Fresh Air: Pneumatic Tools, Built in USA

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Have a burning desire towards sourcing, buying, and using high-quality 'Made in the USA' products.  As such, am interested in feedback from users of USA built pneumatic tools for the metalworking and welding industry. Work, home, shop, field.  Open book.To frame the discussion and best capture objective data and subjective comments, would appreciate input in a notional format:* Manufacturer -* Tool Category/Nomenclature -* Specifications -* Industry/Application -* Usage Frequency -* Year Purchased/Retired, New/Pre-Owned -* Purchase Price -* Performance (1 to 5) -* Build Quality (1 to 5) -* Cost Value (1 to 5) -* Customer Service  -* Pros -* Cons - * Other -As always, images of the tool are helpful for context.> Partial listing, not inclusive, of USA manufacturers of air tools:  ATSCO (Mentor, OH), Cleco/Dotco/Apex (Lexington, SC+), Coilhose Pneumatics (East Brunswick, NJ), CS Unitec (Norwalk, CA), Dynabrade (Clarence, NY), Patco (Orion, MI), Proto (Conyen, GA), Sioux/Snap-On (Murphy, NC+), S&H/Viking (Cleveland, OH), SteelMax (Englewood, CO), St Louis Pneumatic (Fenton, MO), TX Pneumatic (Reagan, TX+).** Disclaimer:  have no professional/personal association with any of the above manufacturers.  Also, have not verified the aforementioned tooling is 100% built in the USA ** Thanks in advance for your time and input.  Please add to the above listing of USA Built pneumatic tool companies."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:http://www.tcservice.com/products.htmlI use their horizontal and vertical grinders at work, they are truly bad a##!IAMAW Local 330Airco 300 AC/DC HeliwelderAirco Dip-Pak 200 with Profax spool gunPowr-Kraft AC225Everlast PowerArc 200stBuffalo Forge No.21 drill pressSpeedglas 9100xxAirco, Oxweld, Purox, Victor torchesLincoln Ranger 8
Reply:I went to steelmax in Denver last month for some accessories for my saw,  it should be noted that these products are made in China!   Also anything from Snap-on labeled Blue-Point is not made by Snap-on, but rather outsourced and/or rebranded.  Often it's Made in China tooSent from my SCH-I545 using TapatalkLast edited by soutthpaw; 02-14-2014 at 06:33 PM.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:IR but you have to check each model where they are made.
Reply:Good launch.  Keep it alive."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Recently scored a pre-owned, old school, mint condition, mini angle grinder (2700 series, 1/4" collet, 0.4 Hp, 23k RPM) built by Universal Tool (Jupiter, FL) for $10.  Set her up with a depth-limited cutoff wheel for a current fabrication project.  She's solid, runs smooth, and will see plenty of future use."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Procured a NIB Desco (Rancho Santo Margarita, CA) 7" RAS16 Sander off CL for $75.  Package included 2ea inline filters with hose, wrenches, sparing, and parts list.  No dust shroud.  4k RPM.  The tool is well made and moves out quickly and smoothly.  Need to learn more about the tool and score some pads for swirl apps.Interested in hearing from anyone who runs an RAS16 or similar."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:BluePoint may be outsourced, but that doesn't mean the quality is lacking. I've got a 1/2" impact and a 10" angle grinder that are both over 30 yrs old and still working fine. There's only one thing I've never done with a SnapOn tool, and that's throw it out. I've lost them, broke them and abused them, but I've never thrown one out. For a random orbital sander, Souix is hard to beat. The one I have is closer to 40 yrs old and it's seen a lot of work.Last edited by whtbaron; 07-02-2014 at 12:24 AM.250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes
Reply:http://keepamerica.com/shop/Backed my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:The first pic needs no xplanation IMHO. Paid $700 used (barely) with original consumables plus two five pack's xtra consumables and a circle cutter. Used last Sunday to cut bolts from a bumper. Ive also used it to wash out broken bolts on two welders when the weld a nut wouldnt work. I dont use it enuf. Never used the circle cutter yet. Bought around two years ago and thought it was inverter but its to heavy to be an inverter. Thats a good thing tho.The second pic is Snap On and the Craftsman chisel in pic is for scale comparisonSnap onChiselSpec ?Industry is for Mechanic's I think but I used it on welder carb gasket and it removes metal if not careful. Hope that countsUsed oncePurchased used around 1992 like new$40  I thinkperfom 5build 5value 5Cust' service its a Snap Onpro it works goodcon it works to goodother I like wood chisels for gaskets but this did what the wood chisel couldnt including remove metal if not careful Attached ImagesLast edited by Insaneride; 07-02-2014 at 01:14 AM.
