sandblasting info. needed

[Michael Ginsberg]

I am about to make a purchase of a new compressor. I know that sandblasting has specific air requirements. I plan on getting a small counter sandblasting cabinet that would be used for texturing turnings. Can anybody suggest how much psi is needed at what cfm.?
I want to buy the new compessor only once but don't want to go overboard. I was told that using the Grex RO sander needs about 90psi and about 14cfm. but I have no knowledge about the sandbalsting needs.
Thanks.

[Mike Null]

You should consider a pressure pot which will not only give you far better control but allow you to work at pressures of 15 psi and up. Good quality pressure pots can be obtained at Harbor Freight for under $100. (or you can spend several hundred dollars) Using the right media and nozzle for the job is also important.

I do glass and crystal engraving (sand carving) and use silicon carbide at 180 grit. If I were doing other things I would buy another pressure pot rather than having to empty one and replace the medium.

The other method, without a pressure pot, is called the siphon method which recirculates the medium and requires excessive amounts of air and pressure and is not as controllable as using the pressure pot.

I use a Sears 5HP 30 gallon unit for that and my heat press and other air tools. It's always been up to the task.

[Michelle Rich]

I asked & studied this very question about 2 wks ago. To sandblast one needs a 5hsp. compressor or more. for me that was too much of an investment, as it hovers near 1,000.00 to get a good one.

[Michael Ginsberg]

Michelle, That is what I was thinking. I am planning on getting a Rolair 5 hp 80 Gal.
It is pricey but I figured it would handle all tasks required.


I asked & studied this very question about 2 wks ago. To sandblast one needs a 5hsp. compressor or more. for me that was too much of an investment, as it hovers near 1,000.00 to get a good one.

[Mike Null]

Yes, the Sears is a cheap unit. I think I paid about $230 but it is 10 years old and still running. I use it a couple of times per week and it operates my sandblaster, power tools, heat press and air brushes flawlessly.

At the same time you're studying compressors study pressure pots as they minimize the need for large compressors except in an industrial environment.