Air compressors

[Tom Gattiker]

I was thinking of renting or borrowing an air compressor to blow sanding dust off of some night stands I need to finish. I have done this in the past and it really seems to help. (I used to borrow a buddy's compressor. But I moved away. Never really noticed what kind it was.) Anyway, now I am concerened about lubricant (or some other type of gunk) getting in to the line and winding up on my project. Should I be? Is there some type of compressor I should look for or avoid. Thanks.

[Jim Becker]

A simpler method is to use mineral spirits on a clean rag between grits to remove the sanding dust and debris and to clean the surface before you start finishing. Compressed air will clean off a lot of the dust, but will not necessarily get everything...and it puts all those fines in the air, only to settle back on your project and in the shop.