The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest Compressor for blast cabinet

What is the best size of compressor (limited room) to use with a Empire 36x24 blast cabinet. I am wanting it to do a good job, just no overkill. Thanks

I would think MINIMUM would be a 5 H.P., 220 volt, 2 stage with a 80 gallon tank for blastin in that cabinet.
I have a 6 H.P., single stage, 60 gallon and it isnt quite up to the job...lottsa waitin on it to recover.
Tim

Bigger the better!
I use a 25 CFM compressor that has a 40 GAL tank. 5.5 HP, 240 Volt, 3 Phase.
This keeps a steady volume of air without the unit running constantly to keep up supply.
( all depends on nozzle size and pressure)
Others will give more advice on this no doubt....good luck!

Bigger the better sums it up pretty well.

I'm running a 7 hp 80gal tank 175psi 19 cfm.... and it will "catch up and rest" even while I am steadily blasting away. I run my blasting cabinet anywhere from 80 to 90 psi with a medium nozzle most of the time.

I have never heard anyone say that their compressor was to big or powerful.So my suggestion would be to buy the biggest unit you can afford.

What brand compressor is this....IMHO, CFM is in direct correlation to HP and there is no free lunch! I have never seen a motor that small run a pump rated at 25 CFM, it must be magic.

Stuart

Look at some of these compressors. At least read the information about them. They give a lot of "need to know" information when looking for a compressor.

http://www.eatoncompressor.com/page/page/504747.htm

I think you may have overlooked the 3/phase part on his post, I use 5hp 3/phase motors on hydraulic pumps that works great and a single phase 5hp motor would just grunt at. I like a 2 stage compressor that only turns about 550 rpm with a 1735 motor, that way your not spinning the guts out of the thing with a 3400 rpm motor JMHO.

Spareparts2,

I was aware of Docs three phase situation. Again...IMHO, a horsepower is a horsepower, three phase or single phase, makes no diff!

Maybe Docs stated CFM is the pump displacement, not the compressors efficiency at a specific pressure. These are two different animals.

Stuart

I use a vertical 80 gal 175psi 19cfm professional I bought on sale. Its a craftsman and I have put it "to the test" for the past 8 years running shop stuff and my bead blasting cabinet. It hasn't let me down.... and while blasting my chassis with a pressure pot it would keep up and actually cut off.... every now and then!! I run it hard!

There is also a difference in PEAK horsepower (which many manufacturers use for their HP rating), and RUNNING horsepower.

Peak HP is generally the Starting HP (capacitor start), Running HP is, well, actual HP available when the motor is running.

Big Difference!

If you want a visual, a RUNNING 5HP motor would physically be twice as big as a PEAK 5hp motor. Probably bigger.

I would always be interested in RUNNING HP.

Stuart.......
The compressor is a British made SIP Industrial.
http://www.alexander-mills.co.uk/sip/compressors/compressors.htm
The motor is a 3 phase 5.5 HP running a 2-Stage, 2 cylinder compressor that will fill the 52 gallon tank within a minute of starting up.(Just worked out it is a 52 NOT 40 gallon tank!)
Running a pressure sand blaster the unit can go a few minutes without cutting in, and that is running at 100 psi.
The specs on the unit are 25CFM.....free air delivery.
The 3 Phase 415 Volt power supply we have in Australia is a big difference to running a 5 HP single phase 110 Volt motor there in the states.

That combined with the 2-Cyl, 2 Stage pump, moves and compresses the air much more efficiently than your normal air compressors.....hence the much bigger output.
Just more efficient from the same amount of horsepower.

What do you professionals think about these two? Blast cabinet is the largest item it will run. Wanting most bang for the buck, but don't want to spend for overkill.
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/...0?cm_sp=Xsells-_-Manual-_-Product%20Page

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/...4?cm_sp=Xsells-_-Manual-_-Product%20Page

....hmmm, depends on the blasting cabinet and its requirements. That said I would DEFINTELY NOT go with the 3hp.... it would never "catch up" with steady blasting..and besides...you will ALWAYS want more air.

Lots have been said about air compressors. Do a search and you'll find hours of reading. I also think some shopping around may get you more hp and maybe 19-21 cfm.... as "suggestions" try Tractor Supply or some farm stores.