Compressor for a sandblasting machine: how to choose and what to pay attention to
Buying a sandblaster is half the battle, but when you need to buy a compressor, for some reason everyone stops. What to take? Where to look for truthful reviews and how not to make a mistake with a purchase? Don't rush, everything has its time. The main thing is to know the principles of choosing a compressor for a sandblasting machine, and your purchase will be the best. Not because “Vasya said so,” but because it is your conscious choice.
Our article is aimed at helping you figure out which sandblasting gun and compressor to choose. Let's start the analysis!
The content of the article
Pressure for a sandblaster is the basis for the right choice
Why is this so? - you ask. It's simple: the performance of the supercharger directly affects the operation of the sandblaster. If the device indicates the value “A” as recommended, and your pump is not “A”, but less, sand will spill out, but not as an abrasive substance. There simply won't be enough pressure to clean the part.
The operating pressure of a sandblasting machine is measured in liters per minute. This parameter lets you know how much air the compressor needs to pump in a given time.
Different jobs require different sandblasting pressures.For example, for matting a glass surface (a new type of decoration in construction), a device in the region of 300-500 liters per minute is suitable. For furniture, sandblasting should be at least 700 liters. For pressure installations and for large areas we need a higher value. It is customary to use devices with a capacity of 3 to 20 cubic meters per minute.
What type of compressor is suitable for your sandblasting gun?
The air flow rate for a sandblasting machine must be such that its supply into the chamber is uniform, so some pump options may benefit simply because of the design features. Others are less powerful, but more affordable. What and how to choose is an individual decision. We will tell you about what pumps you can find in the store.
Features of a piston pump
For small and medium-sized jobs, this option couldn’t be more ideal. The compressor fits in the garage and is unpretentious to temperature changes. However, some troubles with this compressor are worth mentioning:
- The air mass arrives in impulses and not evenly. All due to the design features.
- The sandblasting machine is only of the oil type, so the chance of oil getting into the chamber is very high.
- The compressor will stop working without a cooling system.
For sandblasting, one piston pump is not enough; additional piping is needed. It neutralizes air supply jerks, which harm the operation of the sandblaster and can cause malfunctions of the entire system.
Regarding oil: if it gets into the system, it can crumple sand and clog all the tubes. After this, only thorough washing and drying of the entire apparatus will help correct the situation.
Our recommendation is to buy a piston pump along with a ready-made air pumping station. It is universal due to its design. This includes:
- Receiver – removes the air supply in jerks and normalizes pump operation;
- Oil catcher - solves the problem with possible leaks;
- Reducer – stabilizes the air flow at the outlet of the nozzle;
- Trap – installed in the system to collect condensate. It is no less harmful than the oil mixture.
This station is suitable for garage work or a small workshop. Correctly selected pressure and a convenient length of tubes will help you work with sandblasting without physical effort and waste of nerves.
Features of a screw compressor
The main thing to look for in this version of the pump is that there are no air rushes, as in the piston model. What is the beauty of such a device:
- Minimum vibration when pumping air;
- Precisely adjusted at the factory, requires minimal maintenance;
- Works stably, despite running out of hours after purchase.
Why are screw compressors not so popular? There are several reasons - high price, used for stationary instruments.
The compressor produces good pressure and is characterized by high performance. It is better if it is used together with a storage tank, so as not to overload the pump with constant air pumping.
Electric compressor
One of the most popular, along with piston. There are many models among manufacturers that differ in price and performance. Take whatever you want.
However, for large-scale use of a pump for sandblasting, its efficiency is inferior to other options in economic terms. Therefore, you will not find them in large factories and enterprises - only in areas of small consumption.
One more point - the device does not work without electrics, and not even 220 Volts. It can only be used on centralized lines, without generators and emergency power.
Fuel compressors: diesel and gasoline
The last pumps on our list, but far from the last in terms of benefits. And there are many of them:
- No network required for power supply;
- Constant operation even in cold weather - for this purpose the device is “packed” in a special winter bag.
- More economical than electric compressors.
Another area where devices are superior to electrics is greater efficiency. With the same weight, fuel engines will be more productive than electric ones. This can be seen not only in compressors, but also in any other equipment.
Large workshops and factories highly praise fuel pumps for their efficiency. Which one do you use or plan to use?
