Die grinders, sanders, drills, impact wrenches and ratchets are the common tools in metalwork.
Air consumption is the specification that gets ignored. Each tool is rated in CFM at a specific pressure, and the compressor must supply that flow continuously — a compressor rated at the tool's CFM on a peak basis will run out of air under continuous use. Tank size buffers demand but does not replace flow.
Die grinders and pencil grinders are the precision tools of metalwork, used with carbide burrs and mounted points for deburring, porting and finishing in places a full-size grinder cannot reach. They run at high RPM (15,000-35,000) and the tool and the accessory must both be rated for the speed.
Sanders — random orbital, orbital, straight-line and belt — do the surface prep and finishing. Random orbital sanders are the general-purpose choice because the orbit prevents pigtail scratches. Air sanders are lighter and cooler-running than electric for long sessions.
Impact wrenches and ratchets handle fasteners that hand tools cannot. Impact-rated sockets are required; chrome sockets shatter and throw fragments.
