pneumatic versus electric tools

["Bob Hackett" <kinfolk@zzzzzzz>]

      Pneumatic tools don't have things like brushes,armatures and other
high wear parts that will seize up and burn out when introduced to rock
dust(they do use the same bearings are electrics though).If you get an air
tool in a bind  and stop the bit/cutter/blade it won't start smoking and
die.You can adjust the air to finesse a cut,throttle the speed down(although
you lose power that way) or crank in alittle more safety in those "iffy"
situations.An air tool can be rebuilt cheaper and easier than electric and
they last longer to begin with.The air running thru the tool is usually
enough to keep it cool so no fan blowing rock dust thru the innerds of your
high dollar machines.Air tools are far lighter than electrics that perform
the same functions and are usually more powerful.Last but not least,water
and electricity do not get along,period.How many divers have you seen using
electric tools?Resetting that GFI gets real old after about the 10th
time,and GFIs aren't foolproof either.
     The downside of airtools is that they freeze up in cold weather.They
require oil in the air which will sooner or later get on the work,trust me
on this.They vibrate alittle more than electrics,this may be because they're
lighter than electrics.I know the orthopedic surgeons love to see people who
use pneumatic tools long term,I'm one of them(the patients I mean).Last but
not least,you have to drag the compressor and hoses around with you
everywhere you go.Oh yeah,the compressor's noisy too.
    That about sums it up.BTW-I own alot of airtools.The best part of owning
them is that I have yet to loan one to somebody and have them bring it back
being held by the cord and smoking.That happened alot before I bought the
pneumatics.

Bob