Air compressors are used for a variety of tasks, from spray painting to inflating, and they are required in practically every industry.
These compressors are commonly used by scuba divers, who require compressed air tanks to plunge into the sea.
However, certain types of compressors are better suited for specific tasks such as inflating, eliminating pressure stains, spray painting, and so on.
Sandblasting, too, requires particular compressor specifications in order to complete the process.
As a result, we will discuss the best compressor for vapor blasting, which is appropriate for individuals who wish to use this equipment for abrasive blasting.
Our Recommended 5 Best Compressor for Vapor Blasting
Although we have mentioned that these are abrasive blasting compressors, you may use the following devices for other typical tasks as well.
1. PORTER-CABLE Air Compressor
Porter-Cable has been producing high-quality tools for almost a century. And, in their never-ending search of superior technologies, they have created an air compressor with the power and compactness needed to be the greatest compressor for sandblasting in today’s climate.
The feature of this pancake-styled compressor is not just its small size and ease of use. It has a cleaning pressure of 150 psi, which makes it ideal for sand removal.
Furthermore, it can hold more air in its tank, making it ideal for extended use and larger tasks.
This air compressor provides the correct CFM for sandblasters, with 2.6 SCFM at 90 psi. It also only weights about 30 pounds, making it ideal for sandblasting and other tasks. Its small size allows you to easily store it anyplace.
Furthermore, at 120V, this has the capacity to start cold in the winter and maintain running as needed. Furthermore, the pancake form takes up the majority of the space and can contain adequate air for the work.
It also makes the unit more sturdy, and it features rubber feet for further stability, making this compressor suitable for extended usage.
Another advantage of this compressor is that it requires no maintenance. It requires no oiling or maintenance and is always ready for use. Additionally, you can check our review on Shoulder Plane.
Highlighted features include:
- For extended usage, a maximum pressure of 150 psi is recommended.
- Weighs 30 pounds and is readily transportable.
- It is more stable because of the pancake tank shape.
- Volume for mild sandblasting may be delivered with 2.6 SFCM.
2. DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor
Dewalt is one of the greatest tool brands in the world. Their air compressors are more expensive, but their service is also among the best.
As a result, this one fits practically all of our sandblaster compressor standards and is an excellent choice for the finest sandblasting air compressor.
When delivered at 90 psi, this has an output volume of 2.6 Standard CFM, therefore it has the pressure and CFM for sandblasting.
You may use a smaller nozzle to clean tiny things more effectively. This is for small to medium-sized abrasive blasting.
For better and quicker results, select 165 maximum psi and switch to the high-flow regulator option while executing high pressure sandblasting.
Another feature that you will love about this air compressor is its capacity to reduce noise. With a noise level of 75.5 dBA, this actually doesn’t make much noise, and you may work in a peaceful setting.
This, like the better compressors, does not require maintenance. It’s oil-free and won’t take any maintenance to keep it going.
Overall, this has the makings of a reliable and powerful machine. The motor, too, is efficient enough to start itself in chilly weather. To top it off, the console cover protects it from harm. Besides, you can choose some Cobalt Step Drill Bit.
Highlighted features include:
- At 90 PSI, it has a respectable output volume of 2.6 SCFM.
- This is a quiet machine, with a noise level of 75.5 dBA.
- It does not require any maintenance or oiling.
- Has a high flow regulator for increased power.
3. Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Sandblaster Air Compressor
Makita is another tool business behemoth, but their goods are also too expensive. But when it comes to quality, it’s difficult to compete because you’re receiving the best components created by the best people.
The 2.5 HP Makita pump is ideal for longer and more frequent usage due to its technological brilliance. The iron cylinder saves machine wear and has increased bore and stroke for greater performance and more horsepower.
A robust motor is required for a better compressor, and this one has the necessary efficiency.
Although it must be lubricated, the motor is long-lasting and quite quiet. It is a more powerful motor, so it will not be the quietest product on the list, but it has been decreased as much as feasible.
This one provides enough clearance while satisfying the CFM requirements for sandblasting small to medium-sized items.
It may effectively remove rust, oil, and other contaminants from the surface, preparing it for refinishing.
Nowadays, you don’t buy a gadget for one reason only; you want to utilize it for various uses, which is where the Makita pays off.
You will get a strong and long-lasting device that is easy to transport and has a robust build that is difficult to harm.
Highlighted features include:
- This 4.2 CFM at 90 PSI sandblaster is suitable for sandblasting smaller things.
- Because of the reduced RPM, there is less noise.
- A sturdy iron cylinder provides a longer-lasting construction.
- 5 HP powerful motor
4. CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor, 6 Gallon, Pancake
Craftsman’s best-selling compressor is up next. It’s a well-known tool brand, and the compressor is a fan favorite due to its ease of use, low weight, and high PSI.
Sandblasting using an air compressor might be a pain for folks who dislike waiting since you have to wait for the equipment to recover. Keeping this in mind, Craftsman has done an excellent job of decreasing recovery time.
So, even if you run out of gas on a large project, you can easily resume work and stay on track.
This has a nice enough capacity for minor tasks at 6 gallons, but what makes it truly worth the money is its maximum psi. With a high psi of 150, this can deliver the pressure required to remove even the most stubborn debris and provide a smooth, clean surface.
Furthermore, with 2.6 SCFM at 90 pressure, it provides the sandblaster CFM required for light and medium work. This model’s pump and motor are likewise of good quality.
