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.
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. Single stage air compressors can attain pressures up to 150 PSI. Generally, a single stage compressor will have a higher CFM rating than a two stage air compressor. The most common rotary air compressor you will find is the single stage helical, or oil-flooded rotary screw air compressor. In most cases, rotary air compressors lower the air temperature using air cooled or water-cooled oil coolers One benefit of rotary air compressors is that the cooling takes place inside the compressor, meaning the working parts never experience extreme operating temperatures. The two-stage rotary air compressor combines the simplicity and flexibility of a rotary screw compressor, with the energy efficiency of a two-stage reciprocating air compressor. 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.
In their relentless pursuit of better technologies, they have made an air compressor that has the power and compactness required to become the best compressor for sandblasting in today’s environment. DEWALT DXCMV5048055 Two-Stage Cast Iron Industrial Air Compressor, 80-Gallon The DEWALT 2 stage air compressor is built with a 5-HP TOPS motor to provide long life and quiet….The integrated control panel has a tank and pressure gauge and 2 quick-connects for convenient control,….This compressor delivers plenty of air to run multiple tools at the same time to get the job done faster,….The thermal overload protection system motor protects the motor from voltage fluctuations, Nozzle Fitting…. 6. Even if we show you the top-recommended air compressor for sandblasting, it still won’t matter unless you know what makes a product the good air compressor for sandblasting.
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.
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.
what air compressor do i need for sandblasting Related Question:
What psi air compressor do I need for sandblasting?
You should use a tank with a minimum of 100 PSI for optimum efficiency with any abrasive sandblasting project. If you work with a lower PSI, you’ll add a significant amount of time to your project. If you reduce your blasting pressure by half, your pressure cleaning project will take four times as long.
How many CFM do I need for sandblasting?
If you have a 1/4″ nozzle (such as what you get with the Titan 300 series), you’ll need, at the minimum, an air compressor that provides 81 CFM (cubic feet per minute) at 100 PSI. In addition, you’ll need to factor in: A decent amount of air reserve – 50% is recommended.
What size compressor do I need for sandblasting 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.
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.
Can you use beach sand for sandblasting?
You must not use materials such as silica sand, river sand, beach sand and other white sand for abrasive blasting.
Is SCFM the same as CFM?
SCFM and CFM are both essential values that indicate the airflow rate in a compressor. SCFM measures this value based on ‘ideal’ temperature and pressure conditions, while CFM measures the ‘actual’ air flow rate. CFM is the recognized value for measuring the airflow rate in the United States.
What type of air compressor do I need?
The best formula for calculating the right sized home air compressor is to add up the CFM requirement for all the tools you intend to use as well as identify the peak PSI each one needs. This gives you the upper limit of what tank size in gallons, capacity in CFM and pressure in PSI you require.
What is 2 stage air compressor?
In a single stage compressor, the air is compressed once; in a two stage compressor, the air is compressed twice for double the pressure. By increasing the number of cylinder stages and pressure, these machines work more effectively with a faster recovery time, and can handle more tools at once.
What size compressor Do I need to spray paint?
While some air spray guns have a rating of lower than 10 CFM, we’d recommend your compressor CFM for spray painting is at least 12 CFM.
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 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 is the best media for blasting rust?
If you are blasting aluminum, plastic media, walnut shell, or glass beads are the best choices. These have a lower Mohs hardness, so the metal surface isn’t devastated. For steel or iron, glass beads or aluminum oxide is a good choice, especially if you want to take it down to bare metal.
