Air compressors are used in a wide range of applications, from inflating to spray painting, and they are required in practically every industry.
To plunge into the sea, even a scuba diver requires compressed air tanks, and they are the most typical applications for compressors.
However, different types of air compressors are better for various applications, such as inflating, eliminating pressure stains, and spray painting. From gas air compressors to a reciprocating air compressor or high-capacity air compressor, it can be challenging to know what the right compressor is.Â
Sandblasting, too, necessitates particular compressor specifications in order to complete the process and achieve the correct blasting pressure.
As a result, we discuss the best air compressor for sandblasting, which is appropriate for people who want to use this device for abrasive blasting.
Our Sandblasting Air Compressor Recommendations
Despite the fact that these compressors are designed for abrasive blasting, you can utilize them for a variety of different tasks.
PORTER-CABLE Air Compressor
Porter-Cable has been producing high-quality tools for almost a century. Additionally, in their never-ending quest for greater technology, they’ve created an air compressor with the power and compactness needed to be the greatest sandblasting compressor on the market today.
This pancake-style compressor is notable not only for its small size and ease of use. It has a 150 PSI pressure for quick cleaning, which makes it ideal for removing sand.
Furthermore, this also demonstrates that it can hold more air in its tank, making it ideal for extended use and larger tasks.
This air compressor offers the ideal CFM for sandblasters, with 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI. It also only weighs about 30 pounds, making it perfect for sandblasting and other tasks. Its small size allows you to keep it almost any place.
Porter-Cable has been producing high-quality tools for almost a century. Additionally, in their never-ending quest for greater technology, they’ve created an air compressor with the power and compactness needed to be the greatest sandblasting compressor on the market today.
This pancake-style compressor is notable not only for its small size and ease of use. It has a 150 PSI pressure for quick cleaning, which makes it ideal for removing sand.
Furthermore, this also demonstrates that it can hold more air in its tank, making it ideal for extended use and larger tasks.
This air compressor offers the ideal CFM for sandblasters, with 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI. It also only weighs about 30 pounds, making it perfect for sandblasting and other tasks. Its small size allows you to keep it almost any place.
DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor
Dewalt is one of, if not the finest, tool manufacturers. Its air compressors are more expensive, but their service is also on par with the best.
As a result, this one fits nearly all of our sandblaster compressor needs and is an excellent choice for the best air compressor for sandblasting.
This option has a 2.6 Standard CFM output volume when delivered at 90 PSI; therefore, it has the pressure and CFM needed for sandblasting.
Moreover, this allows you to utilize a smaller nozzle to clean smaller items more effectively. This is for abrasive blasting on a small to medium scale.
When blasting at higher pressures, use a max of 165 PSI and switch to the high-flow regulator option for faster and better results.
Dewalt is one of, if not the finest, tool manufacturers. Its air compressors are more expensive, but their service is also on par with the best.
As a result, this one fits nearly all of our sandblaster compressor needs and is an excellent choice for the best air compressor for sandblasting.
This option has a 2.6 Standard CFM output volume when delivered at 90 PSI; therefore, it has the pressure and CFM needed for sandblasting.
Moreover, this allows you to utilize a smaller nozzle to clean smaller items more effectively. This is for abrasive blasting on a small to medium scale.
When blasting at higher pressures, use a max of 165 PSI and switch to the high-flow regulator option for faster and better results.
Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Sandblaster Air Compressor
Makita is another tool business powerhouse, but their goods are also expensive. However, it’s challenging to match the standards in terms of performance because you’re getting the best parts created by some of the best professionals.
The Makita 2.5Â HP pump is ideal for longer and more frequent use due to its technological prowess. Its iron cylinder saves machine wear and provides superior bore and stroke for increased horsepower and performance.
A powerful high-efficiency motor is required for a better compressor; this one has the necessary efficiency and electric modes.
The engine on this portable air compressor is sturdy and relatively quiet, despite the fact that it needs to be oiled. It is a more powerful motor, so it is not the quietest item on the market, but it has been decreased as much as possible.
Makita is another tool business powerhouse, but their goods are also expensive. However, it’s challenging to match the standards in terms of performance because you’re getting the best parts created by some of the best professionals.
The Makita 2.5Â HP pump is ideal for longer and more frequent use due to its technological prowess. Its iron cylinder saves machine wear and provides superior bore and stroke for increased horsepower and performance.
A powerful high-efficiency motor is required for a better compressor; this one has the necessary efficiency and electric modes.
The engine on this portable air compressor is sturdy and relatively quiet, despite the fact that it needs to be oiled. It is a more powerful motor, so it is not the quietest item on the market, but it has been decreased as much as possible.
CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor, Six Gallon, Pancake
The next compressor we’re going to look at is Craftsman’s best-selling model. It’s a well-known tool manufacturer, and the air compressor is a fan favorite thanks to its portability, high PSI, and weight.
