Durable Power Tools

Tools and Reviews for Trade and Craftsmen

Benefits of Power Tools – Air, Electric and Fossil Fuel

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Benefits of Power Tools

We All Use Tools

An identifying feature of a human being is tool use.  We have been tool users since pre-historic times, from basic hammers and flint axes to tools for hunting like skinning knives or a basic hand drill for making jewellery.

During the Industrial Revolution these hand tools increasingly became machine power tools, for example the hand spindle became a spinning jenny and the productivity of wool manufacture took a large step forward.

In our technological age we use tools powered by a variety of sources; compressed air, electricity, carbon fuels etc.  All of these rich energy sources have been exploited to provide further leaps forward in productivity.

Types of Power Tool

Perhaps most commonly, power tools are powered by electricity, both from cables and from batteries.  Air tools were once only used in garages, but in recent times air tools are frequently used in the construction industry.  Some tools are driven by fossil fuels such as petrol (gasoline) or diesel.

Tools driven by air compressors or electric power from a cable tend to have limited mobility but greater power available than battery driven cordless tools.  Battery powered or cordless tools are gaining in power and popularity as battery technology marches ever forward.  Petrol driven tools are the least common and tend to be used in open air environments due gas emissions and noise levels they generate.  A popular type of petrol driven power tool is a chain saw.

Downside to Using Power Tools

The primary problems with power tools are noise pollution, which may contribute to deafness at levels above 85db and vibration, which can give rise to diseases such as white finger.  Power tool manufacturers such as Makita and Ryobi have worked to reduce the both the noise and vibration caused by their tools.

Noise pollution can be offset by the use of protective equipment such as ear defenders.  The effects of excessive or high frequency vibration can, to a limited extent, be offset by use of specialist gloves and limiting exposure times to use of the tool.

Are Electric Power Tools the Future?

It seems likely that apart from a truly global catastrophe we will remain capable of generating electricity.

Technological advances have improved battery life and allow battery powered cordless tools to be more powerful and run for longer.  Motor technology has changed less in basic efficiency, but has improved with regard to noise and vibration.

Air tools are likely to be with us for as long as we can compress the air to power them, most likely by electric motors.

The future for fossil fuel driven tools looks less certain.  While we will always need highly mobile tools that are usable far from civilisation it is increasingly likely that this niche will be filled by electrically powered tools.  Perhaps one day we might see solar cells capable of charging a powerful cordless tool?  If that happens then the days of fossil powered tools will truly be numbered.

Handyman.

Makita Power Tools – Air Tools, Air Compressor

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Makita Power Tools – Air Tools, Air Compressor

In England, air tools are still very much confined to automotive uses.  The idea of an air powered power tool is just not part of the mind-set of the average British builder.  This is a real shame as air tools are comparatively safe when compared to 110 volt site voltages or the 240 volt domestic supply used by a DIY’er.

After spending some time in the US with a friend that owned a construction company my eyes were opened!

Makita Air Compressor Makita MAC2400 2.5 HP Big Bore Air Compressor

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This Makita air compressor is a great product to base a small compressed air power tool set around.  The compressor is exceptionally quiet in use and has rubber feet to lessen vibration noise if it is standing on boards or other loose flooring.

Some people have complained about the weight of this air compressor, but the weight (86 pounds) is due to the quality of construction.  The Makita is mainly steel parts and therefore durable, unlike its mostly plastic competitors.  The only slight problem with the design is that of the location of the air filter which juts out from the body slightly, this makes it easy to access though.

This 2.5HP air compressor is quite capable of running two nail guns with ease, which is great value for money.

Makita Power Tool Air Compressor Information

Big Bore Engineered Pump, rated at 2.5HP
The Makita MAC 2400 is powered by a big bore 2.5HP quality engineered motor. The big bore cast iron air cylinder has a larger stroke and bore for faster recovery from discharge and less pump noise. The quality cast iron manufactured pump is engineered for improved durability under tough site conditions. The Makita MAC 2400 is equipped with a large auto style air-filter for an increased air intake area along with greater efficiency. The oil-lubricated Big Bore pump is more efficient than many competing models – the Makita runs cooler and at approximately half the RPM of competitive units.  This results in greater pump and motor life along with lower noise. The 4.2 gallon air tank helps to sustain a regular operating pressure at 130 PSI.  The Makita compressor delivers 40PSI (4.8 CFM) and 90 PSI (4.2 CFM), which is enough air to power two nailers. The low amperage of the draw current reduces the occurence of voltage drop and breakers tripping that can contribute to early motor failure in other models. The MAC 2400 has a roll bar handle to provide portability along with some additional protection whichs helps it withstand the risks of a harsh site environment.

Other features of the MAC2400 include an oil drain and oil sight glass, complete with a tank drain valve that improves upon standard petcock design allowing easier maintenance.  The finned discharge tubes helps to dissipate heat faster.

The Makita MAC2400 is Useful for a Range of Applications Due to its Versatile Design

This compressor is engineered for high output and low noise, along with lower maintenance.  The MAC2400 delivers industrial  grade results and power, with increased durability even under tough work site conditions.

Product Description

CFM at 90 PSI: 4.2, Max. PSI: 130, Volts: 115, Amps: 12.3, HP: 2.5, Air Tank Size: 4.2gal, Air Tank Information: Twin-Stack, Single Phase Pump Motor, Cylinder: Cast-Iron, Oil-lubricated, Portable compressor

Air Tool Accessories

An American made hose, if you need more reach:

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Technical Details

  • High-quality
  • Long-lasting
  • Oil resistant
  • Includes ferrules and fittings
  • Made in the USA

Handyman.