Compressor for Soda blasting and other tasks

Sounds a little small to me for what you are looking for. Unless you are ok with doing a lot of waiting.....

 

I think you need a higher CFM. I have the HF 40# soda blaster and it needs around 8 CFM. When looking for a compressor I think CFM is the main number to look for. Look at the CFM rating for the tools you want to use, then shop for a compressor that offers that rating or higher. A CFM of 8 or higher puts you into the the $500 and up price range for a new compressor.

I'm no expert but I just bought my first compressor a couple months ago and this is the advice I was given. Hope it helps.

Oh yes, my compressor has a 26 gallon tank and runs pretty much constantly when using the soda blaster, so with a bigger tank, the compressor will just run less often. I'd say anything less than 26 gallons is probably too small.

 

Hey Rob,
x 2 as Patches has said - probably a little small. My 18cfm @ 130psi used to kick in & out quite frequently when I had the bead (soda) blaster operating.

 

Thats likely due to tank size and has nothing to do with the CFM except that a higher CFM will drain the tank more quickly.

So you want the highest CFM rating and tank size you can afford.

 

Dont know the tank size (capacity) it's not written on the tank - approx 5ft long & 10" dia, 3 cyl compressor & has forklift skids to move it - cost around $1200 7 years ago.

 

If you're looking for a portable compressor, 115-125v, you will be limited to 5-6 cfm at 90lbs. In order to get the higher cfm ratings you will need a stationery compressor, 60-100 gallon tank, running off a 220-230 circuit.

In his continuing series of informative videos IamCarbon, just did one on soda blasting. http://www.xs650.com/forum/showthread.php?t=701&page=2 scroll to bottom. He mentioned he used a small compressor.

Another link: http://www.garagenight.tv/diy-soda-blasting-build-your-own-rig-cheap/

Most non-continuous use tools, like air nailers, impact wrenches, air chisels, can be used with a smaller air compressor, using them intermittently.

 

The smaller compressors are ok for things that don't run long at a time. Impact wrenches, air chisels, nailers and such. Anything that runs formore than a few seconds at a time like media blasters, sanders. need larger.
I can't afford much of a compressor. 5 to 6 gallon tank 5 to 6 cfpm. It will run a small blaster for two or three seconds but then won't after the compressor kicks on.
Toll run of the air in the tank. The compressor just refills the tank. Like the alternator on your bike, the bike runs off the battery, the alternator just refills the battery.
Get as large a compressor as you can afford. If not big enough for some things live with it till you can afford better.
Watch your local want ads, Ebay, Craig's list for used compressors from places that go out of business or upgrading. The old stuff can be bought much larger than new for simular money.
Leo

 

i have the 10# soda blaster from hf, and i have the small compressor It is 12 gallon/ 11.9cfm. works great! but the quick release of air makes the comp turn on quickly.
I just let it catch up when the regulator dips below 60#'s. anything less dosnt claen as well as just waiting for it to get back up to 120#'s, plus, a chance to grab a beer!
I often use airtool with my compressor, Airwrench airgun,blower, the only thing that dosnt work well becuase it uses alot of air quickly is my ir die grinder. empties the tank quickly.
I tried that aircooled tool, and found it wasnt good enuf, so I got the hf one.