compressor for woodworking duties and sandblasting

I have a 2 stage, 10 gallon, twin cylinder craftsman that is older than I am. Works like a charm for regular shop duty. Nailers, small spraying jobs, buffing, etc.

If I was spraying a lot, I would go 25 gallons or more, plus a 120 psi tank pressure @ 3-5 CFM

-- The only easy wood project is a fire

sandblasting takes a huge amount of air i have a 6 hp 60 gal. porter cable ive had about 6 years . it has done a good job . id check at the box stores for a 5 or 6 hp 60 gal.

Get the biggest one you can afford. Especially for spraying and sandblasting.

I agree with Rikkor on size. Seems I listen to mine a lot more than I should.

-- Thos. Angle

We went thru the a/c thing not too long ago. The compressor guys will tell you those really great prices on the big box a/c are from china and are crap. Apparently there’s an a/c duty motor and the big box ones don’t have that….just what I heard.

If you’re going to sandblast, I would suggest making sure you get one with the higher air pressure. Like about 155 or so. anything less won’t blast very well. o.k. it will for wood more or less (not on rusty metal though)...but, you wouldn’t figure out right away that with two tanks, same size, one at 110 psi and one at 155 psi…the one with 155 psi won’t run as much as the other if you’re using them both at the same pressure.

-- arborial reconfiguration specialist

i WOULD TRY TO FIND A 40 gallon tank w/ atleast 5 cfm.

i agree with everyone. for sandblasting and spraying get the biggest you can get.

Mine’s a 30 gallon and is suitable for all except sandblasting. You need a lot of air for that. The only real problem with mine (like so many others) is the noise.

What? About 3:30 I think! Huh? Wha?

-- Bob Vila would be so proud of you!

Unless you get one of those ‘toy sand blasters’ you will need a compressor that will have about 10 or 11 CFM at 90 to a 100 lbs.
Check out the sandblaster you want to use first and see what the requirements are.
The same goes for air tools like a air sander.

-- Jim

Well, thanks all for the tips

I got a single stage, oil lubricated, 26 gallon, campbell Hausfeld, VT6271 model, 3.3 running HP, rated at 10.3cfm @ 90 psi, I couldn’t afford more than that, hope I will be satisfied.

Any of you out there do sanblasting for stripping paint from old furniture? (without wood damage) .Any article on the subject?

-- Martin, Gatineau, Québec

I have not done this, however I have heard of it. You need the fine stuff or even backing soda.