Air Compressors & Sand Blasters

[jor]

I'm thinking about upgrading my compressor to something that will run a sandblaster. I've read the threads on this but I am still curious as to the ideal CFM solution. The Harbor Freight "40 Pound Pressurized Abrasive Blaster," for example, requires between six and 25 CFM @ 60-125 PSI. (This happens to be the same unit that Keith and Fordfool are using).

As an example of what's available, Home Depot sells a couple of uprights with one putting out 10 CFM at 90 PSI and the other, 25 CFM at 90/175 PSI. I don't intend to spend what HD is asking, at least not for the larger one ($1,600) but I am looking at CraigsList and the local paper to see what's out there.

My question is: What is the ideal CFM/PSI combination and tank size to do sandblasting at the home level and run air intensive tools like a sander?
jor

[FORDification]

My 60-gallon upright puts out 13 CFM, and my sandblaster will use that up by the time the tank empties out. Stopping to pick up and sift the sand and refill the blaster tank, and then go around and crack the water drain valves on the couple of airline droplegs I have, usually gives the compressor time to take a breather and recover, and cool off. It also helps a bit that when sandblasting I have a squirrel-cage fan blowing directly on the pump to help keep it cooler.

If you can get a good used unit that has a higher CFM rating, by all means get it....'cause you'll definitely use it.

Of the two units you listed, the first is a single-stage, and the latter a two-stage. A bottom-line two-stage is still much better than a top-of-the-line single stage IMO.

[black70cs]

Yep, kinda like a garage, they're never big enough. I think mine is 11 cfm, works for putting air in tires, my impact and a little painting, but for sanders, die grinders or blasating ...it stinks.
Charlie

[jor]

I finally located a compressor capable of running a sandblaster. It's an old (1982) Snapon unit. The compressor is a two cylinder Automan (made in Sweden); the motor is a 5hp GE; the tank holds 80 gallons. It runs on 240v @ 21 amps. I'm cleaning it up now and thinking about how I am going to get 240v to the garage. I can use a dryer circuit (30 amps) or maybe put a dedicated 50 amp circuit to the garage. I'd have to have an electrician do the latter. Anyhow, here's a photo of this beast. As Padstack suggested, I looked on CraigsList but I found this one in our local paper. Craigs has lots of smaller ones but I never came across a big one in this market (Tucson). Got it for $250 btw.
jor

[layedout72]

nice!...........and even nicer truck!

[hardtailjohn]

Good score and GREAT price!! That should be a really nice compressor for ya!
JH