Air compressor help
- Thread starter ryanglade
- Start date
Look for at least 10CFM@90psi for air tools (usually 3HP and up for 2 stage compressors) and the biggest tank you can get. Air consumption on sandblasters varies wildly, but for most benchtop work, 10CFM will suffice.
10CFM doesn't sound like much, but when you start looking at prices you realize that you'll need to shell out some coin for anything over 5.5CFM.
This Campbell Hausfeld unit is probably right on the edge of what you'd want:
http://www.amazon.com/Campbell-Hausfeld-VT6275-3-2-Horsepower-Compressor/dp/B0009KNAA8
10CFM doesn't sound like much, but when you start looking at prices you realize that you'll need to shell out some coin for anything over 5.5CFM.
This Campbell Hausfeld unit is probably right on the edge of what you'd want:
http://www.amazon.com/Campbell-Hausfeld-VT6275-3-2-Horsepower-Compressor/dp/B0009KNAA8
AlphaDogChoppers
Science is true whether you believe in it or not.
A relatively small compressor will work fine for spraying. HVLP guns don't use a lot of air, and I assume you are painting motorcycles and not big projects like cars.
Blasting uses massive amounts of air. It's a whole new level of power needed in a compressor. Air tools also use more air than a small compressor will produce.
I have three compressors.
First, (don't laugh,) I have one of those $10 12 V mini-compressors that I use for tire inflation. I have a battery attached to it. It is the handiest thing for tire inflation. I can easily carry it where needed, even to the curb outside. Much less trouble than dragging out the bigger portable air compressor, or stringing out the hoses.
Second, I have a 1/2 HP oilless compressor with a 22 gallon tank. It's rated for 5.5 cfm @ 90 psi. It's perfect for when I am mounting tires, using an air tool briefly, an impact wrench, blowing out carbs, or spray painting.
Lastly, I have a 3-phase, 7 horsepower stationary compressor with 100 gallon tank. When I am using the big blast cabinet, I utilize about 75% of its capacity. It's also what I fire up to run any air tools continuously.
I also have a small bench top type bead blaster. It is frustrating to use it with the 1/2 HP compressor. You spend more time waiting for the compressor to catch up than you do blasting, although it's OK for a single small part.
Blasting uses massive amounts of air. It's a whole new level of power needed in a compressor. Air tools also use more air than a small compressor will produce.
I have three compressors.
First, (don't laugh,) I have one of those $10 12 V mini-compressors that I use for tire inflation. I have a battery attached to it. It is the handiest thing for tire inflation. I can easily carry it where needed, even to the curb outside. Much less trouble than dragging out the bigger portable air compressor, or stringing out the hoses.
Second, I have a 1/2 HP oilless compressor with a 22 gallon tank. It's rated for 5.5 cfm @ 90 psi. It's perfect for when I am mounting tires, using an air tool briefly, an impact wrench, blowing out carbs, or spray painting.
Lastly, I have a 3-phase, 7 horsepower stationary compressor with 100 gallon tank. When I am using the big blast cabinet, I utilize about 75% of its capacity. It's also what I fire up to run any air tools continuously.
I also have a small bench top type bead blaster. It is frustrating to use it with the 1/2 HP compressor. You spend more time waiting for the compressor to catch up than you do blasting, although it's OK for a single small part.