Question about compressed air to clean power tools

[Mike]

I sanded an oak book shelf today. Prior to sanding I was dealing with some serious planer marks. I used a PC 5" ROS and went from 80 to 120 to 220 grit. I removed about 98% of the marks and did a pretty good job of getting a smooth surface.

All told, I was running the sander for about 1.5 hours. After I finished, I used a small compressor to blow the dust out of the sander. It took about

5-6 cycles to completely remove all of the sawdust. (At least to the point where very little was blown out).

My question is this: Is it possible to harm the inner workings of the electric motor by using compressed air? I can picture the air pressure blowing some dust into the brushes or switches. I sprayed the air from into the exhaust port, through the pad holes, and into the vents in the sander housing.

The same question applies to a circular saw, mitre saw, and jig saw. (Which I also used compressed air to clean)

Thanks all.

[George M. Kazaka]

[Unisaw A100]

There is a very small (minute/may never happen) chance that you can/will lodge some small particulate into somewhere where you don't want it but that's nothing compared to the harm done by leaving dust which pretty much guarantees a short life for the machine/tool.

UA100

[jo4hn]

I do the same thing except that I vacuum the dust out. mahalo, jo4hn

[Silvan]

I'd be less worried about air pressure than moisture. If you don't have a moisture trap, you might blow water all over your inner electrical workings, and that might not be a good idea.

If you have a moisture trap, wouldn't worry about it. Computers are a lot more delicate than sanders or circular saws, and people use compressed air to clean out computers all the time.

[B a r r y B u r k e J r .]

Yes there is, a vacuum.

I don't think compressed air will hurt the sander, but it's not the only way to get out the dust.

Barry

[Unisaw A100]

But it does leave it a lot cleaner.

UA100

[Tim Douglass]

I think the greater danger is to your eyes from all the crud flying around. Wear goggles and use some care. I think that OSHA recommends (requires?) no more than 30 lbs of pressure for air cleaning operations. I can't see it doing any harm to the tool, however.

Tim Douglass

[Bruce]

I do it all the time, probably before eye danger is dust danger, to you or your shop 8^)

I like to spray my stuff off outside

-Bruce

[EL]

The downside to blowing tools to clean them is that dust can be driven into bearings. I still do it but try to not direct the air stream at the bearing seals.

Boden

George M. Kazaka wrote: