Observations on the Use of “Dust Free” Paint Stripping & Sanding Equipment

1. Paint Shaver

2. Paint Blitzer

Equipment

Paint Blitzer (drum grinder)

Midwest Specialty Products

Model Pb3000Voltage: 110RPM: 3450Advised Vacuum

CFM: 150 min.

Paint Shaver (circular grinder)

American International Tool

Voltage: 110RPM: 10,000Advised Vacuum

CFM: ??

Limitations of this Type of Equipment

Most require staging or a mechanical lift to be used effectively

Workers must be protected (respirators, etc.) until air monitoring says its safe

Quality HEPA vacuum with adequate CFMFinish sanding always required to get

tight spots, under clapboards, prepare for painting.

Paint Blitzer

Very cumbersome, base unit weighs 40+ pounds, need a mechanical lift

Uses grinding sleeves, different abrasive grits for removal and finishing

Can’t remove paint from tight spaces at edges and under clapboards

Grinding sleeves require frequent replacement, they gum up with paint

Paint Shaver

Lighter than Blitzer, easier to use overall

Hitachi circular grinder/sander modified with inner metal shroud and 3-sided tungsten carbide blades.

Blades should last for 5,000 s.f.Hinged outer shroud allows access to

tight areas

Paint Shaver Field Observations

Requires two hands to use, necessitating staging or a mechanical lift for high areas

Paint Shaver Field Observations

Takes some time and practice to operate the equipment properly and effectively.

Paint Shaver Field Observations

Good technique is required to keep dust from escaping

Even using perfect technique, some dust always escapes

Paint Shaver Field Observations

Requires smooth surface to operate properly

Works best if loose and flaking paint is knocked off by hand first

Nail heads have to be set or Shaver will rip them out, sometimes taking half the clapboard with it

Paint Shaver Field Observations

Does a pretty good job of removing paint

Creates lots of concentrated lead waste and subsequent disposal issues

OSHA 1926.62 applies to any business where these tools are used.

Practicality of Power Equipment

Lead is still present in bare wood surfaces

All sanding creates lead dustClapboards must be in good condition

to withstand paint removalClapboard replacement would remove

lead, allow installation of building wrapThe equipment is NOT “dust free”