Shop air compressor setup

Yeah those direct drive compressors are pretty cool. Heard good things about them in terms of low noise. Im just not sure that SCFM will be what I need

 

Yep they said $700 firm, I’m surprised they even answered me

 

I have 3 blast cabinets that run quite a bit for my business. I have a 5hp 80gallon ingersoll Rand 2 stage compressor (runs about 170psi). It is absolutely the smallest I'd want to run a blaster. It'll maintain 95-100psi, but barely when running a blaster.

A 3hp/60 gallon deal will likely do OK if you're cool taking a break every 5 or so minutes to let it recover and cool down some, but if you're planning on putting in some time with your arms in the blast cabinet, you'll be disappointed with it.

20CFMs is your target....which is realistically a 7.5hp compressor, which will need a dedicated 60A circuit, at the very least. Look at what you've got available in the way of power to the garage. I just upgraded my main panel so I can put a bigger sub in the shop and step up my compressor game...some day when I have the time to finish it. If you don't have a 100A sub panel to the garage, then stay below 5hp. (5hp requires a 40A breaker)

 

Damn. Just one blaster running or is that all three at the same time?

Id be fine letting mine catch up from time to time. Not like I'm making a living on it. And I dont even have a blast cabinet at this point..

 

I can only run one at a time. Basically you're leaving a hose with a 1/4" air fitting on it disconnected and dumping the tank...that's effectively what the blaster is doing. I regulate my blasters to about 95-100psi, because that's where they seem to be most effective.

I also added a cooler (Derale trans cooler plumbed in between the compressor and the tank, right behind the flywheel/fan) as well as a separator/filter after the cooler....before that, in about 15 minutes, the tank would be HOT and it made lots of water. The cooler/separator gets about 90% of the water out before it gets to the tank now...and the line coming out of the cooler is cool to the touch regardless as to how long it's been running. Mine is rated for 100% duty cycle...and there's been plenty of times where it's run for hours on end.

If you're not in a hurry and will only be blasting stuff occasionally, a 60gal 3hp will be OK. For bigger jobs, it will be frustrating.

also, get a good cabinet, or if you get a cheapo cabinet, buy the gun and suction tube kit from Skat Blast....the OE harbor freight type guns and suction tubes suck...almost unusable.

 

Good to know.

Im surprised how few of these large compressors have any sort of heat mitigation at all. Even my ancient little 3 gallon has copper fins on the pipe between the compressor and tank. Its not much, but better than nothing.

 

I put 2 of those IR 5hp 3Phase compressors in an ejector pump station (24/7/365) about 20 years ago and they are still going as far as I know.

 

I have two smaller air compressors tied together so that might be an option for you also. I have a 120V 2HP 20 gallon unit and a 240V 5HP 30 gallon one.

The larger unit kicks on first and if it can't keep up (rarely), the smaller unit will come on to assist. Works for me.

 

that compressors been on my want-to-buy list for a little while. i swear i saw them selling it for $210 a few months ago, and didn't think anything of it. it went back up to the $400 with a free air tool ever since.. seems perfect for a smaller shop

 

I was surprised to see it was that expensive when I posted the link, I paid about $300 a year ago. I does very well for typical home use, I wouldn't want it if I was running a DA or a blast cabinet.

My hearing is shot from abuse and years of working in not so quiet environments, I put the stock (quiet) silencer back on my motorcycle, got a quieter compressor and did a few other things to lessen the noise I'm exposed to.

 

Im not that old, but Ive done some stupid shit that has impacted my hearing. Few years ago I really started forcing myself into the habit of always wearing ear pro before things got any worse. I bought a ton of comfortable foam ear plugs and put them everywhere. In the truck, the car, shop, house, etc. Plus a dedicated set of 3M muffs in the shop. Took a while but once you get in the habit it really helps

 

I never had an industrial size unit - but I can vouch for getting the compressor motor on a 220 service ASAP. Rigged it to use the same circuit as my household whole home vacuum system. Easy to know when it could be fired up. The single phase set-up would suck some serious amps.

 

Just found this beauty on FB marketplace for $600

 

hopefully that picture is in your garage! there's an extra $200 in material into that one!

 

Still haven't had luck finding a decent used compressor that fits my budget.

Decided to change the oil in my little one while Im still using it. Couldn't find a 1/2" MIP magnetic drain plug anywhere so I made one with some JB weld and a neodymium magnet. Honestly I should have done that a long time ago. Last pic is after just 5 mins run time

 

Manufactured in 2015 according to the tank nameplate. Been sitting in an old gentleman's garage in VT. Never been used or even wired up before I got it, from what I can tell

 

Saw you mention the need for sand blasting; that, paint, etc all require good CFM and if you've got the budget for it you should check out EMAX.

 

Very nice, how much you got it for?
If your going to bolt it to the concrete you should put a rubber cushion between the feet and concrete, I've seen people use cut up pieces of tires.

 

$500

I do have three isolation pads on order. Didn't have anything suitable laying around. Plan to put it on those in the corner. Dont think I will bolt it to the floor though, Im hoping the rubber will be enough to keep it in place.

 

I have the exact same one except the tank is red. Mine is still bolted to the pallet it came on, hasn't moved yet