Hello all, I'm looking into getting a media blaster and powering some air tools. I need to know what to look for in a compressor, and I would like to know whats the best kind for these jobs. I did a search on here but it didn't come up with much. I'd like to try and keep this under $800 but we'll see. Thanks, -4speed

 

Most all air compressors operate at around 125 psi. This is sufficient PRESSURE to run just about any air tool I've ever heard of. The BIG THING is VOLUME. A normal 1/2' impact wrench doesn't take much volume at all, and only operates for a few seconds on each nut, giving the compressor time to build up for the next hit. Your media blaster however is a totally different story. Here VOLUME is a big deal. You might be blasting continuously for several minutes (or more) with a wide-open air hose. You will find when shopping for a compressor that volume costs money. I bought a 7-horsepower, 220-volt single phase, single stage compressor with a 60-gallon tank for about $450.00 from Harbor Freight Tools. I have done a fair ammount of sand blasting with it, but it requires that I take a break every 2 to 3 minutes to 'admire my work' and let the compressor build up the air supply again. (And catch my breath, wipe the sweat and grit out of my eyes and ears!) My compressor is a Campbel-Hausfeld, which is a fairly cheapie, but I've had it about 4-years now in home hobby/car-building use and it's still going strong.

Goodluck, and be safe

BobJonesSpecial

 

Mr4speed.

I have been repairing compressors for a few years. Big pump and smaller tank are what I recommend. I use a 4 cylinder emglo mounted on a 30 gallon horizontal. It is set up for constant run or cycle and it will run my blaster at 105psi consistently.

Unit runs about 1900$ last time I looked.

Doesn't mean you couldn't find something similar on E-bay.

Check out some air tool/compressor repair places in your area. Sometimes they have stuff laying around that a quick 20$ could get in a heartbeat.

I was amazed at what a few 20's and some bolts and copper pipe could do.

Good Luck

 

Thanks for the help guys. Might check out that local air compressor repair place. Bob, if that still come out to be to much, I'll take your word on what I need. Thanks again, -4speed