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

compressor size that is. I'm in the mkt for a new compressor. Basically want to use basic air tools, sand blast, and hvlp. Realistically I
will use it at night/weekends when I can. I'm
looking at a single stage 7hp/60ga/135psi max (14.2/40,9.7/90). Adequate? The two-stage 7hp/80ga/175psi max is twice the price. Suggestions?

That will be big enough for most things and a small sandblaster. The big ones take much more CFM.

You will regret the single stage unit. Much better to run up to 175 psi in the storage tank and have a regulator that drops it down to what you need. The best buys I have seen are for the 6-6.5HP two stage, 60Gal units from Sears / Home Despot, etc. These are made by Devilbiss and brandlabled by lots of different companies.
[img]http://www.devap.com/images/irl6560v.jpg[/img]

Size matters if you're blasting. Bigger is definitely better in most cases with compressors, especially if you are using them for blasting.

The compressor has to be able to keep up with the blast gun or you will drain down the tank faster than the compressor can recharge it and you will be constantly waiting for it to recharge back up to pressure. Running a DA or jitterbug will go ok on something that size, and likely the HVLP will too, but be sure to carefully go through the specs of what you are going to use and compare them to the specs of the compressor to make sure it's sized properly. Also you'll need to set up the appropriate traps for moisture and oil for running the HVLP gun if you don't want to be chasing fisheyes all over the place.

Remember the 7 Ps! Prior proper planning planning prevents [censored] poor performance. Do the homework now so you don't get frustrated later.

The higher psi dual stage also really helps out with air tools .An impact wrench really works so much better at 175 psi easily devoloped by a dual stage.Some of the lower priced single stage compressors may be rated at 5-7 HP but may not move as much air as older 5 HP single stage models in my opinion.

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.

For blasting you will need a lot of air. Don't know the CFMs, but we have a 208v 3-phase that can't keep up with our pressure pot blaster. We have to resort to our old Joy compresser with a 4 cylinder chrysler engine.