pneumatic buffer for acrylic scratch removal

[Elliott]

I have years of experience. Let me know what other questions you have. Its a fairly strait forward process. I would recommend practicing on some scrap acrylic first though.

1. what hand orbital sander did you use (specific name and model), did you modify it for this use or clean it, etc. prior to use?
2. did you use it to remove scratches in a full tank with coral and fish?
3. if so, any ill effects on livestock?
4. do's and dont's (tips) for the job?

Many thanks!!

 

[dotcommer]

Elliot,

I know you haven't had the best experience with Domenic out of Tempe (me too). However, when I met with him last month he said he now does scratch repair with water and fish in the aquarium.

I have his number if you want it. I also found another guy that works on Acrylic in Tempe that does scratch repair, however he doesn't have experience with underwater repair.

 

[Elliott]

Elliot,

I know you haven't had the best experience with Domenic out of Tempe (me too). However, when I met with him last month he said he now does scratch repair with water and fish in the aquarium.

I have his number if you want it. I also found another guy that works on Acrylic in Tempe that does scratch repair, however he doesn't have experience with underwater repair.

thanks dotcommer, I have his number, just trying to learn this myself

 

[PowerNap]

Even if you clean all oil from the tool, your still going to get oil carried over from the air compressor. Thats why you can't use a compressor as breathing air. Not to mention 20 cfm @ 90 psi is a monster, the little home depot pancake isn't going to cut it here. You will need a 220V 30amp circuit at least. I think in the long run it's just better to pay someone to do it for you. Not what you want to hear

 

[All__talk]

I would look for a pneumatic orbital sander that you could modify for a remote exhaust and route the air back out of the tank.

Short of that, they make in-line oil/water filters for paint work that will remove nearly all of the oil mist from the compressor. But as others have said, there will be oil in the sander, so I would recommend complete disassemble and cleaning before use.

The large water volume should dilute the pollutants well but I would run lots of GAC and plan for a preventive large water change.

Gary

 

[Elliott]

did you see this video? he is using a pneumatic orbital sander driven by an air compressor, I've sent him an email asking what equipment he uses but so far no response...

http://acrylicscratchrepair.com/

 

[PowerNap]

Do a trial run with some acrylic sheet in a bucket. I'd buy a cheep sander from harbor freight, clean it out and relube with vegetable oil. An inline carbon filter to stop oil from the compressor isn't a bad idea either. Do you have a compressor or are you renting one. Da sanders use a LOT or air! You should be ok as long as you keep the sander running while submerged.

 

[Elliott]

Do a trial run with some acrylic sheet in a bucket. I'd buy a cheep sander from harbor freight, clean it out and relube with vegetable oil. An inline carbon filter to stop oil from the compressor isn't a bad idea either. Do you have a compressor or are you renting one. Da sanders use a LOT or air! You should be ok as long as you keep the sander running while submerged.

all good advise, vegetable oil is a great idea, I'll probably rent a compressor, this seems like a viable solution, many thanks!

wondering if a compressor would have any problems running on vegetable oil?

just looked at Harbor Freight, they are so cheap, can buy a 2.5 HP 21 g 125 PSI for $175, 6" Orbital sander $50

 

[Elliott]

check out this youtube video, running vegetable oil in his boat engine! says he has also been running vegetable oil in his lawn mowers, pumps, etc. lol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LkEmTYE2DA

 

[PowerNap]

You need a bigger compressor or smaller sander. That compressor puts out 4.7 cfm @ 90 psi. The sander requires 14 cam @ 90 psi.
Vegetable oil is less stable at high temperature and breaks down faster. I'm sure a compressor would be fine, assuming you change the oil frequently, and forgo any warranty. I wouldn't dare change the oil in a rental unit.

 

[Elliott]

You need a bigger compressor or smaller sander. That compressor puts out 4.7 cfm @ 90 psi. The sander requires 14 cam @ 90 psi.
Vegetable oil is less stable at high temperature and breaks down faster. I'm sure a compressor would be fine, assuming you change the oil frequently, and forgo any warranty. I wouldn't dare change the oil in a rental unit.

yes, was just noting how cheap they are

so, plan will be: larger compressor to run orbital sander, both run on vegetable oil, will practice on full acrylic tank first

however don't know how to completely remove the motor oil before filling with vegetable oil? unless I can find units that require oil to be added after purchase....

thanks PowerNap!

 

[PowerNap]

Drain, fill, run (x2). If you include a quality oil/air separator you should be ok. Wouldn't hurt to include a micron air filter too.

 

[Elliott]

just read an old post by JustJoe (20,000g tank in NY) who mentioned he runs the exhaust hose from the orbital sander to a waste container above the water level in case there is any oil residue

here's a picture from his post...

 

[aaron7405]

Hi Elliot
was you able to acomplish the task?

I am planing to do the same with my tank. Any advise_ what tools did you bought ? model please. was yu ableto do the oil thing?

 

[Elliott]

Hi Elliot
was you able to acomplish the task?

I am planing to do the same with my tank. Any advise_ what tools did you bought ? model please. was yu ableto do the oil thing?

see post #137, works very well! :thumbsup:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2229215&highlight=eliott&page=6