7 replies to this topic

[MayfairCabriolet]

Hi,

 

I'm looking for an air compressor for media blasting and spraying panels. I've had a google and I'm a bit lost, do I need a 100 litre system or will a smaller 25-50L tank be enough? 

I'm not looking to spend a fortune so thought I would ask what people are using and ask for recommendations?

[StefanMini]

I have an 50 litre tank. I sprayed my Mini with it with no problems. But for sandblasting I think you need a bigger one.

[Homersimpson]

In addition to storage you also need to check the air flow rate (Cubic Feet per Minute - CFM) of the compressor against the equipment you want to use, blasting needs a lot of air and depending on the size of what you want to do even a large tank won't help if the compressor can't replenish it sufficently while your working.

 

My (limited) experience though is that the CFM rates of the cheaper modern compressors seem to be somewhat optomistic and my old AID 50 litre compressor (thats probably 50 plus years old) is much more powerful than modern 50 litre compressors i've used and a lot quieter.

[sonikk4]

The smaller the compressor the harder it will work, generating more moisture then requiring good quality water traps.

So depending on the space you have available and also think about noise will dictate what you can get and oh of course cost.

So media blasting will need a good CFM rating plus the receiver needs to be large enough and again a good water water trap. For example I have got a 200ltr 4hp compressor which I used for spraying my car and supplying breathing air ( relevant filtration system to be added for this requirement so another expense to add)
This compressor would have quite happily supplied the CFM needed for media blasting and without running constantly.

However without looking it up I’m sure there will be different pressure ratings for different products. The one thing I will say here even my large compressor will not run my die grinder at full speed. They are very heavy air users. It’s still worked fine but was not at its top speed. The same applies to my DA. Again worked fine but when I use these at work then you notice the speed difference. ( industrial compressors, 3 phase and three of them and I have no idea of their CFM ratings but they supply enough Air for us to Jack large commercial Aircraft)

So I digress slightly, for spraying a car without the compressor running continually then I would have a look at a 100 ltr 3hp vee twin compressor. Would it do media blasting, probably but not too efficiently. BUT whatever route you go, the water trap systems you need will dictate how you go about doing either.

For spraying a car you can buy disposable moisture filters that will screw into the fitting of the spray gun, so I use these in conjunction with a good water trap.

I have in my garage a 3 hp 100ltr compressor which is not the noisiest but also not the quietest. Bought from Machinemart on one of their VAT free days. The big compressor once I reassemble it will be sold at some point next year.

[DomCr250]

50L is ok, but 100L is even better.  You can always add more storage with an old 47Kg propane tank.

 

It's the CFM that really matters with spraying and blasting, as the compressor needs to keep up with the gun ...12 to 14 is good, you will be looking at a 3HP motor to run that type of CFM.

 

Facebook Marketplace or eBay and buy 2nd hand, I run two 14CFM's (air fed mask for 2 Pack paint), one came from a scrapyard in the early 90's for £25 and the other was a three phase off eBay (2005) for £45, 2nd hand 3HP 240v motor and its work ever since don't spend more than £75, check the tank is not looking rough, regulators and stuff are pennies so just check the motor and pump work well.

[coopertaz]

i use an 8cfm with 50L tank, works fine for spraying mini with only small panels. would recommend a belt type though as cheaper ones like mine are noisy

[MayfairCabriolet]

Thank you all, looking at your replies and and the cost, I will do without media blasting and look for a compressor for just spraying.

Thank you

[roberts]

Hi,

 

I'm looking for an air compressor for media blasting and spraying panels. I've had a google and I'm a bit lost, do I need a 100 litre system or will a smaller 25-50L tank be enough? 

I'm not looking to spend a fortune so thought I would ask what people are using and ask for recommendations?

 

What's your budget?