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Compressors

Richard Cranium

Richard Cranium

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What's a decent size compressor that would be suitable for use with a bead blast cabinet?
 
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I'll just say that my 3 hp. twin cylinder Sears model isn't enough to keep my blast cabinet working without running out of air.
 
My Lowes 60gal Husky twin cylinder will keep up. I don't think you can keep up on 110V. You need enough HP that requires 220V
 
Mr. Cranium, A good commercial Duty single phase 7-1/2 Horsepower Ingersoll Rand shoud do it. It's a trade-off if you can't get three-phase power
in your shop or home like most of us. A good industrial Duty compressor will put out approximately 3.4cfm of air per Horsepower, that's the industry
standard. You need about 28-30 cfm to blast with without waitng forever for the compressor to recover. Of course, if you can get three-phase, you should
go with a 10 Horsepower unit. Northern tools has a nice 7-1/2hp compressor for I think around 2600.00 with an 80 or 100 Gallon tank.
 
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I got a c-aire A075V080-1230 7.5 h.p two stage 80 gal. at aircompressors.com was around 2700 delivered with extended warranty oil and filter kit. I run my cabinet wide open at 80psi (70 recommended) constant, compressor will turn on catch up and shut off, without stopping. no problems so far had over a year burned thru about 6 carbide tip in snap-on cabinet.
 
I have the same as FJ6AAR, IR 5 hp 2 stage 80 gal. tank. It keeps up with my Skat Blast 960 cabinet. If I had to do it over again, I might go with the 7 1/2 hp version, but I really don't need it.
A water separator is mandatory, also a drop tube at the air outlet is good idea, too.
 
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The other thing is, Glass bead is nice for finishing but if you need to remove rust and really blast rough parts 220 grit Aluminum Oxide is what you should use.
I'm sticking with the 7-1/2hp model! By the way, Nice blast booth!
 
I really like Dupont Starblast these days. It is not dusty, has virtually no silica and lasts forever.
 
We used to use it until our safety guy shitcanned it all and said we couldn't use it because of the quartz content! WTF?
Works great though as long as you take the right precautions. All this stuff will screw up your lungs if you'renot careful.
 
zyzzyx said:
The other thing is, Glass bead is nice for finishing but if you need to remove rust and really blast rough parts 220 grit Aluminum Oxide is what you should use.
I'm sticking with the 7-1/2hp model! By the way, Nice blast booth!
Click to expand...

is that the same as Black Beauty, Paul?
 
What size parts and how often?

Blasting is all about CFM, tank size doesn't factor at all, and HP is tied to efficiency of the motor and pump.

Mine is 32 CFM with a true 5 HP motor and two stage pump.

It will blast anything in my cabinet no sweat but does run out the 80 gal tank fairly quickly.
(that's where the CFM comes in as you'll be depending on that to do almost all of the work)

It's borderline for big *** items like a whole hood, but it will do it.

Now the kicker- it retails for $3,200.00.

If you're just doing small stuff like brackets and such, you could probably get away with a 10-20 CFM unit.

IIRC 11-15 CFM is the largest you can get from Lowes/HD, and they are around $1,000.00
 
Hi Mario, No, the Starblast isn't the same as black beauty. Black Beauty is a super-sharp abrasive similar to Garnet that will do some damage if you're not careful! As far as tank size not meaning anything
I beg to differ. The tank gives you a "Buffer" to work off of while you're blasting so the compressor doesn't have to cycle so many times on-and-off. The biggest amperage draw and "Kick" to
a comprressor is when it is started from a complete stop. An extra air receiver will also reduce your electric bill because it cuts down on that massive current draw at startup. Screw compressors
run all of the time, and they "Load" and "Unload", so as to not be so hard on the parts and the motor. There are alot of compressors out there at Home Depot and Lowes that say that they are 5HP, but are in fact a 2-1/2HP motor running at 3600RPM. A true 5HP motor on most commercial Duty compressors run at 1800RPM, and draw about 25 Amps. Check the name plate on the motor.
DSCF8533.JPG
starlight.jpg
 
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We had some nice sized screw compressors at work, driven by 100 hp. 440 volt motors. You sure need a lot of volume to pump up a 6,000 foot long freight train to 90 psi. to do a brake test.
 
zyzzyx said:
Hi Mario, No, the Starblast isn't the same as black beauty. Black Beauty is a super-sharp abrasive similar to Garnet that will do some damage if you're not careful! As far as tank size not meaning anything
I beg to differ. The tank gives you a "Buffer" to work off of while you're blasting so the compressor doesn't have to cycle so many times on-and-off. The biggest amperage draw and "Kick" to
a comprressor is when it is started from a complete stop. An extra air receiver will also reduce your electric bill because it cuts down on that massive current draw at startup. Screw compressors
run all of the time, and they "Load" and "Unload", so as to not be so hard on the parts and the motor. There are alot of compressors out there at Home Depot and Lowes that say that they are 5HP, but are in fact a 2-1/2HP motor running at 3600RPM. A true 5HP motor on most commercial Duty compressors run at 1800RPM, and draw about 25 Amps. Check the name plate on the motor.
View attachment 366821 View attachment 366822
Click to expand...
Where do where do you find this abrasive, a commercial outlet?
 
This one... In operation here for 16yrs now.. I also have it piped to 2 more 60 gal tanks for volume.
detail_812992.png

Type 30 Fully Packaged (230-1-60V) 7.5 HP Air Compressor
Ingersoll Rand - Item #: IRTC2475N7.5FP

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Type 30 Fully Packaged (230-1-60V) 7.5 HP Air Compressor



Features and Benefits:

  • 80 gallon vertical tank provides shop needed compressed air capacity in with a small footprint
  • Cast iron two stage pump provides maximum air pressure and air volume for maximum shop performance
  • Cast iron pump esures long life operation exceeding 10,000 hours of operation
  • Integrated air coolers deliver dryer air which protects tools and other air operated equipment from moisture damage
  • Low pump oil protection system ensures no damage as a result of low pump oil
Ingersoll-Rand, the world leader in air power, brings industrial-class, two-stage compressors to automotive applications. Featuring an all-cast-iron pump, with splash lubrication for efficient operation and easy serviceability, this new range delivers non-stop performance and reliability for commercial or automotive service applications. Type 30 compressors have been designed to generate maximum air output at 175 psi, with more than 10,000 hours durability. In addition to the features included on our standard package, the fully packaged models include: air cooled aftercoolers to help remove additional moisture, low oil protection switch to prevent the pump from running dry, and an electronic drain valve that automatically drains water from the compressor tank - all at a much greater value than purchasing and installing them separately. 80 gallon vertical tank. 100% cast-iron cylinder head with deep groove directional cooling fins. High-efficiency inlet air filter with sound attenuation baffles. High-efficiency stainless steel valves. Balanced pistons for maximized efficiency and minimized vibration. Oversized industrial-grade bearings for extended pump life. High efficiency intercooler. Oversized cast-iron balanced belt wheel to allow continuous-duty operation.
 
That one is $2,000 at tractor supply.

24 CFM @ 90

Good for a cabinet and you could do a hood but will take 30% longer than mine (and I'm talking days unless you go non-stop for 12+ hours which is tough to do).
 
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