I started with a California Air Tools compressor, but I tended to leave it on and the valve that releases the head pressure stuck one day and I came into the shop and the unit had almost caught fire, the motor was completely smoked and melted. So, I recently found a used Sil-Air and went thru it, the oil for them isn¡¯t cheap, and one of the compressors (there are three on this one) wasn¡¯t running. Fortunately I took the top off, manually turned the motor and it freed up and is running great now. This thing is so quiet you really have to listen if it¡¯s running or not, definitely can¡¯t hear it over other machines.?
I¡¯ll keep my eyes open for more of these, you can just gang the compressors together to get whatever CFM you want, I think each head puts out about 2CFM, so mine runs a bit over 6CFM. That¡¯s plenty for clamps and nailers, not good enough for air tools and most likely spraying, which I do very little of.
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On Jan 26, 2021, at 10:30 AM, Anthony Quesada <
tonymiga2@...> wrote:
Brian, I couldn¡¯t agree more. ?When my dads' 40 gallon kicks on it seems like I have never heard the noise before. ?It startles me every time!?
On Jan 26, 2021, at 12:24 PM, Brian Lamb <
blamb11@...> wrote:
If that¡¯s all the sand blasting you intend to do, then definitely look at no more than a 5hp unit. As for the smaller unit, look for quiet¡. period. The most irritating noise in the shop is the compressor... and they start when you least expect.On Jan 26, 2021, at 9:46 AM, Anthony Quesada <
tonymiga2@...> wrote:
Great comments and questions!
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.
Anthony?
