Gas powered compressor
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Lead Driver
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Gas powered compressor
Shopping for abrasive cabinet but becoming frustrated due to the limitations of my small 6hp, 6.5cfm @90psi, max. 150psi 33 gal compressor. It certainly has come in handy but worthless if intend to do any media blasting. Intended to upgrade at later date, it's a re-wire issue, then the light bulb came on and I started checking into gas powered compressors. I see where IR has model 8838, with a Kohler gas engine. It'a 12 hp rated at 25acfm at 175psi., but only has a 30 gal. tank. So far the largest setup I could find. For the cost, not sure if there would be that much of an improvement. Thought I would check and see if other members have any experience with gas, and any suggestions or opinions.
dave
dave
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From: Sapulpa OK
Dave, I use a gas powered compressor all the time. It is installed in the back of my service truck. Your owners manual for the blast cabinet should tell you how much air a given nozzle size suould use. from that info you should buy an air compressor to produce at least 25% more to compensate for wear in the nozzle. I would also stay away from the big box store compressors. They do not come anywhere near to producing as much air as an industrial rated machine does.
I use a 12.5 HP Kohler engine driving a Quincy 5 HP model 325. That will allow you to use a small blast nozzle continously without overheating the compressor.
I use a 12.5 HP Kohler engine driving a Quincy 5 HP model 325. That will allow you to use a small blast nozzle continously without overheating the compressor.
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The tank size does not particularly matter with a gasoline powered compressor. Unlike electric compressors, the engine does not shut off. Instead, an unloader valve dumps the excess air, once the tank is filled to capacity. Once the load comes off the engine, the governor will close the throttle until the demand comes up again. But the engine keeps running and is instantly ready for the next demand.
So a 30 gallon tank is fine for this application.
For that matter, blasting in general does not care about tank size, even for electric compressors. Either the compressor can keep up, or it can't. If it can't keep up, even an 80 gallon tank won't cover the demand for very long. "Bursty" uses like impact wrenches are a different story. There the big tank is more helpful.
So a 30 gallon tank is fine for this application.
For that matter, blasting in general does not care about tank size, even for electric compressors. Either the compressor can keep up, or it can't. If it can't keep up, even an 80 gallon tank won't cover the demand for very long. "Bursty" uses like impact wrenches are a different story. There the big tank is more helpful.
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Lead Driver
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Looks like IR, or Quincy may be best solution to my problem. In meantime waiting for arrival of pressure blaster, will be interesting how well the shop compressor handles it. With respect to the abrasive cabinet, can't wait to start shopping and not be limited to the 3/32" nozzle. Found distributer or the IR unit, still checking for local Quincy distributer. Understand IR may be less expensive, if IR and Quincy come with the same Kohler engine would it matter which brand. With the engine running constantly, setup with the best muffling system would be a selling point. Appreciate the input.
dave
dave
Last edited by daveengelson; Oct 26, 2006 at 07:31 PM.
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Lead Driver
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Ran google and have not been too successful finding Quincy distributors in Ca.. Came up with couple but not much of an inventory of their web site, will call in the morning. Strong supporter of 'Made in USA', however, product support, and part availability is also very high on list of choices.
dave
dave
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From: Sapulpa OK
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Lead Driver
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Probably spending too much time researching. Quincy web site listed 2; one in Fresno, and the other in Dixon. Helpful sales rep from Fresno Branch, who also mentioned Champion, is sending me some literature. Read a FTE thread on simular topic where Eaton was mentioned so checking them out. Find not only looking into quality, and features of various manufactured compressors, but also the engine used to drive them. Find Quincy, Champion, Ingersoll-Rand, Eaton, and few others, offer either the Kohler or Honda to drive their compressor. O'well, gives me something to do, want to install by end of Nov., gives me few weeks.
dave
dave
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. their reciprocating basics and units are anyhow. their rotary screws are made in Bay minette,Alabama.
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Lead Driver
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Yes, and Eaton is made in Eaton, OH. With Champion, not really sure, indicate made USA, list main distributor in Tenn. but not sure where parent co. is located. Find it interesting many of the made in USA compressor manufacturers offer the Kohler, or Honda as a choice of engine used to power their compressor. Gives some food for thought, perhaps the Honda engine may be worth a look see. Likely going with Quincy, although couple features of the Eaton compressor I like.
dave
dave
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Thought I would check and see if anyone has an opinion on 'splash' lubricating system, as oppose to 'pressure'. Rec'd the literature on the Quincy engine driven compressor but when I contacted Rep. to discuss options found he only sent brochure for the QT series 'splash' lubricating system, and nothing on the QR series, 'pressure' lubricating sys. I was not aware Quincy had a 'splash' lub sys. Rep. was apologetic but I still did not feel too encouraged. Trying to obtain most cfm as possible and stay within a price range. Quoted price considerably less for the 'splash' as oppose to 'pressure' and I don't know if there is a difference. Looking at the QT series, either 11hp, or 13hp kohler engine, with 30gal tank, 18.3 actual cfm for the 11hp, and 23cfm for the 13hp. Any input would be appreciated.
dave
dave
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From: Brandon, MS
You caught my eye with this post. My poor little compressor struggles with my blast gun - built my own cabinet and bought the gun from McMaster-Carr.
My garage only has 110 circuits and will never have a 220. I had never thought of a gas-powered compressor. Can you give me a price range for the specs you outlined above?
My garage only has 110 circuits and will never have a 220. I had never thought of a gas-powered compressor. Can you give me a price range for the specs you outlined above?
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From: Sapulpa OK
Dave, if your are not going to use the blast cabinet for more than 30 minutes at a time, the splash lube unit should work OK for you. Also, pressure lube system is only necessary for air pressure over 150 PSIG.
All that said, the QT series is the BEST air compressor on the market. Bar none. That is what I use and it is bulletproof, has been since its inception way back in the 50s.
By the way Who are you working with? is it Associated by chance. Good people there.
All that said, the QT series is the BEST air compressor on the market. Bar none. That is what I use and it is bulletproof, has been since its inception way back in the 50s.
By the way Who are you working with? is it Associated by chance. Good people there.
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Lead Driver
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
fixair, working w/ mark out of Fresno. Found him very helpful and patient. Now that I think about it, believe the literature he sent was based on our conversation on cost and features I want. Appreciate everyone's input.
dave
dave