Looking for a compressor for sandblasting

[Contorted77]

In the near future (a relative expression, probably decades from now) I will be sandblasting a bunch of parts for a 1976 CB550 motorcycle and 1975 Corvette. My sears air compressor just isn't going to cut it. I think I need up around 15 cfm @ 90 psi as there are many parts and I am very inpatient. So I search.

There are two approaches that come to mind, build or buy.

Build
I have an old tank plus the sears compressor that I could store to in parallel, probably around 80 gallons total capacity, one with a flat top to mount a motor and a pump. I might be able to buy a pump and motor at harbor freight, where I already have a $200 gift card. This is the pump I was looking at.

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-hp-145-psi-twin-cylinder-air-compressor-pump-60754.html

I am open to motor recommendations.

Buy

Again, since I have 200 smackers, maybe I'll buy this harbor freight compressor. I know that the percent off coupons exclude air compressors. Maybe this one has a super coupon or inside track coupon that people know of.

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-hp-60-gallon-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html

Any experiences or recommendations?

 

[larry_g]

I think I need up around 15 cfm @ 90 psi


Any experiences or recommendations?

I would suggest that change that "I think.." to I know. Guessing at what need to drive a tool is a sure way to have disappointments. Research sandblasters and what is required to run them. A lot of inexpensive air tools will assume that you only have a short duty cycle and that will skew the air requirements. Make sure that your specs are real for the long term blast projects.

Spend some time researching here http://sandblast-nozzles.com/information/nozzle-air-and-pressure-requirements-chart/ There are a lot ofother pages on this site with good information.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Contorted77]

This is the blaster I will be using.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200350449_200350449

 

[A_Pmech]

The problem with sandblasters is that the ratings assume a brand new ceramic nozzle. As the nozzle wears, the performance degrades rapidly if the air compressor can't supply enough air.

In any case, sandblasting anything larger than a coffee cup with a 3-5 HP compressor is an exercise in patience.

 

[f575gtc]

I have an air compressor I am in the processed of upgrading, it has a true 5 hp motor, running a pump making aprox. 10-12CFM and it can just barely keep ahead of the HF sand blasting booth rated at 10CFM @100PSI. Once it kicks on, it will not over power the blaster usage to fill back up and turn off.

So you are right 14-15CFM @90psi should be good for a sandblaster.

You can buy Baldor motors that are rated at 23Amps and 1740rpm for ~$350 online.

 

[truckdriver]

This will supply enough air.
http://www.dunnrightinc.com/

 

[Strouty]

The problem with sandblasters is that the ratings assume a brand new ceramic nozzle. As the nozzle wears, the performance degrades rapidly if the air compressor can't supply enough air.

In any case, sandblasting anything larger than a coffee cup with a 3-5 HP compressor is an exercise in patience.

Patience, Tenacity, Futility, Surrender.

 

[EOC_Jason]

The problem with sandblasters is that the ratings assume a brand new ceramic nozzle. As the nozzle wears, the performance degrades rapidly if the air compressor can't supply enough air.

In any case, sandblasting anything larger than a coffee cup with a 3-5 HP compressor is an exercise in patience.

I hear that, I usually use my friend's cabinet with his 120 gallon / 15HP compressor. It will cycle a lot, but it will at least build pressure faster than it is used so I do not have to stop... unless my arms get tired...

 

[drivesitfar]

Truckdriver: if that compressor didn't cost $7000, i'd put it on the have to have list. that is a great looking compressor and still might go on the list. i'll go buy my lottery tickets now. figures a GJ member would know about or actually own a compressor like this.

ALL: I've picked up a homemade sandblaster and am looking for a compressor to power it. should i pass on anything under 5HP or are the CFM and PSI #'s more important things to shop for? i'm also hearing the old 5HP motors are a lot more powerful than the new ones so if the tank isn't rusted out would a 30 year old and maybe older one maybe a better option?

 

[Strouty]

Truckdriver: if that compressor didn't cost $7000, i'd put it on the have to have list. that is a great looking compressor and still might go on the list. i'll go buy my lottery tickets now. figures a GJ member would know about or actually own a compressor like this.

ALL: I've picked up a homemade sandblaster and am looking for a compressor to power it. should i pass on anything under 5HP or are the CFM and PSI #'s more important things to shop for? i'm also hearing the old 5HP motors are a lot more powerful than the new ones so if the tank isn't rusted out would a 30 year old and maybe older one maybe a better option?

Are you going to use PVC airlines with that ticking time bomb?

 

[EOC_Jason]

should i pass on anything under 5HP or are the CFM and PSI #'s more important things to shop for? i'm also hearing the old 5HP motors are a lot more powerful than the new ones so if the tank isn't rusted out would a 30 year old and maybe older one maybe a better option?