Furthermore, there is no need to oil the pump, therefore no further maintenance is required.
If you live in a chilly climate, this will suffice because it has the ability to start quickly in the winter. And, because Craftsman is a well-known brand, you might be able to acquire a good guarantee on the compressor.
Highlighted features include:
- Has a high psi for quicker cleaning.
- The pump does not require oil.
- Durable motor in a small package for simple transport
- In the cold, everything starts nicely.
5. DeWalt DXCMV5048055 Industrial Air Compressor
So far, we’ve examined abrasive blasting devices that do a good job, but now we have one for heavy-duty operations. The powerful equipment from Dewalt is a heavy-duty sandblaster with an air compressor designed to perform professional work for you. And, as is typical of these tough machines, they are not cheap.
This isn’t for hobbyists; it’s an industrial compressor designed for professional sandblasting, as used by car repair companies and others. It operates on 230 volts and will increase your energy consumption when used. However, you will receive industry-standard outcomes in exchange.
The difference between this product and the previous ones is 17 CFM at 175 psi. It can easily handle medium to big sandblasting jobs. This accommodates nozzles of size 3 or 4, and a sandblaster Cfm chart will help you determine which size you require for your specific needs.
What makes this even better is that you can run many tools at the same time. But don’t worry about the machine choking since it features thermal overload protection to keep the motor from overworking.
This can hold up to 80 gallons of air, so a single run should suffice for the majority of jobs. However, this implies that recovery will take longer.
Highlighted features include:
- With 5 HP, the motor is quite powerful.
- Can hold up to 80 gallons of air
- At 175 pressure, it delivers 17 CFM of air.
- Can be utilized for numerous activities at the same time
- Has a safety overload protection system
How to Choose Air Compressor for Sandblasting?
Even if we show you the best compressor for vapor blasting, it would be useless unless you understand what makes a product a good air compressor for sandblasting. So, let’s go through some of the aspects you should be aware of.
CFM
We’ve already discussed CFMs, but for those who are still puzzled, CFM for sandblasters is what displays the output volume of air that will flow out of the nozzle.
CFMs are also known as SCFMs, which basically tell you what the CFM is in normal situations. As you may be aware, the functioning of compressors might vary based on the ambient temperature and air pressure.
Unless you live in a very cold or very hot climate, the SCFM should be a decent and accurate estimate of the real CFM.
Air compressors with CFMs ranging from 2 to 5 are normally enough for a variety of tasks such as nailing, inflating, spray painting, and so on, but for sandblasting, this may appear to be insufficient.
However, if you just need to sandblast tiny things on occasion, this will suffice.
Sandblasting CFM needs will be considerably above 10 CFM for more professional results. Also, keep in mind that greater cfm sandblasters will be more expensive. Because you will require a more powerful and capacious engine.
PSI
PSI is another frequent metric for determining how strong a compressor is. It is just the amount of air pressure that your compressor can produce. To determine what reasonable pressure should be, you must first decide what you will utilize it for.
You should also consider how many tools you intend to run with the same pump.
In general, the higher your PSI, the more efficient your cleaning. High pressure speeds up the removal of dust and corrosion. As a result, the work time is reduced. However, this will also raise the pricing rate.
Most sandblasting tasks require a PSI of at least 100. Anything beyond that is a welcome bonus that will speed up your task.
But don’t just look at the maximum capacity. The pressure you experience for a certain CFM is a more effective metric.
Orifice and Nozzle
The volume you obtain from your compressor is ultimately determined by the nozzle and orifice.
A larger opening equals more air volume, which means your tank will empty quicker. However, if you have a large tank, a larger aperture will significantly boost the operating pace.
RPM
RPM mostly indicates how quiet or cool the motor remains while operating. Less RPM implies it will be quieter and cooler, but it may also indicate that the motor is weaker.
So, if you don’t mind sacrificing power for a quieter motor, the tradeoff isn’t all that horrible.
Maintenance
If you’re looking for a smaller compressor, we recommend opting for maintenance-free models that don’t require oiling. Oiling must be done correctly and with the proper lubricants, which many people would like to avoid.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Big Should an Air Compressor Be for Sandblasting?
A good sandblaster with an air compressor will produce air volumes more than 10CFM. Anything less than that should do, but it isn’t an industrial compressor designed for the purpose.
2. What is the bare minimum for sandblasting?
If you want to undertake sandblasting rather than merely dust removal, you should invest in a compressor with at least 80psi. Anything less will not provide adequate pressure for the job.
3. Is Sandblasting a Do-It-Yourself Project?
If you intend to sandblast in your house, you should set aside a room for the purpose. It might be difficult and may cause harm to your property. There are several guidelines to follow before beginning the task.
4. Does Sandblasting need a large tank capacity?
Yes, continual air supply is required for sandblasting. A larger tank allows you to finish the work without having to wait for it to recover and pump again. A smaller gallon will make the job much more difficult.
5. Can Any Compressor Be Used for Sandblasting?
If the air pressure and volume aren’t adequate for sandblasting, you won’t get satisfactory results. However, for extremely tiny things, you can try sandblasting with a smaller compressor, but the results will be unsatisfactory.
Last Words
You now have all of the information you need to choose the best compressor for vapor blasting. So, all you have to do now is be honest with yourself and decide what you want to do with it.
But, before we go any further, we strongly advise you to take adequate safety precautions. You must complete the task in an open area while ensuring that the resulting sand rubble can be disposed of.
Piling up the sand might have serious consequences, which you should avoid.