Reply:Hutchings board sanders were the standard of the autobody industry when I was in it, late 70's, but I think in many shops they still are. Very good quality.250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes
Reply:If it costs more than $400 it's probably US made.  Yeah, IR has some really nice US made tools for close to $1000 but for things more affordable to the normal joe I use Texas Pneumatics for my needle scalers.  Not so good for production work but hey hold up for at least 6 months with heavy use.
Reply:Originally Posted by 76GMC1500If it costs more than $400 it's probably US made.  Yeah, IR has some really nice US made tools for close to $1000 but for things more affordable to the normal joe I use Texas Pneumatics for my needle scalers.  Not so good for production work but hey hold up for at least 6 months with heavy use.
Reply:Trading options for scoring an aircraft-quality 3x rivet gun kit.  Down selection is between a Sioux and a UTASCO.  The Sioux is made in USA, believe the UTASCO is same.  Read the Sioux's trigger edges the competition with its fine control capability (trigger "teasing").  The gun will be used mainly for sheet metal work and art projects.Appreciate any feedback on either gun from end users.  Mahalo."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749Mano asked me if I could stick this to generate some conversation on it.Done.
Reply:Early Christmas present from my bride.  Dotco 12LF200-36 Right Angle Grinder.   Made in USA.  Sourced NIB from eBay for $200.  A steal.  We had no idea the package would include all of the accessories.  Stoked!  Completed a quick check out of the grinder.  Strong, quiet, and smooooooth.  Will post an in depth review of the item after some run time.Looking forward to teaming with the Dotco a lot this year  Attached Images"Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Nice grinderBacked my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:Superior pneumatic's air hammers and needle scaler's made in USA .I haven't check all there tools but their web site says made in usa. I only had the Bully scaler/hammer combo. Just gave it to my son.
Reply:3D animation of air tool motor from Desoutter:"Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Originally Posted by ManoKaiEarly Christmas present from my bride.  Dotco 12LF200-36 Right Angle Grinder.   Made in USA.  Sourced NIB from eBay for $200.  A steal.  We had no idea the package would include all of the accessories.  Stoked!  Completed a quick check out of the grinder.  Strong, quiet, and smooooooth.  Will post an in depth review of the item after some run time.Looking forward to teaming with the Dotco a lot this year
Reply:If a guy notices I have valve stem caps on the inlets of my tools.I am not even making this up. Our weld department thinks its clever to hang their air tools with the inlets up and shower sparks on top of them. The other day I asked a guy cutting with O/A with the hoses under what he was cutting if he was concerned with the hoses. No, he said they won't blow up. Same guy showering the o/a rig with sparks from the grinder. I am just trolling here.
