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Old Sep 19, 2009 | 12:01 PM
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Default H E L P w / Compressor / paint etc

Hoping i can find a "PAINT" gooo rooooh on here...........

I want to buy a compressor, that can paint a car if i wanted to, ( most likely wont ) but more to handle sandblasting effectively, and some power tools, maybe power washing............( but mainly for small stuff )

What is the required CFM/PSI/HP/TANK SIZE ?

Are any of the Sears products decent ?

Suggestions please..........Thanks

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Old Sep 19, 2009 | 12:04 PM
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You need to match the pump output of the compressor to the tools you will be using, sandblasting takes a lot of air. I wouldn't buy anything smaller than a 5 HP with a 60 gal tank.
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Old Sep 19, 2009 | 12:47 PM
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Originally Posted by stpman
You need to match the pump output of the compressor to the tools you will be using, sandblasting takes a lot of air. I wouldn't buy anything smaller than a 5 HP with a 60 gal tank.
wow 60 GAL is pretty large, i was hoping to get away with one of those 20 gal portable jobs.........i'll only be balsting small parts, removing paint from a lot of old rusted license plates, my sand blaster is going to be a table top 24" x 24" size, i'm not blasting car frames or fenders. Only small jobs

might use it to power wash............

i just dont want to under power / & be dissapointed, so i'm trying to find the best size to do as much as possible............without buying an 80 gal tank & spending $2,000
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Old Sep 19, 2009 | 01:40 PM
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I have a 5.5 peak hp 32 gallon compressor. I've painted cars with it but I would recommend something more substantial. The compressor runs the entire time I'm painting. I was like you and wanted the biggest portable compressor I could find. Once I had one, I used it more than I ever thought I would. If this one goes out, I will be buying a bigger unit. I am too limited in tools. If you are planning on painting, you have to be real picky on which gun you run and its air requirements.
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Old Sep 19, 2009 | 01:56 PM
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Good question and good answers so far....
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Old Sep 19, 2009 | 02:04 PM
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Originally Posted by 427SIXPACK
wow 60 GAL is pretty large, i was hoping to get away with one of those 20 gal portable jobs.........i'll only be balsting small parts, removing paint from a lot of old rusted license plates, my sand blaster is going to be a table top 24" x 24" size, i'm not blasting car frames or fenders. Only small jobs

might use it to power wash............

i just dont want to under power / & be dissapointed, so i'm trying to find the best size to do as much as possible............without buying an 80 gal tank & spending $2,000
I have a light duty 5 Hp with a 60 Gal upright tank (same as home Depot sells for around $600) and I have to constantly wait for it when I'm using my blasting cabinet. my next step is to change the compressor pump to a heavy duty 2 stage 5 HP pump to hopefully keep up.
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Old Sep 19, 2009 | 04:14 PM
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Originally Posted by stpman
You need to match the pump output of the compressor to the tools you will be using, sandblasting takes a lot of air. I wouldn't buy anything smaller than a 5 HP with a 60 gal tank.


Even a small bench top sand blaster requires 7 to 15 cfm. A 5 hp, 60 gal would be the minimum, bigger would be better.
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Old Sep 20, 2009 | 08:51 AM
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Default compressor

I had a 5hp 60gal compressor and besides it being very loud I was always waiting for it to catch up to use the sandblaster. I sold that upright for an old curtis compressor that is also a 60 gallon, but the pump has a higher rating. It's much better, but still after about 20 min I have to let it catch up. When space allows it I'll go to a larger compressor.

As stated earlier in the thread the sandblaster cabinet will use a ton of air. If you are going to use a lot of air tools that have a high demand such as media blaster, d/a sander, or die grinder. Save if you have to, but get the right compressor for the job. Look at it as an investment of sorts. I would think a dual stage 80gal compressor should be adequate. I would recommend looking at craigslist. I sold my 60 gal CH pro series compressor there for $325 with shut off valves. It was only 4 years old; it had plenty of life left. I'm not the type to go to the store and spend 6-800 for a new one. Given the current times there are folks that need the cash more than a compressor.

Good luck.

Here is one near you. IR compressors are typically good.

http://longisland.craigslist.org/tls/1378032523.html

Last edited by Sundevil64; Sep 20, 2009 at 08:54 AM.
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Old Sep 20, 2009 | 09:50 AM
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For sand blasting and painting the compressor should be able to deliver a minimum of 18 cfm at 100 PSI. I have a single stage unit in the $1000 range that will do the job, but struggles to keep up on a continuous basis.

A better choice would be to step up to a two stage unit with a delivery of 21-25 CFM. If you pay the extra money now, you won't have to upgrade down the road.

Also, consider a good filter/regulator and a dryer. My blast cabinet is contantly plugging due to moisture in the line.

http://www.eaglecompressor.com/eagle_compressors.php
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Old Sep 20, 2009 | 10:52 AM
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I use a 5 hp 30 gallon sanborn scroll compressor.
I use it for everything, I would suggest that be your min acceptable capacity,
I did paint my complete 69 with it. no problems. 69VETT
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