Compressor capacity for blast cabinet?

[bigbob76]

Does anybody know what cfm or horsepower or how many gallons tank to consider for a bench top blast cabinet? The only information I've found on it is Central Pneumatics Item #42790 125 PSI max, motor 120v 60HZ, abrasive capacity 44lbs. I'm guessing this was from Harbor Freight in the $100 or so range. They no longer list it if it was from there. It's been sitting in somebody's garage for a long time but looks new.

[Mikeb]

Might need a bit more info. I've got a 5hp quincey 2 stage compressor with about 100 gal of reciever volumne. and it won't blast continuously. You mention benchtop cabinet so you may have lower expectations. I think I would try to get a compressor that would at least run airtools about 8cfm...I think
take care
Mike

[tlillard23]

You will need a decent volume tank and about 3hp to even think about blasting continuous... most little cabinets are about 10CFM @100 psi (most want 100 or less PSI, but that doesn't really help if you are using a tire inflator )


You can use any air compressor with a tank. Just blast for about 10 minutes then let the tank catch up and allow some time for the motor to cool. Don't want the compressor running for hours and hours.

[Scout2Diesel]

I hook up two 120v compressors together. Works quite well that way.(especially if you just borrow the 2nd) No need for 220 hook up.... HF does have a nice 220v compressor for about $350ish(Verticle shorty). It has a nice pump and CFM output. Be sure you get it on sale and with a coupon though.

[Forestgnome]

I have a full size Harbor Freight blast cabinet I run with a Sears 2hp compressor, 26gal tank. If I remember right, I can blast about 10 minutes full pressure before the compressor kicks on. Only takes about 30 seconds for it to catch back up. It doesn't affect my blasting at all really. Gives you a break to rest your hands and look the part over. I just did a project rebuilding loader steering clutches that took at least 40 hours of blasting and the duty cycle of the compressor didn't bother me at all.

[bigbob76]

Thanks everybody, I've digested this info and some more and I'm going to buy a 2 HP 8 gal. 110V at Harbor Freight on sale for $100.00 and install a filter/separator when I'm ready to try my hand at spraying DuraCoat.

[Forestgnome]

8 gal gonna be too small. You'll always be waiting for the compressor to catch up. The compressor will be cycling on very frequently.

[bigbob76]

So here's how it actually turned out. I went to buy the one advertised for $99.00 and it was back ordered. I expressed my frustration and asked for a deal on something similar and they gave me a 3HP 21 gallon for $139.00 so I left as a happy customer and will recommend them to others. I wish all businesses gave good service like that.

[bigbob76]

I see I have some more shopping to do. An oil/water separator, hose, 30 ounces of compressor oil, media. Am I forgetting anything? I just read some postings about guys buying sand used for mixing concrete because it's cheap. Any down side to that? I'm going to be doing barreled receivers and all the small parts. What media do you guys have experience with?

[motorhead]

tank size. 20-30 gal. unless you like waiting for pressure.

[bigbob76]

I see I have some more shopping to do. An oil/water separator, hose, 30 ounces of compressor oil, media. Am I forgetting anything? I just read some postings about guys buying sand used for mixing concrete because it's cheap. Any down side to that? I'm going to be doing barreled receivers and all the small parts. What media do you guys have experience with?

I need input here on media for the blast cabinet. What about the cheap sand? What is the best choice from what HF has? Oil/water filter, type of hose, accessories? Thanks, Bob (the bigbob handle is because there used to be a lot more of me)

[vrylak]

Those "oil-less" compressors are noisy. Got an upright from Sears, returned it next day. Only ran it for a couple of minutes in the garage, it was giving me headaches.

[Forestgnome]

What the heck are you going to do with a barreled receiver in a sandblast cabinet???

[-hanko]

An oil/water separator, hose, 30 ounces of compressor oil, media. Am I forgetting anything? I just read some postings about guys buying sand used for mixing concrete because it's cheap. Any down side to that? I'm going to be doing barreled receivers and all the small parts. What media do you guys have experience with?

If you plan on parkerizing, use aluminum oxide. Sand for cement and/or play sand is not graded for particle size...that's why it's cheap; best used for blasting scrap metal. Buy a cartridge respirator...google 'silicosis' if you need more info

As to compressors, oil-free models will not last in blasting applications. Be aware that HP ratings are generally overrated...find your motor wattage and divide by 740 and you'll get true hp. Bigger tanks are better, as are 2-stage compressors.

-hanko

[motorhead]

for refinish 120 grit alox.