Reply:Procured a pre-owned Sioux palm air drill (Model DR1412) to aid in aircraft solid rivet applications.  Made in USA.  No chuck key included.  Arrgh!  Tried a 1/4" chuck from Fastenal.  No joy. The Sioux key looks ovalish is cross-section.  Sourced several sites to buy a new chuck key (Sioux P/N 30202), but the S/H is like 2x the cost of the part.  If anyone has a spare "30202" willing to sell, please PM me.  Mahalo  Attached Images"Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Got it.  Cross-referenced the Yukiwa chuck on the Sioux and determined a Jacob's K7 chuck (7/32") was equivalent.  Back in business.  Time to drill....."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:IRT post #16, acquired a sweet deal on a factory new USATCO 3X Rivet Gun Kit.   All items Made in USA, 'cept the gun.  Time to score some AN470 (universal, round head) & AN426 (countersunk head) rivets and get busy on a few Aluminum projects.  Awaiting receipt of a pre-owned Sioux 270A-2 2X Gun (Made in NC, USA) to complement the load out.   Attached Images"Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Riveting ...your supposed to be a weldor there rosieBacked my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old TruckThe pre-owned Sioux 270A-2X Rivet Gun ($160) arrived.  Operationally sound and in excellent condition.  However, the lagniappe in the deal was the acquisition of the lot of these vintage parallel jaw Coes wrenches for $20.  The larger wrenches are 18in length, while the smaller one is 10in.  HD all the way.@ killdozerd11 - LoL.  Variety is the spice of life. My bride's Aunt, who recently passed away, was indeed a Rosie the Riveter for Boeing in WA during WWII. She had some impressive stories from back in the day.Now, it's time for rivet ops "101"  Attached ImagesLast edited by ManoKai; 01-30-2015 at 05:19 PM."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Originally Posted by ManoKaiThe pre-owned Sioux 270A-2X Rivet Gun ($160) arrived.  Operationally sound and in excellent condition.  However, the lagniappe in the deal was the acquisition of the lot of these vintage parallel jaw Coes wrenches for $20.  The larger wrenches are 18in length, while the smaller one is 10in.  HD all the way.@ killdozerd11 - LoL.  Variety is the spice of life. My bride's Aunt, who recently passed away, was indeed a Rosie the Riveter for Boeing in WA during WWII. She had some impressive stories from back in the day.Now, it's time for rivet ops "101"
Reply:@ mikecwik - Me2.  What's not shown is that one of the 18in'r has a partially cracked/missing wooden section and could use some TLC.  You can see the brass (?) pin that holds the wood to the iron.  Would like to tackle a repair to this handle.  These are smooth run'n screw wrenches.  The pros tell me they were used on the RR circuit.  Almost like precursors to our modern adjustable wrench.  Time pieces....."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Just got my Aircat 6275 3 inch corner grinder
Reply:@ colindstark - just noticed this post.  Awesome!  How's she run'n for you?  AirCat's have a great reputation."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Not exactly a pneumatical tool, but the item has been used recently in conjunction with a Quincy 2-Stage Compressor for chip removal action.  Shown below is a recently acquired Made in USA Die & Threader set of WWII vintage.  The background on the 62ea piece kit:  Pratt & Whitney since 1860 has been building aerospace and tooling equipment in the United States of America.  This kit, covering sizes 2-56 through 12-28 NC and Fine, consists of 15ea adjustable dies and taper, intermediate, and bottoming threaders for each size.  All components are in pristine condition and presently coated in cosmoline.This kit has rarely seen sunlight.  The ORIGINAL owner, a Navy machinist who in the 1940s who served during WWII, gave the ultimate sacrifice and was cut down off the beaches of France in 1944.  The CL seller who sold me the kit informed me the WWII Veteran was the seller's wife's uncle.  In addition, the set has been in storage since the 1940s.Feel honored to have met the CL seller, learned the rich history of the Veteran and the kit, and acquired the tool.  Having personally walked the beaches of Normandy, can tell you that this kit is "special" and will never depart our shop.  Next steps include removing all cosmoline using mineral spirits and a soft brush.   God Bless the USA.   Attached Images"Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Nice Tap & Die setBacked my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:recently purchased a reman USA made IR air hammer. .498 shank. going to make some real industrial furniture like this early 1900's piece
Reply:Top Cat (Willoughby, OH) design/builds some awesome tools.  An industry leader in the high end, heavy duty, rapid material removal market.  Targeted industries inclue steel/iron foundry, aluminum foundry, and light/heavy fabricators.  Had an opportunity to visit their factory this week. Top-tier design, manufacturing, testing, and development facilities, replete with state-of-the-art equipment.  The tools are vintage influenced, with clean lines and built like tanks.  Their lead tech/designer showed me the work "flow", provided hands-on of tooling, and fielded all technical/historical questions with context and candor.  A bright and professional individual.Will def be adding a Top Cat pneumatic tool to our inventory soon.  Last edited by ManoKai; 10-23-2015 at 08:44 AM.Reason: sp3lling"Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Don't count out Nitto Kohki. Very high quality, made in Japan.Recently got this Belton B-20, along with a Dynabrade 1800 RPM polisher and an older Belton B-30 missing the arm assy.Got $235 in it all. Attached ImagesExpert Garage Hack....https://www.facebook.com/steven.webber.948
Reply:Originally Posted by ManoKai@ colindstark - just noticed this post.  Awesome!  How's she run'n for you?  AirCat's have a great reputation.
