The size of your sandblaster and nozzle will determine the necessary size for your compressor. To properly size the compressor for your sandblasting project, it’s important to understand exactly how a sandblaster works. 2 1/8-inch nozzle: 20 CFM. #3 3/16-inch nozzle: 45 CFM. #4 1/4-inch nozzle: 81 CFM. #5 5/16-inch nozzle: 137 CFM. #6 3/8-inch nozzle: 196 CFM. #7 7/16-inch nozzle: 254 CFM. #8 1/2-inch nozzle: 338 CFM. Remember to increase the size of the compressor for projects with a higher PSI. When in doubt, look to the manufacturer’s guidelines for your tools.
Here are the best air compressor for sandblasting that I found best for small and medium-size industries including automotive work. Review Verdict: The 10HP 120-gallon DXCMH9919910 from Dewalt offers a fine balance between output air volume, size and price and is our top pick for the air compressor for sandblasting. While those are good for some jobs such as nailing, for sandblasting you want an air compressor that has a minimum of around 10 CFM. Ideally, you would find one that goes up to 20 CFM. Because sandblasting is such a high-intensity job, having an air compressor with a high CFM is crucial.
The CFM ratings of air compressors tend to be based on the output of the air compressor pump. If you required to use the sandblaster on a 50% duty cycle, the sandblasting gun would require 3 CFM. The air compressor running at it’s recommended 50% duty cycle would not be able to provide the amount of CFM required by the sandblasting gun. Therefore an 14 CFM compressor with a 50% Duty Cycle can be used to run an air sandblaster that’s rated at 14 CFM – if used intermittently with a sufficiently large air tank.
Your air compressor will also be one of the highest cost items as they can easily cost between $8,000 and up depending on the style of compressor. What you need to know to Choose an Air Compressor for Sandblasting. To choose an air compressor for your sandblast process the key is to know the size sandblast nozzle you will use for sandblasting.
Most abrasive blast cabinet operators choose an air compressor based on the horsepower of the air compressor. If the blast operation requires 80 PSI, then a single stage compressor that operates between 95-125 PSI will work, presuming the air compressor generates enough CFM to operate the blast cabinet. The oil-free rotary screw air compressor utilizes specially designed air ends to compress air without oil in the compression chamber, meaning you get true oil-free compressed air.
An air compressor is needed to do any sandblasting, so knowing the right size air compressor to use is very important. If you have get a 100% duty cycle compressor most medium-duty sandblasting jobs can be done with a 5 gallon tank.2.CFM. CFM is air volume or total airflow that a given air compressor is capable of. If you are doing a little more work and need some more power, then you should use a compressor that can do 25 to 35 CFM. Taking it a few steps further, you would need a 50 to 100 CFM air compressor to do industrial-scale sandblasting work.3.PSI. This is the amount of force or air pressure that can be generated by a given air compressor.
If the compressor doesn’t pump enough volume you will run out of air quickly, you can’t use the air inside a tank that’s below 100 psi if you want to blast at 100 psi. The air compressor is one of the biggest factors determining cleaning speed on a blast cabinet. Pro Tip: One air compressor is not right for everyone but you can buy a good 16 cfm air compressor for $600 or one that is less desirable for $1000 depending on how much homework you do ahead of time.
what size air compressor do you need for sandblasting Related Question:
How much air pressure do you need for sandblasting?
What Sandblasting Air Pressure Is Required? The blast pot requires a minimum of 50 PSI. This measure will allow the pop-up valve to seal and the internal pot to pressurize. While operating, the pressure of the pot will typically in the60-80 PSI range to ensure the most efficient amount of blasting.
How many CFM do I need for blast cabinet?
As a general rule when cabinet blasting, use a small nozzle setup (4-8 cfm) for 3-5 HP single-stage compressors and then only plan on blasting on an intermittent basis (to allow proper cooling of the compressor).
What sand do you use for sandblasting?
Silica sand for sandblasting. The most commonly used type of sandblasting sand is silica sand. Silica sand is used primarily because it is not only of good quality and durability, but is also usually inexpensive and easily found.
How many CFM do I need air compressor?
Air tools made for general use with portable air compressors typically require 0 to 5 cubic feet per minute (cfm) at 70 to 90 pounds per square inch (psi), whereas with larger tools connected to stationary systems, the requirements usually exceed 10 cfm at 100 to 120 psi.
Is higher CFM better air compressor?
A compressor with a higher CFM rating can deliver more air and is better suited for heavier applications, such as operating air wrenches and framing nail guns.
What size blast nozzle is normally used?
For vapor abrasive blasting, the most commonly-used nozzle orifice sizes range from 3/8″ inner diameter to 3/4″, increasing by increments of 1/16″. A 3/8″ nozzle is sufficiently constricted to produce a effective blast pressure with a 185 CFM compressor.
Why is sandblasting banned?
Prohibition of Silica in Abrasive Blasting Because of the high risk for silicosis in sandblasters and the difficulty in controlling exposures, the use of crystalline silica for blast cleaning operations was prohibited in Great Britain in 1950 [Factories Act 1949] and in other European countries in 1966 [ILO 1972].
Can you sandblast yourself?
If it’s not movable and you want to do it yourself you will need to get the right equipment for your project. You will need to rent an air compressor, blast pot, hoses and wand/nozzle from a local equipment rental store. The horsepower and size of the air compressor tank and will determine your production level.
Can you use quikrete sand for sandblasting?
Quikrete sandblast sand is a consistently graded, washed and kiln dried sand used for industrial and construction applications.
Can I use regular sand to sandblast?
No, abrasives which contain more than 1% free silica are forbidden. In the past, blast cleaning operations were done with silica sand. The term sandblasting originates from those days.
Can you reuse sand after sandblasting?
Sandblasting is a way to clean dirt, corrosion, paint and other coatings from a variety of surfaces including cars, boats, planes and other vehicles. Sand cannot be reused after sandblasting for this reason, but it can be recycled into other materials such as cement or concrete if you do insist on reworking it.
What size air compressor do I need for painting?
Look for a minimum of 15 psi, with some applications, such as clear coat, better-suited to 20 or 25 psi. Horsepower: For auto painting, a 10hp compressor will typically suffice. However, higher horsepower compressors may operate more efficiently, and can be used for other tasks.
What is a good size air compressor for home use?
For best results, use a compressor with a capacity of 5-6 CFM. Because you’ll be spraying nearly constantly, a larger, 10-gallon tank will keep you from waiting for the compressor to refill every few minutes.
What size air compressor do I need for my garage?
For your home garage, a compressor size in the 2.6-gallon to 20-gallon range should do nicely. Sizing your compressor really depends on the type and number of air tools you intend to use.
Does tank size matter air compressor?
Tank size matters—sometimes The compressors we chose have tanks ranging from 1 to 6 gallons. A larger tank holds more air and will allow you to use more air before the pressure drops and the motor kicks on to refill the tank. That might let you avoid stopping work while the compressor refills the tank.
