How big of a compressor do I need?

[m_fumich]

Right now all I have is a Dewalt pancake compressor. In 2 days I’m picking up a Craftsman compressor with a 6 HP electric motor on a 30 gallon tank. Specs say 6.4 SCFM @ 90 psi.

That’s enough to run all the basic air tools, right? I think the HF blast cabinet will be the most air demanding thing I’ll be using.


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[john k]

Buffers and grinders eat a lot of air so the 30 gallon tank iis just big enough.  But a 1/2 in impact  wont do the job  with less than 125 -140 psi. 

[m_fumich]

Buffers and grinders eat a lot of air so the 30 gallon tank iis just big enough.  But a 1/2 in impact  wont do the job  with less than 125 -140 psi.

I don’t have much need for the 1/2” air tools at the moment but I’ll definitely be looking for a bigger compressor for when that time comes. What’s the highest rating I’ll find on a compressor with a 120v motor?


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[J.A.F.E.]

Let's hope that doesn't need a belt...

[highland512]

I have the same compressor. Its only good for air nailers, inflating tiers, using a blow gun, and light use of a cutter wheel. It will never keep up with a blast cabinet.

My guess is it's also oil less, which means it's loud as hell and takes (literally) about 5 min to go from 0psi to 110 psi. I hope this thing was free because it will be a big disappointment if you paid any money, trust me I found out the hard way.

[m_fumich]

I have the same compressor. Its only good for air nailers, inflating tiers, using a blow gun, and light use of a cutter wheel. It will never keep up with a blast cabinet.

My guess is it's also oil less, which means it's loud as hell and takes (literally) about 5 min to go from 0psi to 110 psi. I hope this thing was free because it will be a big disappointment if you paid any money, trust me I found out the hard way.

My pancake compressor can keep up with most of that stuff. It won’t handle the die grinder. Fortunately, I haven’t committed to buying it yet. You are correct, it’s oil less.

So what compressor do I need that doesn’t run on 3-phase that will handle the blast cabinet?


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[oldnslo]

https://lmgtfy.com/?q=blast+cabinet+air+requirements

[DeadNutz]

The requirements for HF blast cabinets are benchtop 10CFM@100psi and floor cabinet 9.5CFM@90psi but a working pressure of 125psi.
You don't need a 3ph compressor but a 240V 1ph will give you more than enough air to do whatever you want but it won't be cheap. Every oil less compressor I have heard run is obnoxiously loud. You can get more run time on air tools with more air storage capacity but with a small compressor it will take time to build the pressure back up to a usable level.

[m_fumich]

The requirements for HF blast cabinets are benchtop 10CFM@100psi and floor cabinet 9.5CFM@90psi but a working pressure of 125psi.
You don't need a 3ph compressor but a 240V 1ph will give you more than enough air to do whatever you want but it won't be cheap. Every oil less compressor I have heard run is obnoxiously loud. You can get more run time on air tools with more air storage capacity but with a small compressor it will take time to build the pressure back up to a usable level.

The problem is that I don’t have 240v power to run something bigger. I might have to resort to gas powered.


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[daves_not_here]

A semi-apt analogy is: garages/shops are NEVER big enough, and neither are compressors.

Get the biggest one you can afford, 2-stage oiled, preferably.

The oil-less ones like mine (30 gallon CH) are basically useless when you decide you need to start using minor tools such as die grinders; air files; grinder/buffers; air ratchets/guns, etc. Blast cabs and the like need WAY more air.

You can use them for those tools if you don't mind using them for a minute or 2 and then waiting for the air to build back up enough to run 'em. I'm an impatient bastard, myself. 

YMMV - from a guy who doesn't even HAVE a garage.

[stokester]

A semi-apt analogy is: garages/shops are NEVER big enough, and neither are compressors.

Get the biggest one you can afford, 2-stage oiled, preferably.

I pulled the trigger on the best Sears Craftsman Professional many years ago when I had my garage built.  220v, 80 gal, 175psi 2-stage and have never need more.

Get the most you can afford and have the room to install.  I see many reviews for air items that complain about their performance when it is more about the air capacity (CFM) of their compressor.

[goodfellow]

This one runs on 120v and has a twin cylinder single stage pump delivering 6.2 CFM at 90PSI. That is about as good as it gets for a 120v single stage unit. I have a similar Lowes version running in my machine shop, and have on rare occasions used it with my blast cabinet. Not optimal, but it does work, because you only have a few minutes of blasting time before the compressor needs to catch up again.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-30-Gal-175-PSI-Oil-Lubed-Belt-Drive-Portable-Vertical-Electric-Air-Compressor-C304H/312074155

[m_fumich]

That’s a better price than the CH compressor I was looking at. I don’t usually shop at HD. Do they offer extended warranties?


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[goodfellow]

That’s a better price than the CH compressor I was looking at. I don’t usually shop at HD. Do they offer extended warranties?


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No idea on warranties, but I venture to guess that they do.
The HD compressor is probably a CH manufactured unit. HD's Husky brand of compressors have been manufactured by CH for decades.