The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest Air compressor excitement!

So, I've been saving and I got a rain check on a new compressor that should be arriving in a couple weeks. 80 gallon, 2stage, 18cfm at 175psi. Can't wait! I've got blast cabinet and sanding to do!

Good for you. That is the perfect size for most of the work we do. No problem running the blast cabinet with that size at all!

Fox, we share in your excitement. Congratulations. I've been using mine hard for 10 years. Finally replaced the motor last summer.....still a happy camper.

Well, compressor came in, got it installed today, broken in and WOOOO! This thing rocks! I put my cabinet blaster on wheels and rolled it outside and it blasts like a champ now! Only bad thing is that report cards for the kids are due at school on Friday. I'd much rather be doing stuff on the truck now with my new found air supply!

What kind did you get Fox?

It's a Sanborn.

Excellent, they've been around for a long time.

Thanks Fox...I've heard of 'em but pretty rare down here. I'm guessing you did a ton of research. If you don't mind sharing with us the final 2 or 3 and how you landed on Sanborn.

Many of the reviews I read said that they are quite good compressors. A few say that they're not but I often wonder how well people take care of their tools. I have expensive tools in my shop and very cheap tools too. I'm a firm believer that if you take care of them, they'll take care of you. My last "used" compressor was a Powermate and it was given to me. The water drain was so clogged up that I had to remove it and use a hammer and punch to knock out the junk. The filter was clogged and the hoses were leaking. After a little tune up, the little red champ worked quite well.
The Sanborn is rated for 18 cfm at 175psi so it will do all I need. I read somewhere that you should get about 5cfm per horsepower on an efficient pump/motor setup and this fits that number. Also, I waited for it to come on sale and got $400 off, which was really nice. It cost $1299 Cdn. I installed a small hose with an air nozzle to the water drain. This way I can quickly hit the handle and "woosh" out comes the moisture without me having to get down on all fours to turn the tiny peacock.
In addition, 3year full warranty no questions asked.

Fox, that's a neat idea to hook a hose with a nozzle to the drain line. Gives me ideas! Way to go.

I like that air nozzle on the drain idea too! I think I am gonna have to do that to mine!

What is the minimum size I need? I realized today I'm going to have to purchase a bigger compressor when I tried to run a 10 scfm needle scaler and the portable just wasn't keeping up.
I want one that will be big enough to put air in the truck tires on 3/4 ton and 2 ton trucks, run air tools; but they getting quickly replaced by battery powered units, and can see a need future need for a soda/sand blaster and possibly spray painting.
Harbor Freight, Northern Tools and Lowes have 60 gallons tanks and 2-3 HP motors but don't want to buy one of those and have to upgrade in a couple years.

My shop isn't finished yet but I have a forklift attachment on my tractor and can make it portable by mounting it on a pallet and plugging it into a 230v/15a outlet.

Just a thought or Idea or Whatever Guys,
For the bottom drain on Mine,
I removed the factory drain and replaced it with the pull cord spit valve found on the bottom of the air tanks of a truck/tractor.
Like My Mack at work,just reach by the space between the Bat. Box & fuel tank and pull the ring.
It has an approx 36" clear plastic covered braided cable for a lanyard attached to make it remote!
regards,
steve sr.

p.s. made it remote to the outside with a pipe and hose.

"Harbor Freight, Northern Tools and Lowes have 60 gallons tanks and 2-3 HP motors but don't want to buy one of those and have to upgrade in a couple years."

Harbor Freight's largest compressor has a 5hp motor.
It has worked fine for me for over 10 years.
It gives me all the air/pressure I need for a large blasting cabinet.

I am not "pushing" it - choose the brand/model you like.
I'll buy the same unit for my new garage in NC - with a 20% off coupon or when it goes on sale.

"For the bottom drain on Mine, . . "
I took out the bottom drain-plug and put in a solid brass valve with a 90 degree fitting and a hose barb/end.

I think I will be perfectly satisfied with the HF Central Pneumatic 60 gallon compressor. Thanks for the review.

Where are you moving to in NC?

Jarvisburg, NC

About 275 miles from Shallotte, NC