sanblaster and air compressors

I"m shopping for a new air compressor to run a sand-blasting cabinet and some air tools. Looked at craftsmen, Ingersol Rand (IR), campbell- housefield, and used quincy models. I"m all wired up for 230 volt single phase, and I don"t want to mess with phase converters.

What"s the mininum tank size I need? 80 or 120?
SCFM? 20 to 25? at 90 psi.

I also want it quiet, so the lower the rpm the better. So I think I should be looking at a used quincy or IR models. I"d like to keep it under $1500.

You want to be sure its a cast iron comptessor with cast iron head . I bought a 5 hp 60 gal 2 stage (with aluminum head) . It is so dern noisey my neighbor used to complain when it ran . After about 6 months I learned why it was so noisy & others I had installed for body shops were quiet. Its that blasted aluminum head . The Auto parts store I was installing compressors for & had bought mine from laughed after I confronted them about it . His response was that he had to unload it onto someone & I was a good candidate . Then to have traded mine in on one with cast iron head he wanted another $1,000.00 .Needless to say I still have the noisy one . Used compressors are just like a used car . Once you use or drive it out of the store you loose about $1,000.00 . So go cast iron compressor . Now to sandblasting , my compressor can't keep up with either one of my 3 different blasters ( siphon,cabinet,or pressure types). So be sure to ask alot of questions from dealers before buying .Good luck & God bless, Ken

Single phase is going to limit you some on size unless you want to spend a lot more. Those single phase 7.5 hp in new compressors don't really put out what they say. A slow running industrial built Quincy will out do those and last longer. If you can get 3 phase or have it do it now if you can as can support a bigger compressor for blasting. I have a Speedaire 5 hp direct drive with those noisy aluminum heads too and won't go that route again but it was on sale and now I know why. Mine is 80 gallon and won't keep up with a small one bag pressure blaster. I found another 80 gallon tank to add on for air volume when blasting but still have to shut down a lot for lack of cfm on the compressor. For blasting the bigger compressor and bigger tank you can get the better but like any have to keep the air dry.

Check out Eaton Compressors on the web. I have a freind who has a 120 gallon 7.5 HP model. Its a beast and quiet when it runs considering the size of it. Think it was 30-35 CFM. Think you can get a smaller one from them for 1500 bucks.

We have a Porter Cable Compressor from grizzly industrial. It has a 7.5hp motor and 80 gallon tank. I think it could produce 25SCFM at 100psi. We use it to power our air tools and sand blasting cabinet, sometimes at the same time. I think it is pretty close to that price range. Just something to think about

Most of the noise from air compressors is on the suction side. There is a company that makes a noise reducing filter ,,it does owrk great !!! Cut my compressor noise in 1/2 . Lil pricy but well worht it .

A used Quincy would be my choice. A 2 stage, pressure lubed one. They have 100% duty cycle, so one may actually keep up with your cabinet.

I'll second the Eaton. I have an 80 gallon model that puts out 20 cfm of free air at the valve. It will run a da sander nonstop. I put a blowgun on it once and just held it wide open. The compressor kept up with it and even passed it up and shut off. It will run the small cannister type sandblaster that most of us use easily. Mine has a valve on it that you can open that keeps the compressor from shutting off. Instead when it gets full it holds the valves shut and blow the air back out until tank pressure drops down low enough to start filling again. This keeps it from cycling on and off during times of hard use. Saves startup wear on the motor.
Check it out here. I'm very satisfied with it. I think it will run everything your talking about.
http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/504747/172993.htm

I got tired of wet sand plugging up my cabinet, so i just bolted a pressure blaster tank to the side of my blast cabinet, now I pressure blast inside my siphon cabinet.

Perfection, much more efficient blasting than stupid retarded siphon blasting.

I have a 5hp model. I am running it at 875-900 RPM's and am happy with it. It's a far cry from my old Quincy, but does what I ask of it.

Speed...heat kills. Any pump that runs at 1200-1300 RPM's is gonna be a little noisy not last too long.


Glenn F.

I've got a Champion 5hp 2 stage pump 19.1 cfm@125psi. It's great and one of the quietest I've heard, runs 805 rpm. USA made in Princeton Il. I use it for a cabinet and also pressure blast outside. I bought it from tptools.com.
DWF

I'd second the recommendation for either a Quincy or a Champion. Champion would be easier on the budget, and run cooler. Also, inlet valve unloaders are a good idea, so the pump can continue running when up to pressure, instead of starting and stopping. All that freewheeling will really help take the heat out of the pump. The Champion is a very cool running unit anyway, as it is aluminum with steel liners. It uses high quality disc valves, and has tough, roller bearing small ends on the rods and heavy taper bearings to support the crankshaft. You can get them in pressure lube as well. Hard to beat it. If you can get a good used 7.5hp single phase Champion, you'd be doing well.

I have been in the body business for over 35 years and this is my two cents worth. Buy all the compressor you can afford and you won't regret it. A good sandblaster will likely demand the most of your compressor of anything you will do. By all means make certain it is all cast iron in a two or three stage layout, another very important consideration is the motor RPM, get 1725 not the 3450 units on the cheapo models used to raise the CFM output (that really shortens pump life). The pump RPM should run in the 600 to 800 range. 3 phase is only a serious consideration in a commercial operation to make it lower cost to operate. A larger tank will also help the life and the efficency of your new compressor since it gives the machine some rest and cool down periods. As to the the unloader valve all good units will have it (that relieves the pressure so there is no load at startup), also extending the life of the machine. Spend a little more and enjoy it for years to come knowing it will serve you well. PS: A reputable dealer that stands behind his products is also an ace in your pocket in the event of a defective product (speaking from experience). Hope this is of assistance in making your decision.