how big of a compressor do I need for small sand blaster?

Question

how big of a compressor do need to run a small sand blaster? sand blaster is about 8 gallons,just a small one. either pressurized model or siphon. which is better ,would it be suitable for blasting,wire spoke rims ,or even car chassis THANK YOU

Answer 1

5 hp minimum...even with that you will spend most of your time building air..if you just want to blast a few parts from time to time that will work ok...

but if you want to blast a frame or something i suggest you rent a portable screw compressor

Answer 2

The only things that determine compressor size are the diameter of the nozzle and the operating pressure. You will need a 50 gallon storage tank so the comp. can keep up. The comp. cfm can be less than actual cfm from nozzle as you have to give a little recovery time. I would think a 3/16" nozzle might work ok on frames and 1/8" on rims. You will need to find a chart somewhere that gives pressure / cfm rating for the nozzles.

Answer 3

I have a 10 gallon tank compressor with a 3.5 HP motor. it pushes 5/CFM will that be enough to blast a gun barrel or small parts every now and then?

Answer 4

A two stage or piston compressor won't keep up with it.
The CFM requirement is pretty significant for a sand blaster.

For about $12,000 you should be able to find a nice diesel screw compressor.

ADDED:
Check the CFM requirement for the blast pot.

Answer 5

my 2hp old sears runs my gravity feeder,but for a pressure pot you need at least 10cfm or more at 90psi thay are very much air hogs