What compressor would you get?

[jwmorris]

I do run a sand blasting cabinet with mine, I actually run 3 compressors (Quincy, IR and CH, 280 gal total tank capacity) for large projects.

The IR is the one I use the most because it was free and works well after the rebuild. I did tie into the pressure switch, on one leg and put a 110v plug on the tank (red arrow). In this I plug in the fan above the compressor fan and the tank drain. So the fan runs as long as the compressor is running and the drain cycles every time it comes on.

The green and blue arrows are valves to each shop, timers set for an hour and a remote receiver. I just hit a button in either shop when I need air and the valve closes itself an hour later so air isn’t leaking when I am not in need of it.

 

[bigtiller]

The specs on both of them do not list the pump rpm or duty cycle. For sand blasting you would be best served with 100% duty cycle. The slower the pump speed, the lower the decibel rating.

For painting, sandblasting and plasma cutting you need dry air, which means some additional dollars to dry the air. Also, an electric condensate drain valve will help keep the water and rust out of the tank, easing the work for the drier and regulator/separator.

I would want more info from the manufacturer before I chose either one for your application. Take a look a Quincy, they are tuff to beat.

 

[BravoXray]

I do run a sand blasting cabinet with mine, I actually run 3 compressors (Quincy, IR and CH, 280 gal total tank capacity) for large projects.

I have a Skat Blast cabinet and use it a LOT. The 30 year old Quincy QT-5 keeps up with it just fine, and will sometimes shut off if I stop blasting for more than a couple of seconds. The Quincy has been trouble free since I bought it in 1990. I did have to tighten the belt a few years ago, it started squeaking a little on startup, and have changed the oil in the compressor a few times.

 

[scott_vt]

Good Morning Zarkhillbilly,
I know you need a larger compressor, but I went to TSC to find one that works for me. I only occasionally use the compressor for HVLP painting, so I really didnt need anything as large as what your looking at. I had a Craftsman 30 gallon for about 30 years, surprised it lasted as long as it did.

I ended up buying the DeWalt 30 gal 175psi for $599. They offered me 0% interest for 12 months, so that worked for me. I was planning on paying cash, but thought this was a good deal. American Made always makes me smile ! I also liked the cast iron pump, the craftsman was garbage in comparison !

I did look at the larger IR when I was at TSC, but couldnt really justify spending that much for my uses ! In any event, best of luck with the IR, dont think you can go wrong with that unit !

 

[jwmorris]

I have a Skat Blast cabinet and use it a LOT. The 30 year old Quincy QT-5 keeps up with it just fine, and will sometimes shut off if I stop blasting for more than a couple of seconds.

I have several but the Zero blast n peen and my pressurized blaster I use the most always worked best with the 40hp screw compressor in our last building.

The QT-5 is only 17.7 CFM @ 90 psi, lots of blasters consume more air than that. It’s probably less annoying to have one that doesn’t use more air than you have available continuously but it you’ve ever used one that works better (despite using more air) I tend to keep using them and just stop for a beer from time to time and let them catch up.

 

[Deleted member 371759]

Here is an 80 gal 2 stage for less than that 60 gal single.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/ingersoll-rand-80-gallon-5-hp-reciprocating-air-compressor

I appreciate you finding that. We ordered it today. Decided to have it shipped so hopefully it will be here soon.

Good Morning Zarkhillbilly,
I know you need a larger compressor, but I went to TSC to find one that works for me. I only occasionally use the compressor for HVLP painting, so I really didnt need anything as large as what your looking at. I had a Craftsman 30 gallon for about 30 years, surprised it lasted as long as it did.

I ended up buying the DeWalt 30 gal 175psi for $599. They offered me 0% interest for 12 months, so that worked for me. I was planning on paying cash, but thought this was a good deal. American Made always makes me smile ! I also liked the cast iron pump, the craftsman was garbage in comparison !

I did look at the larger IR when I was at TSC, but couldnt really justify spending that much for my uses ! In any event, best of luck with the IR, dont think you can go wrong with that unit !

Sounds like a good deal. The wife applied for a card from tractor supply for giggles and they gave us 24 month interest free so thats the route we will go too.

The specs on both of them do not list the pump rpm or duty cycle. For sand blasting you would be best served with 100% duty cycle. The slower the pump speed, the lower the decibel rating.

For painting, sandblasting and plasma cutting you need dry air, which means some additional dollars to dry the air. Also, an electric condensate drain valve will help keep the water and rust out of the tank, easing the work for the drier and regulator/separator.

I would want more info from the manufacturer before I chose either one for your application. Take a look a Quincy, they are tuff to beat.

According to 5 hp Two-Stage Electric Driven Reciprocating Air Compressor 100% DC.

I thank you all for your input.

 

[bigtiller]

That looks like a good one.

Have you looked at regulators & separators yet? I like my RapidAir. It has a 1/2" inlet with a 5 micron filter.

To help cool the hot vapors from the tank into larger and cooler droplets that the filter can remove, coil a 25' long half inch hose on the cool concrete floor between the tank outlet and the regulator/filter inlet. That will greatly help resolve any moisture problems, making it easier for a drier to do its job.

 

[ultrarunner]

I like the auto condensate drain… just one less thing to do and extends tank life coming from a person that has had compressors long enough for the tank to go bad.

 

[bigtiller]

I like the auto condensate drain… just one less thing to do and extends tank life coming from a person that has had compressors long enough for the tank to go bad.

I like them too. I don't know why they aren't standard equipment on all air tanks.

 

[Deleted member 371759]

That looks like a good one.

Have you looked at regulators & separators yet? I like my RapidAir. It has a 1/2" inlet with a 5 micron filter.

To help cool the hot vapors from the tank into larger and cooler droplets that the filter can remove, coil a 25' long half inch hose on the cool concrete floor between the tank outlet and the regulator/filter inlet. That will greatly help resolve any moisture problems, making it easier for a drier to do its job.

I plan on getting a cheap set up from Amazon Amazon.com
until I can afford a decent refrigerated cooler. Unless this thing works miraculously well.