- Joined
- Jun 10, 2019
- Messages
- 534
I have a RapidAir model K93215 filter-regulator combo. 3/8" NPT, 175psi, 100CFM. Its been fine for the price, but after wrestling with a persistent diaphragm air leak (I have a new diaphragm in there and fiddled with it for months): I want to get a bit higher quality unit.
My sandblast cabinet is a SkatBlast Cat 40; requires 10-15 cfm @ 80 psi. I'd love to have a plasma CNC at some point. Current compressor is 60gal upright, 240v1p 15a 3hp, 10SCFM@90psig. My understanding is that the air compressor HP/SCFM ratings are...optimistic...on the consumer/prosumer market. Will probably end up with an upright 80gal 175psi 2-stage 20-ish CFM. I'm a hobbyist; this isn't for a production shop.
I'm not sure what my budget is yet; depends a bit on options. I'm hoping there are reasonable quality units at/under $300? I'm OK with separate units for regulation and filtration. This might be preferred since I like the idea of a forward-facing adjustment knob; separate units would let me cobble together my own setup. I'm aware that robust air drying is needed for plasma, painting, etc... I'm just looking for an all-purpose setup reg/filter for shop air at the moment.
So: overwhelm me with suggestions!
I like the idea of a front-facing regulator adjustment knob like this:
My current unit
My sandblast cabinet is a SkatBlast Cat 40; requires 10-15 cfm @ 80 psi. I'd love to have a plasma CNC at some point. Current compressor is 60gal upright, 240v1p 15a 3hp, 10SCFM@90psig. My understanding is that the air compressor HP/SCFM ratings are...optimistic...on the consumer/prosumer market. Will probably end up with an upright 80gal 175psi 2-stage 20-ish CFM. I'm a hobbyist; this isn't for a production shop.
I'm not sure what my budget is yet; depends a bit on options. I'm hoping there are reasonable quality units at/under $300? I'm OK with separate units for regulation and filtration. This might be preferred since I like the idea of a forward-facing adjustment knob; separate units would let me cobble together my own setup. I'm aware that robust air drying is needed for plasma, painting, etc... I'm just looking for an all-purpose setup reg/filter for shop air at the moment.
So: overwhelm me with suggestions!
I like the idea of a front-facing regulator adjustment knob like this:
My current unit