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Dana,

Since many folks have broached the subject of air tools during this active compressor discussion, I thought I would amplify one point that was brought up long ago during a similar thread.  As you know, most air tools typically require some kind of lubricant to keep them running smoothly.  Given the type of work that we're doing and the susceptibility of our materials to be fouled by oils, it is far better to purchase cheap air tools and run them dry, then throw them away when they're consumed.  Harbor freight has die grinders for as little as $11.99 (rear exhaust $13.99), and during times of special sales I've seen them marked down to $8... at those prices you can afford to pick up half a dozen, keep different cutting and sanding tools in each one and rotate their use depending on the job at hand.  Even run dry these things will continue to operate for tens if not hundreds of hours and it's very reassuring knowing that you're not spraying an invisible (or maybe not so invisible) mist of oil all over composite parts that you're going to glue together and paint.  If the engineer in you won't let you mistreat a tool this way, regardless of how inexpensive it might be, and you feel that you must provide a little lubricant (a drop a week... sounds pretty ok to me, but still oil) then be sure that you purchase tools only with rear exhausts and keep a shop rag tied around their outlets to keep the oil off of your working parts.  I've personally used both straight and 90 degree cutters from HF without lube and they've never missed a beat.  Just remember to do whatever you can from spraying oil on your project and you'll sleep better at night.

  <Marv>

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Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.