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Post by Halo Performance on Apr 3, 2013 12:30:39 GMT -5
I just picked uo a Harbor Freight Needle Scaler. I was quoted $800-1000 to media blast my [new to me] aluminum canoe. Figure i can save 775-975 but buying a $25 needle scaler. It works well and isnt too loud. I do wear hearing protection, eye protection, and a mask because the paint is old enough to be lead paint. After 30 minutes is has stripped a decent amount of paint. Since being built, this canoe has been cream, yellow, red and green. From the reviews, it also looks like it works on undercoating and rust and weld spatter. I would not recommend it for surfaces where the finish matters. It does leave some marks in the aluminum of the canoe. For lack of a better description, it looks like scales up close. imageshack.us/a/img826/6827/cam00163d.jpgHere is the item itself. For 25 (after coupon) its worth it even throwing it out when I am done. www.harborfreight.com/compact-air-needle-scaler-96997.html
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Post by neil on Apr 4, 2013 6:28:37 GMT -5
let us know if it holds up for the entire job. I'm always leary about buying really cheap air tools, or tools in general. Makes me curious as to how well it holds up. It sure beats the price of the IR.
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Post by Halo Performance on Apr 4, 2013 8:09:17 GMT -5
Will do. I did more last night, stripped about the same amount. Its so loud because its banging on the aluminium so i don't do more than about 30min at a clip, for the neighbors sake.
The tool itself doesn't impact too much. I can put it right on my hand it doesnt hurt. I am usually pretty leery about cheap tools. HF, to me, is hit or miss. Some of their products get pretty good reviews, and a lot of it is garbage. Their full size US General tool boxes get great reviews before stepping up to Matco and SnapOn level boxes. There are thing I will not get at HF, like welding wire. I just dont trust it.
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Post by Halo Performance on Apr 5, 2013 20:43:57 GMT -5
Half the canoe is stripped so far. Scaler is holding up well so far. I will likely use a wire wheel on my grinder for the final bits holding on... if i feel lije it.
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Post by Halo Performance on Apr 11, 2013 15:02:47 GMT -5
Canoe is done. Took about 7 hours, give or take. For 25 bucks, this tool was worth it. I did run over the canoe with a wire wheel for finishing touches, but I am happy with the results. Hearing protection is highly recomended for extended usage, especially on hollow materials. The scaler ia fairly quiet but the repeatative banging is a loud drone,
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