Reply:@ Jimmy_pop - nice vintage IR air hammer!  How does she run?  Have you started the rivet project we discussed?Last edited by ManoKai; 12-31-2015 at 09:53 AM.Reason: truncated last sentence"Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Originally Posted by ManoKai@ Jimmy_pop - nice vintage IR air hammer!  How does she run?  Have you started the rivet project we discussed?
Reply:A close friend and fellow fabricator recently acquired a pre-owned Dynabrade 4" RA Grinder (#54777).  0.7 Hp @ 13,500 rip'ems with rear exhaust in an extended/composite housing.   Scored for $190.  These grinder retails for $650-700. He's stoked to run with her on his rotary screw compressor.  4lbs of heavy-duty American craftsmanship.  Attached Images"Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Targeting a Kett P540 Pneumatic Double Cut Shear.  Our requirement is for straightline cuts on 14ga CR and 16ga stainless sheat metal. The Swiss-made Trumpf S250-6/7s are really/really nice but currently above our price point.Interested to learn a) any fabricators who own/operate a Kett pneumatic double cut shear and their experiences with the tool, and b) other recommended Made in USA (or Swiss, German, Austrian) alternatives that met our tech requirements.Have no interest in any HorrorFreight or FarEast gear.Last edited by ManoKai; 08-20-2016 at 09:42 PM."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Kai,Once you get a shear, can you let me know which one and how it performs? I want my work to purchase one but need some reviews or guidance on a good model. ThanksMillermatic 252 MIGMiller Dynasty 200DX TIGMiller Spectrum 625 PlasmaAltas 12x36 Metal LatheBridgeport Milling Machinewww.psacustomcreations.com
Reply:@ psacustomcreations - you got it sir.  PM me if you have a co$t band you are looking to invest."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Sioux makes excellent air tools but not all of them are made in USA. I buy Milton air fittings and Goodyear air hoses both made in USA. I won't buy a Mexican made Lincoln welder even if it was %50 less than a Miller or Hobart. Most of my welding equipment is vintage anyway but I have 2 Lincoln Invertec welders with the best arc quality on the planet. It matters to me where my tools are made. MAGA! If we don't buy American made products we are contributing to our own demise as a country. I know it's almost impossible to find things that are made in the US but I always check. Even the small things like air fittings.
Reply:Some brands to look into are Thor , Dotco , Sioux , Powerhouse tools , Climax to name a few.
Reply:@ 69sa200 - nice Sioux. Like the fine wire cup you have integrated. Just gave me an idea.We run a 2x Sioux aircraft rivet gun and a sweet Sioux air drill. Both Made in USA. Very high quality, smooth operation, and strong."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Originally Posted by psacustomcreationsKai,Once you get a shear, can you let me know which one and how it performs? I want my work to purchase one but need some reviews or guidance on a good model. Thanks
Reply:Originally Posted by psacustomcreationsKai,Once you get a shear, can you let me know which one and how it performs? I want my work to purchase one but need some reviews or guidance on a good model. Thanks
Reply:Forget about the tool, can you photoshop my welds to look that good? 😀Sent from my SM-G930V using TapatalkMillermatic 252 MIGMiller Dynasty 200DX TIGMiller Spectrum 625 PlasmaAltas 12x36 Metal LatheBridgeport Milling Machinewww.psacustomcreations.com
Reply:New air weps from Dotco. We were blessed to acquire this entire lot from an industry partner of ours back in Mar for $125. All fully operational. Time to grind. Attached Images"Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Welcome back Kai.  Missed your informed commentary.Jerry30+ yrs Army Infantry & Field Artillery, 25 yrs agoMiller 350LX Tig Runner TA 210, spool gunLincoln 250/250 IdealArcESAB PCM 500i PlasmaKazoo 30"  vert BSKazoo 9x16 horiz BSClausing 12x24 lathe20T Air Press