Boggled by compressor options for media blasting...

[Tremelune]

I recently picked up a used Skat cabinet, and I'm trying to find a compressor for it...I mostly blast small parts (brackets, moto frame, valve covers), and once in a blue moon I might blast a Jeep frame or spray paint. I figure I'll use a compressor a few times a week until I'm dead; I'm hoping to buy a cheap compressor that'll do the job, or a good compressor that will last decades.

I thought the Quincy QT-54 would do the trick, but it seems these are not of the same quality as the renowned QRs of olde, so maybe I should just go with a cheaper Ingersoll/Campbell/etc...? I keep sniffing around for older Quincy and Saylor-Beall stuff, but they just don't come up for sale to regular shmoes very often. I research on this forum, find a brand that is well-liked, then find out it's no longer well-liked, or the quality only applies to certain models...and I just don't know what those models are or what to look for.

Where's the bang for buck? I can't keep up with all the identical-looking rebrands...It seems like 15-20 CFM would do me, though the more the merrier, and the quieter the better, obviously...Any advice is appreciated!

 

[lis2323]

I have 23 CFM for my **** cabinet and would consider than less than adequate.

But then that’s just me....

 

[larry_g]

Compressor size=Sq in/time. So think about how many square inches of material you are blasting and then how long you want to spend cleaning each square inch. If you research some of the blast cabinet sellers you will find some charts that show what each one can do.

It' kinda like the old racers saying, "horsepower costs, how fast do you want to go?"

lg
no neat sig line

 

[lis2323]

Compressor size=Sq in/time.

It' kinda like the old racers saying, "horsepower costs, how fast do you want to go?"

lg
no neat sig line

[emoji106][emoji106]

Think Tim Taylor from Tool Time.

 

[Tremelune]

What would you buy if you had $1,000? $2,000? $3,000?

 

[95vette]

Hello, Go to tractor Supply and checkout Ingersall Rand five horse 80 gallon two stage for 1100.00

 

[lis2323]

What would you buy if you had $1,000? $2,000? $3,000?

You could have bought this used 40 HP QUINCY from me for a little over $3500USD.

 

[Tremelune]

My classic Mini has less power than that...similar size, too!

 

[Vinny]

I have the Quincy you are talking about, and it's a great, reliable compressor with all components still made in the US. I use it for blasting all the time, both in a cabinet and booth I built. Media blasting is air hungry, depending on the tip size you are using for blasting. You really need a very large compressor to use one reliably and regularly. You're not going to find a unit made for that that's really for home ( single phase).

 

[larry_g]

https://www.raptorblaster.com/choosing-an-air-compressor/

Read the above site

 

[Vinny]

https://www.raptorblaster.com/choosing-an-air-compressor/

Read the above site

Solid table in there. I never use anything more than a #3 when blasting.

 

[bsaint]

Important to get that air dry too.

 

[matt_i]

My thought: a 5hp compressor will get you going just fine but its slower for large pieces. A 7.5hp compressor will give you 50% more which is a big noticeable jump and probably ideal for most residential shops. You have to decide based on the price premium how important this is to you.

There's wiring & NEC considerations plus how you deal with the noise as new, related problems to solve.

And...you need to be prepared to coat or paint blasted ferrous parts immediately, I have seen them flash rust overnight if left untouched and it can almost be worse than before.