What Volume Compressor For A Small Garage Workshop?

The HF units are real hit & miss. I have 2 good small 120v ones ATM. I've had 2 maybe 3 bad ones. They will do a very small blast job but you really use the air blasting.

Bigger is better when it comes to sit compressors.
 
I agree with Jim, you will want a 2-Stage 5HP minimum...such a a Quincy QT5, Eaton, Saylor Beal, or Champion.

For heavy sandblasting I would go with a 7.5HP.

I would also recommend turning down the pressure switch to less than 175-180 PSI, you will find out the compressor runs better set to 140-150PSI maximum. You still get the advantage of the 2-stage efficiency but the compressor isn't working so hard near the end of the fill. That last 25-30PSI in a 2-stage compressor trying to get up to 175 or 180 is slow because it is fighting against the tank pressure.

You will also find the noise with a quality compressor to be much less than others. They often spin the motor at 1750RPM instead of 3600RPM.

Whatever you do, do not ever get an oil free compressor.

---Aaron
 
Yah, that is a little small for sandblasting and their CFM rating is overblown as they are quoting displacement, not actual output up to pressure. With a 3HP motor you are probably going to see somewhere between 10 and 12 CFM in the real world, and that is assuming they aren't lying about the 3HP motor being a real 3HP.
 
Thanks Aaron...think I'll have a look at ebay for some used options in that case.
 
I have a 30 year old Campbell Hausfeld 4 HP 20 gallon tank compressor rated at around 8 cfm at 90 psi, works fine on my HF $200 cabinet blaster. The compressor runs about as much as it doesn't with the trigger pulled. I have the regulator set at 125 psi. I also use a water filter in line right at the blaster.

Bruce
 
cost wise I went with hf. 7.5 hp baldor motor, 2 stage 80 gal tank ordered a gasket set it came from atlas copco . yes I had some problems with it but all fixable its been running for 2 years now without any more trouble. with a 20% off coupon I couldn't touch anything else. it appears to me that the only thing made in china is the tank and guard. but maybe not. bill
 
For perspective, I have a 30 gallon Dewalt 5.3 scfm 1.5 Hp , it would definitely NOT be enough for a sand blaster . When I have to use a die grinder alot, it runs a bit too much. I don't have a sand blaster. Whatever you get, here's a little thing I add onto the bottom drain on my compressors. Makes draining the condensate very easy, drain into a rag or gatorade bottle. And i'm sure you know, but you should crack that valve often to drain the condensate. Condensate will rot the tank from the inside out. If you are in an area with seasons, an outside option could promote more condensation in the tank...hot...cold ...idk, research it. I have two buddies that were hospitalized several months and big scars to show from a compressor that blew. It's not just myth, it happens .
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I agree that sandblasting needs a lot of air, the more you got the better it works.
Another option is to hook 2 or more compressors together to get the CFM you need. You don't have to run all of them all the time, You can have only one on for blowguns and light air consumption tools etc then turn on the other(s) as needed for heavy consumption tools.
 
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