Need more compressor capacity

[arrowhead]

It's an 80 gal HF jewel but I've replaced the pump a couple of times and controls over the years so it's running fine. It suits my needs 95% of the time but sandblasting is just too much. I need to do a significant amount of blasting - so much I considered hiring it out but I think $2500 could be better spent on other aspects of the project. I looked into just upgrading the pump and motor or even buying a larger used unit and I'm not a fan or either option. While scouring the FB ads I came across gas powered portable compressors (for much less than upgrading or replacing). So I'm thinking either just use that dedicated to sandblasting or tie in with my system increase capacity. That should work, right?

 

[ycgoat]

It's an 80 gal HF jewel but I've replaced the pump a couple of times and controls over the years so it's running fine. It suits my needs 95% of the time but sandblasting is just too much. I need to do a significant amount of blasting - so much I considered hiring it out but I think $2500 could be better spent on other aspects of the project. I looked into just upgrading the pump and motor or even buying a larger used unit and I'm not a fan or either option. While scouring the FB ads I came across gas powered portable compressors (for much less than upgrading or replacing). So I'm thinking either just use that dedicated to sandblasting or tie in with my system increase capacity. That should work, right?

I use a large pressure washer with pick up tube. I think it cost me around $1K and uses crushed glass

 

[firebirdparts]

Yes go for it. Any compressor would work, so buy what you want to run and sell it later.

 

[Stuart in MN]

If you have the space to store it, go for the portable. You could probably rent it out to your friends and make some of the money back.

 

[nadogail]

Sometimes I use two compressors to feed the spray gun, I have to connect those compressors to a Tee and connect my spray hose to it

 

[pcmeiners]

Thought this was pretty ingenious for a temporary compressor CFM boast.

Bill Jones Page 23

 

[kbs2244]

blasting is a CFM hog

those gas powered portable compressors are aimed at the construction trades
nail guns, etc are more PSI dependent
they do not use many CFM and have small tanks so they can recover PSI quickly

I think you need a bigger pump or a newer compressor with a higher CFM spec

 

[TractorJeff]

I haven't seen anyone here state actual CFM required verses CFM the compressors will make/
FWIW: I have an old engine drive that I Tee in to increase CFM for painting or sandblasting.
My suggestion is to actually look at CFM consumption verses produced CFM of compressors and size accordingly.

 

[Zeke]

@don long has a blasting booth. Outside under cover is an engine driven tow behind compressor he bought at salvage. It's a screw type and will fun a jackhammer all day. There are some smaller screw types but they do get pricey. Piston compressors can do so much and then you're beyond the power requirements you have at home.

 

[Dave Lagerstrom]

What sandblaster are you using? When I was using the typical HF cabinet, I never had enough air. After upgrading the blast gun with the stuff from TP Tools, I am able to blast pretty much continuously. My compressor is an old Husky 60 gallon tank with a 5 hp Emerson motor and an upgraded dual stage RolAir compressor.

Just a thought that it may not be the compressor you should consider upgrading.

 

[mikegt4]

I have a portable gas powered Emglo 2 stage compressor rated at 15.5 cfm that I use to power my **** cabinet. I would consider that cfm to be slightly above the minimum required to successfully run a blast cabinet.