Needle scaler works poor

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I bought a needle scaler. This is a new tool to me.I screwed it onto my air hammer (Husky) and fired it up. No joy.I expected it to shred the thin paint on an old socket box. It barely scratched the surface. (Small compressor, 10cfm @90psi) but even when running on tank air @90psi in bursts it just kind of hummed instead of ripping 'n tearing.I could hold the needles against my hand with no ill effects. Air hammer works OK with chisels.It has three allen screws around the barrel, they were loose so I tightened them  snug. Did that choke it off?What else should I check?Thnaks guys
Reply:Hmmm.  The one I have used would pretty quickly bruise your hand if you did that.  It put little golfball dimples in hot mild steel.  Also, the one I used was a unit all by itself...not adapted to an air hammer.  I think it was an Ingersoll Rand.  I don't recall any adjustments, but there might have been.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:The one I have is also one unit by itself and it'll put dimples in mild steel.  Maybe you should loosen the screws and try it.DewayneDixieland WeldingMM350PLincoln 100Some torchesOther misc. tools
Reply:Things to try with the small jobbers:make sure that the hammer is actually driving the needles. Wont happen if the needles arn't pushed back, or if the anvil doesn't go in far  enough to be struck.When using, keep a light pressure so the needles are kept back. if you don't they will sit at the guide bushing and do no work for you, as well as break the bushing eventuallyFor stripping paint: If the ends of the needles are rounded, run the bunch up against a belt sander LIGHTLY until the ends are just squared off. The sharp edge makes a big difference. This may scar the underlying metal.For stripping paint: keep the needles at about a 45 degree angle to the surface.
Reply:My no-name, salvaged needle scaler works wonders on slag it can reach.  The main problem is in the little crevices that the needles are too big to reach.  I have joy with mine.   It is a purpose-built tool, not an air hammer add-on.Air hammers are oscillators, many of which need a rebound off the insert and work to function properly, i.e., maintain oscillation.  In the same way that an organ pipe with a perfect energy absorbing acoustical termination will not sound because it needs a reflected wave off the open or closed end of the pipe to maintain oscillation at the lip, some air hammers will not oscillate properly if they do not get an adequate rebound off the work.  Each model and make reacts differently to the load is working against.  Most home types are very simple inside and are dependent upon the rebound.  Industrial types often have more sophisticated valving and are not dependent upon the reaction off the work at all.  I think this is particularly true of riveting hammers that must provide the user with some finesse of feel and hammering strength to do the job properly.  Your average $20 home air hammer would be useless for riveting.I suspect that your hammer isn't seeing the type of rebound off the work that it needs to maintain full oscillation.  A bundle of needles is more like an impact energy absorber than a solid insert to rebound off of.  Try a different gun, preferably a different make and see if you get joy.  Joy is pretty well guaranteed if you get a purpose-built needle scaler.Good luck.awright
Reply:Ok, thanks for the info and suggestions. I'll dig about in my old air tool box and try another impact hammer if I can't get the Husky working right.I'll post again good or bad, but first I gotta get my snowblower fired up and clean away the latest 2 feet of snow
Reply:The HF complete unit is on sale in their catalog now.1 1108-6BDB 29.99AIR NEEDLE SCALER  1 1109-5BDB 4.99NEEDLES FOR #1108 19PCS
Reply:Alas, I'm in Canada. No HF for me  I guess I should update my sig one day
Reply:I guess you have to make due with Princess auto.  My co-worker Dave telecommutes from Canada and tells me about them.Lincoln SA200, HH135, Lencospot, HF80 Inverter, Rockwell 11x35 lathe, HF drill mill, Kama 554 tractor w/ FEL & BH, Belarus 250AS, lot's of Chinese tools
Reply:Originally Posted by Brad BlazerI guess you have to make due with Princess auto.  My co-worker Dave telecommutes from Canada and tells me about them.