Air compressors?

[Jpete]

A premium 3-4k compressor isn't in the budget for what I need it for, but I am happy to know quality products still exist.

I'll poke around at something used, but I'm kinda skeeved out by unknown pressure vessels.

The models I'm looking at are approx 11.5 scfm @ 90psi - Good enough for sand blasting some actions and small parts?

Tractor Supply has an Ingersoll Rand 5hp 2 stage 80 gallon tank for 1600.00. Produces 15.8 cfm at 90psi. I would think that compressor would be fine for your needs. Electric is 220v with a 40 amp breaker.

 

[Judd]

I’m glad you posted this, I had no clue blasting cabinets needed so much air. Makes perfect sense, just never thought about it. Reason 5,341 that I just don’t want to mess with cerakote. I know eventually I’m going to have to…it’s the only thing I don’t control and I’m on my 3rd different guy in 3 years.

 

[urbanrifleman]

I have a top feed sandblaster. I didn't notice it used a crazy amount of air. It's the siphon feed sandblaster that uses insane amounts of air.

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[DShortt]

Keep in mind, the oil-less air compressors are LOUD. You'll want it in a separate room if you go that route unless your tolerance for noise is pretty high.

 

[LVLAaron]

Keep in mind, the oil-less air compressors are LOUD. You'll want it in a separate room if you go that route unless your tolerance for noise is pretty high.

I have an absurd amount of two things:
1. Tape measures. I have at least one for each room of my house, and every 10 feet of shop space. I'm terrible about just setting stuff down so I have a bunch of them and they are EVERYWHERE.

2. Ear muffs - I keep a set next to anything that's loud.

On that topic... if something needs a specific socket or tool, It gets it's own "copy' within arms reach of that tool.


These are my 'tisms.

 

[DShortt]

I have an absurd amount of two things:
1. Tape measures. I have at least one for each room of my house, and every 10 feet of shop space. I'm terrible about just setting stuff down so I have a bunch of them and they are EVERYWHERE.

2. Ear muffs - I keep a set next to anything that's loud.

On that topic... if something needs a specific socket or tool, It gets it's own "copy' within arms reach of that tool.


These are my 'tisms.

I feel your pain.

I can't hear squat. 30 years around locomotives will do that to ya.

Still hate the sound of oil-less air compressors.

 

[ricco1949]

I've had a US General from Harbor Freight for 15 years.....60 Gal, 5 Hps, 15.8 cfpm.

It runs blast cabinet for gun parts, etc just fine....doubt it would run a full bore sand blaster for long.

No auto drain on tank though...PITA. I replaced the tiny drain valve with a ball valve and rubber hose and just let it blast water out the adjacent window regularly.

Amazing how much water condenses in the tank.

 

[holstil]

Check out puma from northern tools. I have 12cfm puma running a blast cabinet and an old ciasons that won’t die for every thing else.

 

[LVLAaron]

I've had a US General from Harbor Freight for 15 years.....60 Gal, 5 Hps, 15.8 cfpm.

It runs blast cabinet for gun parts, etc just fine....doubt it would run a full bore sand blaster for long.

No auto drain on tank though...PITA. I replaced the tiny drain valve with a ball valve and rubber hose and just let it blast water out the adjacent window regularly.

Amazing how much water condenses in the tank.

They don’t carry the big compressors any longer. :/

 

[Judd]

These are my 'tisms.

I like to refer to it as “my condition”, it doesn’t seem so negative

 

[Aaron23]

I've had a US General from Harbor Freight for 15 years.....60 Gal, 5 Hps, 15.8 cfpm.

It runs blast cabinet for gun parts, etc just fine....doubt it would run a full bore sand blaster for long.

No auto drain on tank though...PITA. I replaced the tiny drain valve with a ball valve and rubber hose and just let it blast water out the adjacent window regularly.

Amazing how much water condenses in the tank.

Ever notice the small radiator looking thing on the job site compressors?

That actually is a radiator and those things work. A B&M oil cooler can be plumbed in fairly easily to a home / shop compressor that didn’t come with one originally and will help keep water out of the tanks.

The reason you usually only see them on compressors designed to run non stop for long periods of time is just that.

The pump is going to get hot as it runs and pull more condensation out of the air it is compressing. Not as noticeable when the compressor is used infrequently and never gets that hot.