pneumatic versus electric tools

[abknight@zzzzzz]

Norman,

Thats a huge question that should take years to work
through on a tool by tool case.  For example I just bought
an air polisher.  Probably should have bought electric as
electric tools are much more energy efficient ie  it runs
a small motor instead of a whomping big one like a 50 amp
air compressor and in the case of the polisher it maxes
out my compressor on a continual run at 17 or so cfm.  So
it is pretty silly not to have bought the elecetric
polisher.  As far as I can figure the danger of shock with
water is not very grave as many is the water feed polisher
that is electric.  GFI must be a safe way to go.  Did I
say the electric polisher was cheaper.  But I had been
wanting the pneumatic polisher for years before and there
was just too much history there for me to make a
reasonable decision.  Did I say the pneumatic polisher is
cool.  Also smaller and lighter.

The big reason for the air is the air hammers, which you
can't get any other way.  Air is also great to clean
yourself and you work off with and leave your hair
standing up.

Grinding can all be done electric, but the pneumatic
die-grinders are more cunning, but are you sure you need
to grind?  Talk to Robin.  Think about it.

Sawing, all electric.

Drilling, either, but pneumatic better for deep granite.

Its impossible to not want all this stuff, but I would
heed George Graham.  I have been finding out it is
possible to really do alot with a hand point and a hammer
and some granite.  If what you want is self exploration, I
wonder if this won't do it and it has worked for millenia
and it is Green, but that is not your question.

Best regards Norman, and do pardon me for my opinions, for
they make it fun only for me and I do not seek to
influence you,

Bill