Air Compressor for Bead Blaster ??????

[Daniel Prentice]

Hello guys.....

I have a POC ....HF 8 gallon compressor..... It takes me alot of time to bead blast but I get a decent coat...... I am wanting to step up on an air compressor, but I don't want to spend all I have for one either... I want to get feedback from people who have these below or who may steer me to one in the price range or so......

I appreciate the help.....

http://www.grizzly.com/products/h3717
Description

60-gallon tank
15 amps @ 115 volts
135 PSI
SCFM Air Delivery 14.2 @ 40 PSI / 9.7 @ 90 PSI
Pressure release
Standard equipment: Compressor, ASME safety valve, tank gauge and operating manual
Weighs 232 lbs. COST: 500 with shipping.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92504
4HP, 29 GALLON COMPRESSOR
Long-life oil lubricated compressor with precision machined cast iron cylinder sleeve
Pulley driven V-shaped pump for long life
Twin capacitor start motor with thermal overload protection
Built-in dual quick connect couplers and dual pressure gauges
Oil level indicator window for easy maintenance
120 PSI max., 16.4 CFM @ 40 PSI, 15.7 CFM @ 70 PSI, 14.5 CFM @ 90 PSI, 13 PSI @ 110 PSI COST: 379

 

[Phillip Patton]

If it were me, I'd get the biggest I think I'd ever need. You may want to build yourself an air hammer someday. I have a 20 cfm compressor, and it handles my bead blaster just fine.

 

[Daniel Prentice]

I thought about that. I have a little giant powerhammer.... and in the future will be a hydraulic press..... (depends if I have to trade the wife off or keep saving) (Joking!!!!-or would start getting emails).....

You are right about overdooing it....learned that already several times... but only looking for just doing the blaster and maybe a tire or two.... don't mind having several stations. Especially since I keep moving locations in the Army....

Thanks again Philip

 

[WhitleyStu]

I would work backwards. Find out the needed CFM the bead blaster needs for constant use and get a compressor with slightly highter out put. I have a 60 gallon 5 HP two stage and it is having trouble keeping up with my blaster. I need a little more volume of air to keep the PSI over 90.

 

[Daniel Koster]

I have this one - works great:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=134819-48540-K7060HFV

It's basically the same model (many of the 60 gal compressor are built the same and labeled differently).

No shipping fees - can return it easily if defective.

I do use it with a bead-blaster and it keeps up just fine. I checked out quite a few compressors and searched high and low for deals...this ended up being the best.

Even better if you get a Lowe's card - they'll give you a discount on your first purchase.

 

[JCaswell]

If you want to maintain CFM, you need a 2-stage compressor. Don't be fooled by a weak unit on a big tank. I have an Ingersol-Rand V-twin (two stage) 5-hp with 80 gallon tank and it maintains 90 PSI continuous without trouble. I think it's supposed to be good for sustained 120 PSI at some high CFM (don't remember exactly offhand).
The problem I run into is that it pulls a lot of moisture out of the air and if I'm using a cold-air gun for grinding where I can't use a mister, it starts blowing snow for a while then it totally freezes up. I'd need a dryer to fix this, which I plan to add if one volunteers at a good price.
Get a good used unit if you can. I think I paid about $500 or $600 for mine. I've seen similar for about $1500 new.

 

[rosconey2]

also might look in the local papers-
might find a good quality used one-

i got my emglo thru a friend who had a buddy with it-

 

[Daniel Prentice]

I really appreciate it guys..... will also check out the one at lowes....
the cfm on the blaster is @ 5.5/90psi give or take a little with the cfm....