Anthony, there are compressor brands and even levels within the brands.? As an engineer I have a problem in that I always need to learn a ton about
a topic before I make the plunge.? On air compressors;
The tank size is not super critical.? A 60 gallon tank is about 8 cubic feet of air. ?An 80 gallon tank is 10.7 cubic feet.? If the tank is pressurized to say 175 psi and your regulator
is at 100 psi, you will get a bit more air more air out of a tank but not a game changing amount.?
I have a Quincy that¡¯s 40 years old with a model 325 pump.? This is the QR series today.? The pump has an oil pump for pressure lubrication.? I bought the compressor used from a dental
office.? I was planning to rebuild it and went to the local Quincy dealer to inquire about parts.? They said to test before I did anything.? I did buy new pressure relief valves for safety.? The test was to drain the tank to empty and then start the compressor.
?Time how long it takes to fill the tank and note the pressure. ??Then do the math to see how many CFM the compressor makes in one minute.? Say you want to know how many cfm the compressor will make at 100 psi.? Set the pressure switch to 100 psi, fill the
tank until it shuts off.? Say that was 30 seconds.? Then do the math and you would get in my case a 60 gallon tank is 8 cu ft.? If it fills in 30 seconds and shuts off at 100 psi then the compressor makes 16 cu ft per minute at 100 psi.? If you increase the
PSI then it will take longer to fill and maybe like 12 cu ft per min at 175 psi.? In my case the pump still makes rated output at 100 and 175 psi so no rebuild needed.? This is an easy test if looking at a used one.
If previous experience is any indication, the blast cabinet will be used sporadically and extremely lightly by commercial standards, as I am a hobbyist that loves both metal and wood. ?I can see the cabinet getting used 15 minutes here and 20 minutes there
with weeks in between without use. ? I am very, very much a beginner machinist/metal worker, but hope to develop the skills over time. ?
Love Brian's idea of getting a more "modest" 5HP compressor and being patient if the blast cabinet can't keep up. ?
Regarding the small compressor down line of the larger one.... I never would have thought of this, but thankfully it was mentioned here. ?Since most of my use can be served by a little pancake type compressor, I would view this as taking the nimble and quick
scooter out to get a carton of milk from the corner store vs a large pickup truck with trailer behind. ? ?Both get the job done, but one is quieter, more efficient and quicker for the specific task.