I am starting my frame off of a 1968. I need a compressor for sand/soda blasting as well a painting of small parts. Any sugestions would be helpful. I think I would like to buy used so any sugessed specs would be good. I all ready own a 110v, 30 gal. unit. I was wondering if volume is more important than size. I could add storage to my existing or should I go with a new to me 60-80 gal. and is this enough?

Thanks

60 gallon is good 80 would be better. You should get at least a 5 HP and most all of them will be 220 volt. The more volume you have the better.

Thanks. I will look for a used 80gal. 5HP

Is a oil-less compressor or a oil unit more suited?

NO NO NO. The oil less ones are very noisy and the heads don't last very long. These are not heavy duty at all. You could not give me an oil less one. There did that answer your question. They are cheaper but cheaper for a reason. I dout yo ucould find an oil less 60 or 80 gallon one. You really want a 2 stage for a lot of cfm.

2-stage is where its at.

The only rating that means anything is the cfm @ a certain pressure.
Most tools including the average blasters are rated for around 90psi, so that or more is the cfm rating you are looking for.
The minimum for uninterrupted use is around 18 cfm @100psi.
Sometimes called ACFM.
There is a lot of BS in the marketing and most of it is from places like Homey Depot, Lowes, Sears etc and the products they sell.

The slower the compressor rpm the better, ideally under 700rpm.
It will be 220v , 3ph is better if available.
2 stage is a must.
Pressure oiling is best, not just splash oiling.
Cast iron sleeves/head is most durable.
The bigger the tank the better.
Upright saves space.

The best bang for the buck, by far, is a used industrial brand, like Gardner-Denver, Quincy, Ingersoll-Rand, Curtis, Dresser
All the good ones are 100% rebuildable, just like a car engine and will easily last 15 years of 8 hour daily use with decent maintenance change oil and drain tank. If you shop wisely, you can find one for around 500-600 bucks used.

These don't meet everyones needs, but just be aware that anything less than the above is a downgrade.

Screws are a step above.

Thank you all. You have answered my concerns and set me on my path. Hope I can return the favor in the future.

Peter

Look for "running" HP, and NOT "starting" HP.

I found this compressor local to where I live. Do you think this is a good choice. He is asking $650.00. I offered $500.00. He accepted. I really didn't think he would. I know I can get a 3 phase to 1 phase converter for around $150.00.

I just bought this Quincy went with the 60 gal tank
did not want it to get hit when the wife pulls into the
garage I had a set of rubber spring bushings from my
71 that work great for anti vibs.
it is 5 hp 15 cfm continious, 175 max psi should run and last forever
got it from Northern Tool ship from Quincy "free Shipping"

The best investment I ever made in garage tools was this 80 gal two stage 7.5 HP compressor. It is so much quieter than my old 30 gal single stage and builds pressure way faster.

Link?


This is what I meant by industrial. V design cast iron.
This one was new in 1965. Good filtration is most imortant.
And I assume you meant a single to 3ph converter. The motor type work best for continuous heavy loads or find a used 220v single phase motor.