The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest does size matter?

I was wondering the same things and just yesterday recieve what I think is the answer. Most blast cabinets require 10-15 cfm's or that is what my skat-blast cabinet size recommends. As for price I waited until craftsman club week and bought the 80 gal 7hp 175psi compressor for a total of $804. I could have gotten some of the others at the supply houses etc but even the 135psi 5hp were around $700 and they didn't have as much cfm. The general rule is to figure how much you need and add 1/2 to that. The dual stage, and the volume, will keep the bead blaster going and and air tool or two. I know its more money than most hobbist can fork out but I used a 20gal 125psi 2hp and saved my pennies for many many months. I know I won't be sorry! For the money and considering the craftsman is a "store pickup" item it was hard to beat for the total price. Plus a few places around here like Home Depot etc. are very proud of their compressors. The main thing is just do your home work! I would love to have had a big Quincy compressor but you have to stop somewhere. Got to go.... I've got parts to bead blast.
oh,go to TPTOOLs web page and they do a good job of giving info on compressors.