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air compressor recommendation

So the new "correct answer" is still a question-

Do I buy the most CFM 110V compressor I can find?
That would be about 10-12 CFM last time I looked, maybe 15 at the most.

...and then after spending that money and finding out it wont run a sand blaster for 1 minute, do I then spend the money to upgrade to 220V and then spend more money on a higher CFM compressor?

...or do I buy a cheaper, smaller compressor, and start saving for a 220V electrical upgrade?
 
So the new "correct answer" is still a question-

Do I buy the most CFM 110V compressor I can find?
That would be about 10-12 CFM last time I looked, maybe 15 at the most.

...and then after spending that money and finding out it wont run a sand blaster for 1 minute, do I then spend the money to upgrade to 220V and then spend more money on a higher CFM compressor?

...or do I buy a cheaper, smaller compressor, and start saving for a 220V electrical upgrade?

I would suggest B... And I'd buy a used compressor to keep costs down with the intent of selling it when able to upgrade...
 
Emax is great, I have a 10hp 120 gallon. It's on 240 volts 2stage 1phase
 
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So the new "correct answer" is still a question-

Do I buy the most CFM 110V compressor I can find?
That would be about 10-12 CFM last time I looked, maybe 15 at the most.

...and then after spending that money and finding out it wont run a sand blaster for 1 minute, do I then spend the money to upgrade to 220V and then spend more money on a higher CFM compressor?

...or do I buy a cheaper, smaller compressor, and start saving for a 220V electrical upgrade?

It all depends on what you want to do with it. My 1st compressor was a Craftsman 30 gal, 3HP portable with about 13 CFM , pretty sure it was 220V. I used it with my die grinder. With die grinder demand it would run continuous. Rebuilt the pump several times over the years. Later I bought the Ingersol Rand 60 gal single stage, 5 HP 135 PSI 220V. The IR is all I need for my home garage. It does fine with all my air tools including the die grinder, impact, sander. Don't think it would be real good for blast cabinets.
 
OP mentioned sand blaster in the OP.
 
OP mentioned sand blaster in the OP.
Like I was trying to say, a sand blaster of most any sort, will take a big compressor. 220 V for sure, at least 80 gal probably 120 gal. A blast cabinet seems to require 220V 80 gal 2 stage.
 
Gallon capacity is unimportant for blasting. Can actually be zero.


CFM is the king of compressor ratings for blasting.

CFM.
 
I think you should make a list of all the possible air tools you might want to get and use. Then see what the CFM requirements are for those tools and take the highest cfm and figure on that being the lowest CFM compressor you want to get. That is if you are working alone in your garage if there are two people and both people are using air tools then the needed CFM has to be increased.

I'll throw this out there to consider more and more tools are battery operated. Case in point impact guns one time they were mostly air powered, more and more are battery or electric powered.

I have noticed a number of air compressors can run on both 110v. or 220v. So, it might be possible to get the large air compressor you might need and run it off the 110v. that is available and then later when 220v. is available change the wiring on the motor to run it on 220v.

I myself would look at the power supply as a site issue. Meaning make sure there is plenty of electrical power available at the main panel. Then if it is determined there in ample electrical supply at the main, I would plan on installing the needed wiring for the largest sub panel in the garage I could have when the funds were available. The old do it once and do it right!

There is a negative about having a large compressor. To blow up a small tire you have to pressurize the tank to the needed PSI to do the job. I actually have a small HF compressor to do those small jobs. Yes, another tool to store.

I would also suggest looking for a used compressor and possibly one that does not work as long as you feel that you can make the repair. Name brands are easier to get parts for.
I would also suggest a vertical vs. horizonal to save floor space.
 
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