Compressor recommendations for blasting

[discovery2]

I have a small media blasting cabinet and my sears compressor and tank dont seem to be able to keep the air pressure high enough very long. What is the minimum compressor and tank I can get away with?

[dweymer]

probably about 9cfm minimum, the more the better. CFM is king for blasting.

[Zeke]

See if you can use a smaller nozzle sometimes supplied with the blaster and maybe turn down the pressure a bit with a regulator. Somewhat less than full pressure still gets the job done. Lastly, you can hook up to a reserve tank for more ballast. Longer recovery time, but you'll have longer sessions of blasting.

[dweymer]

Good point Milt, My small nozzle calls for 5.5 to 8, at ~90psi.

What are you blasting?

[RickM]

You can also blast more efficiently by aiming the media stream at an angle. If you shoot straight on you're wasting air, media and time.

IMO, a 60-80 gallon tank and 5+ hp is a must for extended blasting sessions. As mentioned CFMs are king so review specs carefully. You'll also need to address moisture in the line by separating and filtering. The more expensive 2 stage compressors help as well.

[RallyJon]

I've been thinking about replacing my Sears oilless with something like this:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=34884

[Rot 911]

Originally posted by RallyJon
I've been thinking about replacing my Sears oilless with something like this:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=34884

Not a bad motor, but the tank is way too small. If you are spending the money for a stand up compressor try to get at least a 60 gallon tank.

[RallyJon]

Why is that? If I'm doing anything significant, the compressor will be running most of the time anyway, right?

[RickM]

Originally posted by RallyJon
Why is that? If I'm doing anything significant, the compressor will be running most of the time anyway, right?

Yes, and that's what you don't want.

Lowes has some decent compressors for the money. Here's what I bought for just over $600...

[dweymer]

Jon, the more the unit runs, the hotter the air gets, which produces more condensation in the lines. It is also not good for the motor, as they get quite hot. I have a 60, and wish I got an 80 gallon.

[911SCfanatic]

try northerntool. I got a nice ingersol 5hp, 60 gal single stage that I have used a lot with a nice commercial grade media blaster. works great.

when shopping compare cfm at the same psi, if possible.