Gonna buy my first air compressor

[GrabNPillz]

Hello all! First post here after lurking for a few months now. I was hoping I could get some guidance on some air compressors. I want to buy an air compressor mostly to use with a blaster. It's the Central Pneumatic Portable Abrasive Blaster Kit for $30 from Harbor Freight. The minimal requirements for that is 3.5 cfm @ 50 psi. I have the option of buying three different older Craftsman ACs at varying prices.

1st: 5HP-20 Gal 8.4scfm @ 40 psi, 6.2 scfm @ 90 psi, 135 psi max.
This was the first I found priced at $120. So far, it looks to be in good condition, but it is missing a small cover for the wiring. I can't find a manual for it online. It's oil-less.

2nd: 6HP/2HP Running/33 Gal 8.6scfm @ 40 psi, 6.4 scfm @ 90 psi, 150 psi max. This one is priced at $115 and is pretty similar to the first except bigger. It has all of its pieces from what I can see. Also oil-less. I was able to find a manual for this one.

3rd: 2HP-20 Gal 7.8scfm @ 40 psi, 6.3 scfm @ 90 psi, 100 psi max.
This one looks to be the oldest priced at $110. But I noticed it appears to be an oiled version with belt driven motor capable of running off 240v. I've read about the motors being more efficient running 240v. I was able to find the manual for this.

I didn't want to spend a lot for an air compressor because I doubt it will be used very often. I do have 3 other projects I'd like to strip down someday though.

 

[Vahispd]

What do you plan to sandblast - lots of small parts or large items? Generally a larger tank is better if you have the space to store it. Smaller tanks will empty quicker and cause the compressor to run more often if you are blasting for a long period of time.

You might consider checking for spare parts availability too. Lack of parts can ruin your day quickly. Some components can be replaced with generic versions if you are up to maybe re-configuring things a bit.

I prefer the oiled versions since they run a bit quieter and generally last longer especially in dusty environments. I have a nice 30 gallon oil-less that will only pressurize to about 80 psi because the seal and cylinder is worn out. I've seen quite a few oil-less compressors that were shot from job site operation and the sellers wanted to run them just long enough to show the motor worked, so run the oil-less versions long enough to ensure they reach max pressures.

And welcome to GJ!

 

[GrabNPillz]

Thanks. Well, I suppose mostly large items. Right now I'm in the process of restoring a vintage fan. I have stripped most of the paint off with wire wheels, but there are crevices I can't get to with normal tools. In the future, I wanted to strip and repaint my storm door, garage door and a basketball pole. I figure blasting would be quicker for all three.

 

[bob15]

With you doing large items that will need to be done in a tent outside, have you thought about using a soda blaster rather than a traditional media gun? It would make less of a mess and any "escaped" media will dissolve in the first rain. I see HF sells one, though I know nothing about it's quality or reviews.

As for the compressor, I too am in the preferring oil-type compressors camp. Are the compressors you listed used?

 

[GrabNPillz]

Yes. All used. I've done some research about available parts. Not looking so good. Soda blasting does look easier to deal with. I'll try it first if I can get hold of a compressor. Good news is the blaster kit I'm looking at takes soda according to the reviews for it.

 

[Bretny]

Sand blasting is pretty demanding on a compressor. Also GO is really a joke. The specs that you lost that really matter are CFM and gallons. Get the 2nd.

Oilless compressors are very loud and don't last to long but $120 dosnt buy you much of a compressor.

 

[driftpin]

Thanks. Well, I suppose mostly large items. Right now I'm in the process of restoring a vintage fan. I have stripped most of the paint off with wire wheels, but there are crevices I can't get to with normal tools. In the future, I wanted to strip and repaint my storm door, garage door and a basketball pole. I figure blasting would be quicker for all three.

I'd use a 'mule-skinner' twisted-wire brush to strip the basketball pole, I bet it goes much-quicker than blasting with a dinky air compressor. Plus, the cost of the media is probably more-than the cost of a new, used pole. I bet you can find on Offer-Up or facebook a good BB pole not-needing refinishing, at a reasonable cost.

Be aware that using bicarbonate of soda in a grassy area will cause grass longevity issues. Using sand is a better idea, but playground sand in bags is going to clog your system. Too-much moisture content. Kiln-dried sand isn't inexpensive, you can do it on a tarp and then screen it for re-use, to save a bit of $.

 

[Kaizen]

I’m with driftpin in this. Blasting needs a lot of volume and DRY air. I can gauretee you won’t go buy those items and do it. Use mechanical methods or rust converter. Sorry but just not worth it esp where you don’t think you will use it much after.


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[930dreamer]

Or just have someone do the blasting for you!

 

[marinusdees]

I personally would NOT buy an oil less compressor, new or used. They have longevity issues.

 

[GrabNPillz]

Thanks everyone. I'll look into having it blasted by someone. I read about chemical stripping as an option too.