Depends, older is not always better. Everything wears out over time.

I had a friend that got a cheap 80 gallon BlackMax compressor, but motor was bad. Bought a new motor, ran for a few weeks then started making horrible noise. Bearings were shot and wore horrible gashes into the crank. Had to buy a new pump... If he knew beforehand it would of just been cheaper to buy a brand new compressor! But that's the dice you roll.

The think to look for on modern compressors that are 5 or 7 HP is if that has an asterisk and says "peak"... If you look on the motor plate and check the HP, if it says "SPL" then it's probably 3-3.5 "real" horsepower as you can also verify with the AMP rating.

Quincy, Saylor Beall, Champion, Kellogg American, Cambell Hausfield (older models), Ingersol Rand (also older models), Speedaire... Those are the names to look for...

 

[drivesitfar]

Jason: thanks and I've just begun my search for one maybe the last couple months. i almost pulled the trigger on a Ingersol Rand i saw that was older that was only $500, but i had barely begun my search. i didn't know as much and still don't know much more, but was worried about the tank being rusty because it didn't have one that self drained. do you have to drain tanks after each use or weekly? monthly or how long if you get an older one?

Strouty: does it look unsafe? I know it works because my client used it on a ton of stuff before he made a bigger one. he offered it to me for $10. did i pay too much?? and it has 80 pounds of sand still in it because he uses glass beads and walnuts (or is it hazelnuts) now and didn't need the sand either.

 

[Strouty]

Jason:

Strouty: does it look unsafe? I know it works because my client used it on a ton of stuff before he made a bigger one. he offered it to me for $10. did i pay too much?? and it has 80 pounds of sand still in it because he uses glass beads and walnuts (or is it hazelnuts) now and didn't need the sand either.

It was kind of a joke, if you feel it is safe, then go with it. Others will tell you that it is so dangerous you should not use it.

 

[RECox286]

Looking thru the posts, and remembering my search for the "perfect"

compressor to mate with my needs...I finally settled on the one sure

solution: I got a Street Compressor (trailer mounted for jack hammers,

etc) Gives me a cool 110cfm @ 105psi. It is a hungry bear for fuel,

but I don't run out of air or patience ! Great for winterizing houses too.

The best thing about it, is if I need it somewhere other than at my house,

I just hitch it to my truck, "and away we go."


Uncle Bob

 

[EOC_Jason]

i didn't know as much and still don't know much more, but was worried about the tank being rusty because it didn't have one that self drained. do you have to drain tanks after each use or weekly? monthly or how long if you get an older one?

Depends on the relative humidity in your area. On my compressor I ran an elbow with some 3/8" galv pipe and a ball valve. What little water builds up in the tank ends up in that pipe. Mine will maybe only cycle once or twice, I don't use it for any heavy duty stuff, just blowing things off or the occasional impact gun. I will usually crack it open the next day or two, that way the condensation has time to settle to the bottom of the tank. It lets out a little squirt and then mist, never really that much. I've seen people use barb fittings and some vinyl tubing and have the water drain into a gallon jug or whatever if you don't want it to get on your floors.

The few things I would do when checking out air compressors are:

1. Have them run, see how quickly they build pressure and if they go to the correct pressure, and that the unloader is working.

2. Check the safety pop-off valve.

3. Check the oil - Is there proper level, how dirty is it?

4. Check the air filter - Is it even there? How dirty is it?

5. Check the belt - Proper tension? Worn?

6. Crack open the drain and see how much water comes out and how nasty it is. Ask the owner beforehand because it might make a big mess on his floor.

7. Check that is the correct motor size for that pump.

8. Check the pump, look for any oil leaking out through the gaskets. Also when it's running try to feel around and make sure no air is escaping or any pinholes in the castings. (Watch for the spinning flywheel!!!)

9. Check the tank to make sure it's physically okay - no dents or backyard repairs.

 

[sr71]

My 7.5HP, 27CFM unit eventually runs out of steam when I'm open blasting big stuff like car frames or winterizing my sprinkler lines , etc. That said.. it comes down to duty cycle… a few breaks here and there should be expected. If I knew I would be doing big jobs regularly I'd be looking at a 100+cfm unit.

 

[f575gtc]

My 7.5HP, 27CFM unit eventually runs out of steam when I'm open blasting big stuff like car frames or winterizing my sprinkler lines , etc. That said.. it comes down to duty cycle… a few breaks here and there should be expected. If I knew I would be doing big jobs regularly I'd be looking at a 100+cfm unit.

Wow with those specs you would figure it should be a continuous duty compressor.

 

[canguy]

Still looking for a compressor? I have a quincy QE 5 with a 7.5hp. Motor is brand new 1ph 240 baldor. If you are still looking let me know. I can send more details and pictures.