Compressor requirements for blasting cabinet

[shand]

Hi,

we'd like to get a decent blasting cabinet setup in our shop and we've had lots of conflicting information about the spec of compressor we'd need.

The cabinet will be pretty well sealed, big enough for a frame (probably not a tandem). We'd like to use it to cleanup frames before paint as well as a few other jobs around the shop.
Not sure about blast media yet and not sure how that impact compressor requirements. We *probably* wont be using air for anything else while we're using the blaster (we have a smaller compressor already).

Does anyone have any hard data on what works for them? Looking specifically for cfm/psi/hp ratings. I'm guess we need to go for the biggest tank/receiver we can get??

Hope you can help.

Cheers

Steven

[echelon_john]

If you haven't, check out tptools.com; in addition to selling all the components you need to build your own cabinet, their site/catalog has lots of useful information.

Yes, in terms of capacity, you pretty much want the largest volume tank you can get, and decent power. The one piece of the system that is absolutely critical is drying the air you use; it will make a big difference in performance/ease of use. Running steel pipe air lines with proper pitch helps, as does using multiple dryers, starting at the compressor and ending at the input into the cabinet. For media, I use TP "Skatblast"; relatively non-toxic, I think it's 80 grit, and holds up very well.

My compressor is very similar to this one and has been excellent:
Porter-Cable C7550 5.4 HP Two-Stage 80 Gallon Oil-Lube Stationary Vertical Air Compressor

TP tools sells kits/instructions here:
Abrasive Blasters - Kits - TP Tools & Equipment

JC

[echelon_john]

...One other thing you'll want to think about is sound insulation if the compressor's going to be running a lot. You can build a box around the compressor with a little acoustic insulation or other foam inside; just make sure you run an air intake hose out through the box so you're pulling in room temp air, rather than warm air from inside. As long as you're not running the thing for hours at a time, you shouldn't run into heat problems.

[2wheelrider]

I used the TP tools kit to build my cabinet. It is 48"x30"x30". My compressor is an ingersol rand 3 horse, 60 gallon and does all right for my purposes but it gets pushed pretty hard. Next time I think I'll save up for a 5 horse 80 gallon. I'll mirror what others have said in that for blasting get as much compressor as you can especial if it will see regular use.

[WadePatton]

you simply _cannot_ have too much air for blasting. a pal tells me of the screw-compressor (Archimedes i presume) that barrett (yeah that one) uses to drive all of their compressed air needs (in the mfg of war-like goods for the war-like nations of this world)

but it probably costs a zillion dollars.

[shand]

Thanks for info guys. I picked up a big compressor with 200 litre tank, 6HP (3 Phase) and rated as 28CFM. Hopefully that'll work for us.

Still undecided about what to do for a blasting cabinet but this guy's got me inspired to build my own!!

DAVE PROPST ARTICLES - Blast Cabinet Part 1

P3140998.jpg

[Eric Estlund]

If you end up needing more volume you can always add a reserve tank to the system.