best needle scaler?

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I have a job coming up that will entail scaling the rust from a truck frame. I have never used or owned a needle scaler and am thinking that now is as good a time as any. So, who makes the best needle scaler and what one do you recommend I buy. thanksMiller millermatic 251Miller aircrafter 330st, wp201961 Lincoln SA200Ellis 1600 bandsawLogan 820 latheSouth Bend 13"Bridgeport M Head
Reply:I have a Harbor Freight needle scaler.  I'm sure it's not the best on the market, but it works fine and cost under $50.America Needs AMERICA'S Oil!!!"Global warming is the greatest scam in history ...There is no run away climate change. The impact of humans on climate is not catastrophic. Our planet is not in peril."--John Coleman, Founder of The Weather Channel
Reply:I bought a IR for $225 and it seems to work great.  Its the only one I have used, so I can't say which one is best.David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:I think the best is probably the Nitto.Nitto Kohki, the japanese company, makes really good air tools.I have one of these, and it is built very tough-http://www.nittokohki.com/tools/prod...rs/jex-24.htmlBut I have also had a Florida, and a Jet-http://www.toolsforless.com/product/..._Needle_Scalerhttp://www.industrydepot.com/AirNeedleScaler01.htmI think the Florida and Jet were pretty similar in quality- both decent, industrial tools.We use it a lot for texturing stainless steel, and, over 15 years, I have completely worn out a couple of em. Currently, we have one Jet in line handle, and the Nitto pistol grip- and, given a choice, we all reach for the Nitto. Does more work, faster, with less vibration. When you are doing a lot of this, the vibration can make your wrists sore, you arms buzz, and probably your carpal act up, if you have it.You get what you pay for. The under $100, harbor freight style are fine for the occasional job. The $150 to $200 better, Taiwan imports, are pretty long lasting, and, for ultimate quality, the Nitto or bettter Ingersoll models are probably it.
Reply:We use Texas Pneumatics, they take some abuse.  Ingersoll Rand are good too.
Reply:I have an IR I've been using for the last 9 1/2 years without problems. The place I worked at previously tried cheap air tools, they did not last.Peter
Reply:I like the IR brand the best. I have never used NittoGood IR needler scaler for moderate use.[ame]http://www.amazon.com/Ingersoll-Rand-125-Standard-Needle/dp/B0002STTDE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1244195548&sr=8-1[/ame]Great one for continous use day in and day out. This is a good one if you use it everyday.[ame]http://www.amazon.com/Ingersoll-Rand-Needle-Scaler-Ingersoll-Rand/dp/B000KL2RL4/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1244195548&sr=8-13[/ame]you should be able to get a used one of these on ebay for cheap. just keep your eye open.
Reply:Thanks,ace4059, I paid almost list price for the 125 model IR.  But I like it and the inline should be much better on the wrists.  I have a good air chisel and it raises havoc with my hands and wrists.David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:I got a Jonnesway, it's held up fine for me.  It was around $120.http://www.jonnesway.com.tw/JAH-6836.htmDewayneDixieland WeldingMM350PLincoln 100Some torchesOther misc. tools
Reply:That Honnesway looks just like the IR even the box.David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Another thing to consider is an air chisel.I had a huge amount of rust on the frame of my stock trailer when I rebuilt it.  The air chisel worked fine when held at an angle to prevent it from actually trying to cut the metal.It's a 20 dollar item at HF, and worked well for the purpose.  I was able to loosen the big pieces of crud, and followed up with a cup brush mounted on a 4 1/2" grinder.The high speed pounding, and the vibration, seemed to do well getting rid of the scale.  The underlying rust was easily handled by the knotted wire cup brush.A quick note on air tools.  Look at the casting very carefully when you choose between a name brand, and a Chinese import.  In many cases the name brand is Chinese made with a familiar label pasted on it.  It may be the identical item available at HF, for mega bucks less.  This isn't always 100% true, but consider where everything is made these days.  If you're gonna buy cheap made import stuff, you might as well pay a cheap price instead of paying for a name.The crapheads that are outsourcing production overseas need to know that we're not total idiots.  Chinese made should = Import price."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Check out the deal on this one. http://cgi.ebay.com/Pneumatic-Needle...%3A1|294%3A100it is used and rebuilt. It is 250. I guess it is a good deal because new ones are $550+. I seen some places sell them for $800.Last edited by ace4059; 06-06-2009 at 04:19 AM.
Reply:And here is one heck of a deal on this one. I thought about buying this one but I really dont need another one. Plus when you are broke, it dosent matter how cheap it is, you still cant buy it.http://cgi.ebay.com/Ingersoll-rand-n...QQcmdZViewItemIt ends at noon on Sat June 6th. current price is $125 and listing says it is new.
Reply:I have a air hammer with chisels, I will have to try just using that.Miller millermatic 251Miller aircrafter 330st, wp201961 Lincoln SA200Ellis 1600 bandsawLogan 820 latheSouth Bend 13"Bridgeport M Head
Reply:The chisel will chew up the surface a lot.  The needle scaler will leave a better finish.
Reply:if your going to use it 4 times a year i would go with HF if you need it every week go withIR
Reply:I ended up buying the HF needle scaler. It was on sale for $49 and I had a 20% off coupon. Couldn't resist trying it. So far it has worked great. More useful than I though it would be.Miller millermatic 251Miller aircrafter 330st, wp201961 Lincoln SA200Ellis 1600 bandsawLogan 820 latheSouth Bend 13"Bridgeport M Head
Reply:I have the snap-on long barrel air hammer - IIRC the 2050 with the quick change chuck, and a snappy or blue point needle scaler attachment for it.  Don't use it much (at least the needle scaler attachment) but when I do it gets the job done and quick.  The long barrel air hammer obliterates pretty much anything put in front of it.  Getting it changed over is a bit of a slow process (requires unscrewing the quick change and tightening 2 bolts in the scaler head) but I'd recommend it still.  I'd also recommend buying used snappy is pretty proud of their air hammers