Alright before I get started I did a few searches got most of the info I need, now I need some opinions/ help.
I currently have a Campbell Hausfeld 60 gal. upright from the early 90s, it uses a 5HP 15AMP 240v motor (so it probably produces 4hp on a good day). The pump itself is a single stage producing 9.2CFM @ 90PSI. Before I came into possession of the pump, my uncle used it to spray furniture, but with Conventional feed guns, which the compressor could keep up with.
Now here is what I need air for. I have a 1992 Mazda Miata I have been restoring and setting up for autocrossing. The compressor has done everything I needed it to do so far, but now I have to paint it. I also bought a sandblasting cabinet for small sporadic projects which recommends 10CFM@100psi. The gun I am using is a Devilbiss FLG4 which requires 13CFM@23PSI (I kinda dove into this one on false info from other people, finding out I do not have enough CFM to properly spray).
Now once I finish the car, the compressor will be seldom used, I have no plans for another project car and the compressor will probably sit there for another 15 years to fill the occasional tire, or clean out the computer twice a year like before.
Now my problem is this. Since I need to finish the paint, and I will start to sand blast occasionally I have been contemplating either upgrading my current compressor, or buying a new one. I spent 2 days so far on CL and ebay, and I don't know if its because its winter, but here in Connecticut, its hard to find something in my budget that is not 3phase.
I also did some research on what it would take to upgrade my compressor, and I see some major issues there too, if I go to a higher flowing pump that needs a new motor, I will be out of $600-$800 quickly, not to mention the modifications I would need to the compressor since the top deck is not big enough nor drilled properly to hold a bigger pump. I thought of buying an Emax 3 cylinder 5hp pump, but it doesn't seem like my motor would be adequate, and their 3HP pump flows 11.5CFM which is $120 for an extra 2CFM and I don't think that is worth it.
So here is where I am stuck. a New compressor that flows 15+CFM @ 90PSI is $700 for a cheap HF one, and $1000+ for better brands. I almost scored a Kobalt 80gal. 16.2CFM@90PSI compressor for $670, but that deal fell through. I guess my budget would be $600-$700 whether it be new and cheap, or upgrades to my current compressor, but I can't justify spending $1000+ for something that will very likely see next to no use once I finish my current project.
Or I could just keep my current air compressor as is, and try to make it work? What are the negatives there? I am assuming, noise from the consistent running, moister from the heat, waiting for the tank to fill up, burning out the motor or pump from the continuous use.
I am going to continue searching CL and hopefully as it warms up something will turn up, but I need to make my decision by April.
Thanks for reading, I know I am all over the place here, but I can't decide what to do, and I just need some guidance in the right direction.
I currently have a Campbell Hausfeld 60 gal. upright from the early 90s, it uses a 5HP 15AMP 240v motor (so it probably produces 4hp on a good day). The pump itself is a single stage producing 9.2CFM @ 90PSI. Before I came into possession of the pump, my uncle used it to spray furniture, but with Conventional feed guns, which the compressor could keep up with.
Now here is what I need air for. I have a 1992 Mazda Miata I have been restoring and setting up for autocrossing. The compressor has done everything I needed it to do so far, but now I have to paint it. I also bought a sandblasting cabinet for small sporadic projects which recommends 10CFM@100psi. The gun I am using is a Devilbiss FLG4 which requires 13CFM@23PSI (I kinda dove into this one on false info from other people, finding out I do not have enough CFM to properly spray).
Now once I finish the car, the compressor will be seldom used, I have no plans for another project car and the compressor will probably sit there for another 15 years to fill the occasional tire, or clean out the computer twice a year like before.
Now my problem is this. Since I need to finish the paint, and I will start to sand blast occasionally I have been contemplating either upgrading my current compressor, or buying a new one. I spent 2 days so far on CL and ebay, and I don't know if its because its winter, but here in Connecticut, its hard to find something in my budget that is not 3phase.
I also did some research on what it would take to upgrade my compressor, and I see some major issues there too, if I go to a higher flowing pump that needs a new motor, I will be out of $600-$800 quickly, not to mention the modifications I would need to the compressor since the top deck is not big enough nor drilled properly to hold a bigger pump. I thought of buying an Emax 3 cylinder 5hp pump, but it doesn't seem like my motor would be adequate, and their 3HP pump flows 11.5CFM which is $120 for an extra 2CFM and I don't think that is worth it.
So here is where I am stuck. a New compressor that flows 15+CFM @ 90PSI is $700 for a cheap HF one, and $1000+ for better brands. I almost scored a Kobalt 80gal. 16.2CFM@90PSI compressor for $670, but that deal fell through. I guess my budget would be $600-$700 whether it be new and cheap, or upgrades to my current compressor, but I can't justify spending $1000+ for something that will very likely see next to no use once I finish my current project.
Or I could just keep my current air compressor as is, and try to make it work? What are the negatives there? I am assuming, noise from the consistent running, moister from the heat, waiting for the tank to fill up, burning out the motor or pump from the continuous use.
I am going to continue searching CL and hopefully as it warms up something will turn up, but I need to make my decision by April.
Thanks for reading, I know I am all over the place here, but I can't decide what to do, and I just need some guidance in the right direction.