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 Pb3000
Voltage: 110
RPM: 3450
Advised Vacuum CFM:
150 min.
Paint Shaver
(circular grinder)
American
International Tool
Voltage: 110
RPM: 10,000
Advised 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 CFM
Finish 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 dust
Clapboards must be in good condition to
withstand paint removal
Clapboard replacement would remove
lead, allow installation of building wrap
The equipment is NOT “dust free”