Which Compressor to Buy

[sandahlpipe]

I've been reading up on getting a nice sandblast. I recently bought the Cyclone e-100 cabinet and am happy with how the cabinet and gun perform, but my compressor is a 21 gallon unit from Harbor Freight. It performs ok, but I have to pause every minute or so for about 5 minutes to let it catch up. I've decided it's worth the money to invest in a good 60 or possibly 80 gallon compressor. Which compressor would you recommend?

I've got these ones in my purview:

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardw ... -12931.htm

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Porter-Cable ... 5yc1vZc27p

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-60-Gal ... 5yc1vZc27p

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/ ... 284_158284

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-hp-60-ga ... 93274.html

Any tips on what I should look for?

Thank you!

[Sasquatch]

Do a search on here for 2 stage compressor.

Honestly, those are all crap, even by my crap standards. They won't be enough.

[sandahlpipe]

Thank you, Sasquatch. Good thing I asked before buying. Is there a particular advantage to a 2 stage compressor over a single stage? I'm pretty clueless. I figure anything is an improvement over what I've got, but I want to buy only once. The Harbor freight model is 2-stage 5HP. I've been happy with most of the tools I've bought from them so far, including the air compressor I have, but it's underpowered.

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-hp-60-ga ... xPslXmbxCw

[Sasquatch]

You're right, it is spec'd as a 2 stage..... that's the cheapest 2 stage compressor I've ever seen, and it has the worst specs I've ever seen for a 5 hp 2 stage, to match!

That one would be ... enough. Just.

As a comparison, I have a single stage twin pump that is rated for a higher output (just) at 90 psi. And it's JUST enough.

Compare this:
http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Ing ... /p705.html

[Sasquatch]

2 stage compressors are more efficient at high PSI is all.

[wisemanpipes]

5hp
2stage
80gallon+
15cfm @90psi min

I got mine through kijiji and I like it. wish it was an 80 gallon tank ,but whatcha going to do.

if youre going to be buying once (new) and its going to be hassle free, youre going to be spending 1100 minimum.

also search "belair compressors", there was a recent thread regarding them

[sandahlpipe]

Thank you, Sasquatch and Evan. I think I may end up going with the 80 Gallon Belaire. It's time to bite the bullet and not spend longer blasting a pipe than if I were to finish it smooth.

[sethile]

For what it's worth, I bought this one from the local Tractor Supply when it was on sale of for just under 1K (it goes on sale pretty often), and it's been great:

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/i ... sor-80-gal

It's only a single stage, but is rated at 15.8 cfm at 90 psi. A two stage with a corresponding increase in cfm would likely be better, but this one never lags when I'm blasting at 110 psi with a 15 cfm gun even though that is slightly over its rating. The 80 gallon tank seems to make up the difference. It even shuts off every now and then. One advantage is I was able to pick it up myself at the local store, so no freight charge. Had to rent a utility trailer, but they loaned me their special compressor dolly at no charge. The IR compressors are excellent. I'm really happy with mine and have used the snot out of it for a few years now...

[sandahlpipe]

Thank you all! I decided to go with this one here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BelAire-218V-80 ... OC:US:3160

I figure 80 gallons is as big as anyone probably needs and should have no trouble keeping up with my 5cfm cabinet setup. It's 2 stage and over 15cfm@90psi. I figure that should work well even if I decide to buy a different cabinet down the road.

[Sasquatch]

Mine is single-stage, twin pump, rated 16@90, 80 gal tank, and I find the same - it catches up if I blast under 130psi.

80 Gal tank is very worthwhile.

EDIT: That's a way better compressor Sandahl