OK, looks like ill be in the market for a new compressor (new used) just need to offload the 3 horse i have now.
What size minimum do i NEED to paint and sandblast? Looks like theres a few 5 horse available on craigslist, but none put there CFM output or even know what they are....if i cant find the models online, is there a test i should do when i go to look at them to make sure im not trying to sell the new one a month after buying AGAIN!!
now i dont expect to keep up 100% while blasting because that takes a real big compressor, but i do want to be able to run the paintgun as well as other air tools, and remember this is my hobby not my job (as my wife likes to put it !!!
thanks
Corzy

 

I was thinking the same thing the other night. I did do some research and it all depends on the CRM oiutput.

 

I painted my own car and could not get 220Volts to the paint booth so I used 2 smaller 110V 3hp air compressors. The 2 air compressors (110volts and 7cfm @ 50psi) were on DIFFERENT electrical circuits to get the 10 CFM of air volume the spray gun needed.

For painting, the compressor regulators were set to 90psi and they were T'eed into an air dryer with 25 foot hoses which helped cool the air and allow the water to condense.

The air dryer regulator was set to 50 PSI (wall pressure). The gun was set for about 10psi at the nozzle. We never ran out of air pressure even on long shoots

 

What's your budget? Is this a hobby you see yourself doing for a very long time?

 

If one of these is in your budget, I highly recommend them...

http://www.eatoncompressor.com/page/page/504747.htm

I bought a "true" 7.5 HP compressor with a 10 HP (underdriven) 4 cylinder pump for under $2,000 DELIVERED....

So far it has been an excellent buy, and a LOT more compressor than the same money will buy at Lowe's or Home Depot.

The link above has a lot of good info about compressors in general, pay attention to the LOW SPEED part, it makes for a much more pleasant experience working near the compressor.

 

Kinda why I asked his budget. I found my Quincy on Craigslist for $650, normally a $2500 compressor. I LOVE the fact that it spins at 600rpm, its so much quieter than my craftsman. 5hp 2 stage, 17cfm at 175psi.

I consider a compressor to be part of the foundation of my tools. Took me many years of frustration with my smaller compressor to come to that realization. There are some great deals out there, even used. I agree with JMD 1000000000%, go with a commercial model. Only downside, they are heavy, my compressor weighs in at almost 700 lbs. Its also the first compressor I've owned that uses a pressurized oil system with a spin-on oil filter.

 

Nice setup!
I could not justify getting a large compressor because I use it so little, have no space and the garage is not wired for 220.
Now if I had my dream shop, it would be a different story!

 

I can't justify mine either but I wanted it. I don't think I could justify half the stuff I buy but I talk a good line when my wife asks if I need it.

I'll never ask permission and she only asks "do you really needed it" once

 

That is a hell of a buy for $650, nice compressor. like you I thought I had bought too much compressor, but not now, a good compressor makes everything so much easier and life without the annoying "buzz" of a typical "new" compressor is simply bliss.

I made paid much, less for my compressor than all the combined price of all the previous ones I have worn out, I think it will take a long, long, time to wear this one out. There is a difference between price and value on stuff like this.

And yea it is a heavy sob..

This is the one I bought, price has gone up some though.

http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catal...747/206943.htm

 

ya i haven't picked my budget for it yet, but i might lean on splurging a bit, but hopefully i can find a good deal on craigslist...i ran 220 to my garage for my welder so ill just share that wire, just have to make sure i dont have both going at once hahaha
but deff under 1000$ i think my wife would kill me no matter how sweet i talk her
2 compressors in series just isn['t practical though, but thanks for the post.
but from these last posts, ill take it that 7.5 horse is something to shoot for????
thanks guys