Air Compressors and High CFM

TheBilly on 05/05/2025 - 08:41

Hi All

TLDR: Looking for a sand blasting air compressor, DIY hobbyist, current compressor can't keep up, 3HP, 50L tank, don't want to spend $5k, would spend up to $1k for a great solution

Any automotive hobbyists here run air compressors?

I'm specifically looking for a compressor for sand blasting but I think sand blasting is the most air intense activity so it will naturally do everything else as well. Spray painting, air tools etc. I was running one of these Full Boar compressors and it simply can't keep up.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/full-boar-2-3hp-50l-oil-free-dir…

I'm a hobbyist and am currently working on restoring 3 motorbikes so I'm sand and bead blasting for 4-5 hours at a time in a blasting cabinet. The compressor just ends up shutting down from constant use and also there is massive pressure drops. I get maybe 1 minute of good pressure before it dies off and the pumps cannot keep the pressure up, it just slows down the drop in pressure. I'm looking to upgrade my compressor to something suitable as I plan to do this hobby well into the future however I also don't want to spend $5,000 on a compressor from Ingersoll Rand.

It is just a hobby, not a business. But on the same token, it gets very frustrating and unproductive due to the compressor being inadequate.

Is there a middle ground that has been successful for others, where you can spend maybe $1k for great results? Also can you list out products that you have used?

Thank you

Automotive Air Compressor

Comments

  • Euphemistic on 05/05/2025 - 09:31
    +3

    Maybe look for used from a workshop.

  • apsilon on 05/05/2025 - 09:39
    +1

    I don't think you'll get anything under $1k that will keep up with a sandblaster. My twin motor one could only keep up for a few minutes at a time but I wasn't in a hurry. Wanting to do it for 4 or 5 hours straight - not a chance.

    You could try buying the biggest tank you can for your budget and use your current compressor. Start with both thanks full but I still don't think it'll keep up for long, especially as those hobby compressors don't have the duty cycle to run constantly.

    • TheBilly on 05/05/2025 - 11:23

      Unfortunately on the current one, even when the compressor kicks in the PSI still drops but at a lower rate. So I think the compressor itself is not up to the task.

  • Protractor on 05/05/2025 - 10:16
    +1

    (meaningful) Continuous sand blasting uses massive amounts of air. A grand? Not happening.
    Honestly for only 3 bikes I'd pay a pro.You'll only need it done once. Maybe get 1 bike done 1st to judge the workmanship & price. Keep your DIY blasting tasks for the smaller quicker parts.

    • TheBilly on 05/05/2025 - 11:29

      The quality of the work produced is really good. So I have netted good results, but the issue is the stop starting from air pressure. The issue with going to a pro is, because I'm a hobbyist I might only strip the bike part by part and work on each section. Going to a pro is logistically painful not to mention it will cost me as much as a good compressor over the number of projects I'll do.

      Been doing some googling, and a petrol powered compressor seems promising. Not under a grand, but around the $1.3k mark with a high CFM.

      • Euphemistic on 05/05/2025 - 12:55

        Plus all the petrol and servicing costs.

  • MS Paint on 05/05/2025 - 10:39
    +1

    I've never done it or fully researched the safety aspect but I recall there is a way to link 2 compressors for better results.

    • TheBilly on 05/05/2025 - 11:30

      I read about this a bit earlier today. I'm going to do some more research on it, it sounds promising.

      • MS Paint on 05/05/2025 - 12:11
        +2

        Keep me posted. I'm in a similar situation to you. Does my head in.

    • pegaxs on 05/05/2025 - 14:37

      Would you consider 4 linked compressors???

      • Nugs on 05/05/2025 - 19:42

        "Ultra-Slient"
        .

  • pegaxs on 05/05/2025 - 14:33

    If you need huge CFM volume for blasting, you are going to need a screw compressor, not a piston compressor.

    I would have a look at some auctions for ex-workshop equipment and see if you can get a shop air compressor with low hours and a service history on it.

    On that note, you are not going to get a screw compressor "cheap" neither to buy nor to run. Most are 3 phase as well, so consider that.

    Your blaster should have a capacity listed on it on how much air it consumes and you should be able to match that with something.

    Another thing to consider is "duty cycle". You may get the compressor you want, but it may only have a 50% duty cycle. So, out of every hour, it needs to rest for at least 30 mins. So, again, almost pointless.

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