Question about air compressor and Bead blaster ?

RDT

RDT

Joined
Dec 17, 1999
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Okay, I just got a new bench top Blast cabinet. Now, they recommend a certain amount of PSI at a certain CFM for this cabinet. What I need to know is will it make a difference if I get a lower or higher PSI air compressor ? Say this: Mine is a 100 PSI at 5CFM but I buy a compressor that delivers 3.5 CFM at 90 PSI, what will the effects on my cabinet and/or compressor be ? Also, will it just effect my hose and gun and not the cabinet or compressor ? (this is what I think it will effect). Should I buy a hose and gun appropraiet to the compressor ? Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks.....RDT
 
Too small a compressor will run constantly and drop pressure. You'll probably start to notice the difference in blasting below 60 psi, and you'll have to stop and wait for the compressor to build up pressure.

I rebuilt my old air compressor three times because I ran it so hard by doing this.

Maybe someone else has a media recipe that doesn't require this kind of air volume?
 
RDT,

RE: 100PSI @ 5cfm blaster and a 90PSI @ 3.5cfm compressor

I haven't done alot of blasting but from what I have done I don't think that combination will work.

If the blast cabinet (actually the nozzle) wants 100 PSI at a rate of 5 cubic feet a minute, then that's what it'll take. I tried blasting with an undersized compressor and it was a nightmare. (Wait for compressor to build up. Then a quick blast, then pressure drop, then hose fills up with sand. Clear hose, wait for compressor....) A friend came over with a diesel powered compressor in his truck. I can tell you this: too big a compressor is ok - too small is the pits.

That said. That rating is what the motor will produce (at a 50% on/off rate as I recall). However, if you have a BIG tank and can get the pressure up to 125 (or better yet 150) and you are doing quick blasts, then you can probably get by.

I took the tank from an old compressor and put it on the system with my compressor. That added enough air reserves so I could run a few more tools with mine (but still not the blaster). That might work for you too.

Another idea is to see if you can get a smaller nozzle. A big nozzle is for moving lots of sand with lots of air. For blade blasting you might not need as much.

Hope that helps, somewhat.

Steve
 
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