydraulic power packs, small water blaster pumps and compressors can all be rented till you make a few bucks. same way with the hydraulic grinder for your 3m disk.
If its ever been made I have tried it and hydraulics is the way to go.
by the way WD 40 is made with fish oil.
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Permalink Reply by sean blesi on
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Fred Thanks for the reply and info.
I was thinking underwater grinder that exhausts out back end of tool around forearm area and hope that would negate the need to exhaust above water? and assume that I only need a compressor that deliver's 85 cu ft per min at 100 psi? The underwater grinder is German made by Spitnas-hoping to put a 5in carbide 3m disk on it.
Im in Miami and if pnuematics does work- will think about renting hydraulics. Any suggestions on rental equipment in southeast fl?
Also been pondering buying ArmadaHull's hydraulic unit but would rather buy a used Armada system that hasnt been beat up. Any thought's about Armada's units?
Thanks
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The reason to exhaust above water is to counter the lost horse power it takes to exhaust against water pressure at depth. EXHAUST ABOVE WATER.
You can use any Hydraulic power pack for hydraulic tools as long as it is open center 2000+psi and between 5 / 14 GPM - Diesel powered better for reliability.
Stanley Tools / Hyd. Grinder works well for U/W prop work.
Also take a look at Armadas Pool scrubber water powered brush.www.poolscrubber.com
Any HP water blaster will run it.
the amount of money you spend is dictated by how much business you think you will have.
Remember the tools are tax deductable.
Swing by a equipment rental yard and see what they have in stock ( dont tell them your going to use it underwater ).
My first business was cleaning boat hulls with an air grinder with a floor brush attached, all home made set up , I was 12 years old and that paid for my bubble gum habit.
Check who is out there doing this work now in your area. Do a market study to see if you will have any business.
If you want to catch a fish you have to buy the bait.
Let your fingers do the walking.
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Thanks again for the information and ecouragement!
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Permalink Reply by Nicholas Forrest Hice on
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Spitznas is good stuff. About as expensive as a Dewalt hydraulic grinder. Anyways just put a short hose on the exhaust, say a couple feet long and you should be fine. One thing is for sure Spitznas are expensive and not throwaways like other cheap pneumatic tools, Always flush them good with oil when your done. Dont know if this will help but whenever I use a pneumatic impact under water I always use WD 40. WD 40 wont turn to sludge as bad as regular air tool oil. Also if you stick your grinder, let off the trigger while you try and free it. Damaging the veins is expensive. I know from experience. I got a impact drill stuck and had the trigger on the wh*** time I tried to free it. The repair bill from Spitznas was 800.00 and the drill cost 1600.00 new.
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Fred is right, if your working over thirty feet run the exhaust to the surface.
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Nicholas thanks for the reply.
Sticking the tool means- it freezes up? I assume that keeping the trigger pressed while it freezes causes damage from it being powered? I also assume that the tool must be exhausted at surface when at depth to allow the tool to work by not stressing it? Laslty trying to find out if the Spitznas underwater grinder can handle a 5 in 3m polishing disk? The sister company here is the U.S based in Conneticut was suppose to get back to me on this info but never did.
You could save me some money if you could reply to my questions.
Thank you again your input is greatly appreciated!
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It takes more power to cut than to grind or polish. The grinder is also designed to cut. So with you just wanting to grind and polish it should be fine. If its a four inch grinder you may have to take the guard off to accommodate the five inch wheel. Wearing gloves while working you will be fine. Also if your just cutting and not grinding you shouldn't have to worry about sticking or locking up the grinder. Sticking the tool means stopping the blade while you have the trigger on and the grinder is trying to run. If you stop the blade and hold the trigger on; while working it back and forth to free it is were damage can happen. A grinder is designed to run continuous if need be and a 5 inch polishing wheel isn't going to hurt it.
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Thanks for the info!
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