Sand Blaster Questions

   / Sand Blaster Questions #1  

CharlieTR

Gold Member
Joined
May 18, 2006
Messages
268
Location
NE TX
Tractor
Long LongTrac
I finally found a good sized old compressor tank to make into a sand blaster.
The only problem I see is that I only have a very light duty econo type air compressor to run the sand blaster. I think it puts out 5 to 6 CFM. How much CFM at what PSI does the sand blaster need? If I have to buy a new AC I hope to get one powerful enough to paint with. How much CFM is needed for painting?

Thanks,
CR
 
   / Sand Blaster Questions #2  
ive always thought they took something like 10-13 cfm @ 90psi

but dont quote me on that.

a quick net search says most hopper blasters are listed at 6-25 cfm @ 60-125psi

you can imagine the performace diffrance between 6cfm @ 60psi and 25 cfm @ 100psi
 
   / Sand Blaster Questions #3  
i've got a preasureized not siphon type. I dont know the cfm's but our shop compressor runs it just fine it's a 6hp. Just remeber if you use sand you will need to use the large size orifice so you will be at the high end of the rated cfm's. If you use play sand please be very careful as silica dust from the sand does evil things to your lungs. I bought mine from homeir tools I think it's the same as the one harbour freight sales. after useing pressure fed and siphon types i'll never go back to siphon.
 
   / Sand Blaster Questions #4  
Sandblasters eat up a lot of air!
For the most part a smaller AC will tick you off simply because it wont keep up.
Did ya know you can buy a pressure-pot blaster for around $100..HF
A man can never have to much air!!
80gal 2 stage will put most air problems to rest, cost around $1000
Also you MUST have dry air for a sandblaster to work.
If your doin smaller parts look into a sandblasting cabinet $300..HF
no mess and your sand is recycled.
So trying make your own SB will most likely cost more than buying one.
And your gonna need a lot of DRY air!
Good luck!
Gene
 
   / Sand Blaster Questions #5  
Yeah, you need a LOT of air. And it has to be DRY. You will get quickly PO'ed when the sand clogs up in the outlet of the blaster due to water and that happens when you have to pause to wait for the compressor to catch up. If you run under 75-80 PSI, you loose nearly all of the force needed to strip off the paint and rust. All you wind up doing then is shooting sand all over the place.


The compressor ratings are nearly always "optimistic". Get one that can put out 15 cfm at 175 psi. Then you can sand blast and get the job done.
jb
 
   / Sand Blaster Questions #6  
Have you given any thought to using one of the sand blasters that uses high pressure washer? I think Northern Hydraulics sells one. I have one and I like it for large objects outdoors. Because everything is wet you don't end up with that sand all over. The downside is because of the water it has to be dryed ASAP.
 
   / Sand Blaster Questions #7  
petegoud said:
Have you given any thought to using one of the sand blasters that uses high pressure washer? I think Northern Hydraulics sells one. I have one and I like it for large objects outdoors. Because everything is wet you don't end up with that sand all over. The downside is because of the water it has to be dryed ASAP.

That brings back memories as I used to rent one of these back in the early 80's down in S Fl to blast aluminum fire truck bodies. It worked very well and I've also used it on driveways and CBS houses. It really cuts down on the free sand flying around and the dust. When used on greasy parts it does a better job than regular sand blasting.

Winter may pose a problem however.
 

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