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Needlegun scaler

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A U.S. Navy Seaman uses a needle-gun to remove old paint and corrosion aboard USS Kitty Hawk.[1]

A needlegun scaler, needle scaler or needle-gun is a tool used in metalwork applications as diverse as home repair, automotive repair and shipboard preservation.[2][3][4] The tool is used to remove rust, mill scale, and old paint from metal surfaces.[5]

Operation and use

A needle gun has a set of very fine chisels known as needles.[2] The tool forces these needles against a work surface at variable speeds up to around 5,000 times per minute.[2][5] Different models offer choices of number of needles, operating speed, and power levels.[2] Many models use compressed air, although electrical needle-guns do exist.[2][6]

In a pneumatic unit, compressed air forces a piston forwards and backwards.[2] This movement causes the needles to move back and forth against the work surface.[2]

An able seaman uses a needlegun to remove scale while refurbishing a mooring winch.

The needle gun has advantages over other scaling tools. Its main advantage is that the needles automatically adjust themselves to contours, making the tool a good choice for cleaning irregular surfaces.[5] A needle gun can clean an area to bare metal in seconds, and compares well to other scaling tools in terms of accuracy and precision.[2]

It is recommended that before needlegunning, a surface be prepared by removing oil, grease, dirt, chemicals and water-soluble contaminants.[4] This can be done with solvents or with a combination of detergent and fresh water.[4]

Then, the needle gun is used to remove rust, loose scale, and paint, leaving bare metal.[4] It is used most effectively by holding it at a 90° angle to the work surface.[4] It is recommended that an area no larger than six to eight inches be cleared at once.[4] Two to three passes over an area is generally sufficient to clean it.[4] Then the process is repeated until the desired area is completed.[4]

Prior to painting, it is desirable to feather any edges between metal and old paint.[4] It is also important to check the surface for oil deposited during chipping, and if necessary, clean the area with solvents.[4] Since bare metal surfaces will flash rust soon after exposure to the atmosphere, paint should be applied as soon as possible after chipping.[4] If flash rusting occurs prior to coating, further chipping, cleaning and sanding may be necessary.[4]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ U.S. Navy, 2006.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Miller, 2008.
  3. ^ Park, 1984.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l NAVSEA, 2008.
  5. ^ a b c NETC, 2003, p. 11-10.
  6. ^ Nitto Kohki, 2008.

References

  • Miller, Jason (2008-01-30). "Needle Scaler and Debris Removal". Free Online Library. Free Online Library. Retrieved 2008-04-05. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  • Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) (2008). "Chapter 7: Submarine Forces Afloat Painting and Preservation Guidelines for Non-Nuclear Spaces and Components". Contracted Ship Maintenance. Joint Fleet Maintenance Manual - Rev A Change 7. Vol. VI. United States Navy. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |origmonth=, |month=, |origdate=, and |coauthors= (help); External link in |chapterurl= (help); Unknown parameter |chapterurl= ignored (|chapter-url= suggested) (help)

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