Sandblasting using an air compressor might be a pain for people who dislike waiting because they have to wait for the equipment to recover. Keeping this in mind, Craftsman has done an outstanding job in decreasing recovery time.
Thus, even if you run out of air on a major project, you can return to work and stay on track.
Now, at six gallons, this is a fine capacity for modest tasks, but it’s the highest PSI that makes it truly worth the money. With a high PSI of 150, this can deliver the pressure required to remove even the toughest debris and leave a clean, smooth surface.
The next compressor we’re going to look at is Craftsman’s best-selling model. It’s a well-known tool manufacturer, and the air compressor is a fan favorite thanks to its portability, high PSI, and weight.
Sandblasting using an air compressor might be a pain for people who dislike waiting because they have to wait for the equipment to recover. Keeping this in mind, Craftsman has done an outstanding job in decreasing recovery time.
Thus, even if you run out of air on a major project, you can return to work and stay on track.
Now, at six gallons, this is a fine capacity for modest tasks, but it’s the highest PSI that makes it truly worth the money. With a high PSI of 150, this can deliver the pressure required to remove even the toughest debris and leave a clean, smooth surface.
DeWalt DXCMV5048055 Industrial Air Compressor
Thus far, we’ve looked at products that perform a good job at abrasive sandblasting, but now we’ve got one for the tough jobs. Dewalt’s strong equipment is a heavy-duty sandblaster with an air compressor that is designed to let you execute professional work. Furthermore, as is typical of these tough machines, they come at a reasonable price.
This product isn’t a hobbyist compressor; it’s a professional sandblasting air compressor used by car repair shops and other businesses. It operates at 230 volts and increases your energy consumption. Moreover, you receive industry-standard results in exchange.
You can spot the differences from the prior items with 17 CFM at 175 PSI. It can easily handle medium to big sandblasting jobs.
Thus far, we’ve looked at products that perform a good job at abrasive sandblasting, but now we’ve got one for the tough jobs. Dewalt’s strong equipment is a heavy-duty sandblaster with an air compressor that is designed to let you execute professional work. Furthermore, as is typical of these tough machines, they come at a reasonable price.
This product isn’t a hobbyist compressor; it’s a professional sandblasting air compressor used by car repair shops and other businesses. It operates at 230 volts and increases your energy consumption. Moreover, you receive industry-standard results in exchange.
You can spot the differences from the prior items with 17 CFM at 175 PSI. It can easily handle medium to big sandblasting jobs.
What Size Air Compressor Do I Need for Sandblasting?
When sizing an air compressor for a sandblasting project, take into account the compressor’s pressure as well as its CFM. The overall supply that the compressor can provide is determined by the combination of the two elements. The compressor’s CFM must be greater than that of the blaster. To guarantee that the air compressor runs in intervals rather than continuously, choose a two-stage compressor and at least five horsepower.Â
However, it is not as simple as applying more pressure and blasting faster. Yes, pressure is important, but it becomes more complicated when you need to make sure there is pressure at the open end where the blasting takes place. When it comes to sandblasting, the right air pressure can only be obtained if the pressure and air volume requirements are met.
How Many CFM Do I Need for Sandblasting?
The output air volume that comes out of the nozzle is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) for sandblasters.
CFMs are also known as SCFMs, tell you what the actual CFM is in normal conditions. Compressor performance is affected by the total temperature as well as air pressure of your environment, as you may be aware.
Unless you stay in a place with cold weather or a hot climate, the SCFM must be an accurate and good predictor of the overall CFM.
Air compressors with a CFM of two to five are suitable for a variety of tasks such as inflating, nailing, spray painting, and so on, although this may be insufficient for sandblasting.
However, if you’re only sandblasting tiny objects regularly, this is enough.
The CFM requirements for sandblasting are well above 10 CFM for higher quality results. Furthermore, keep in mind that sandblasters with higher CFM are more expensive.Â
Other Factors to Consider When Buying an Air Compressor for Sandblasting
Even if we tell you about a good air compressor for sandblasting, you aren’t going to know what makes an item a decent air compressor for sandblasting until you understand the finer details. Therefore, let’s look at some of the aspects you should be aware of.
PSI
Another typical metric for determining how strong air compressors are is PSI. It simply refers to the amount of air pressure your compressor can produce. To determine what a reasonable compressed air pressure should be, you must first determine what you are going to use it for.
Furthermore, you should consider how many instruments you intend to use with the same pump.
The higher the PSI, the more effective your cleaning is in general. You can clean dust and corrosion faster with high PSI. As a result, the amount of time spent working is reduced. However, this raises the pricing rate as well.
Most sandblasting jobs require a PSI of at least 100. Anything else is a welcome bonus that helps you work even quicker.
However, don’t just look at the max capacity. The force you get for a specific CFM is a more efficient measure.
RPM
RPM indicates how cool or quiet the motor is when it is running. Less RPM implies the motor is cooler and quieter; however, it also means the motor is weaker.
Thus, if you don’t mind sacrificing powerful air compressors for a quieter motor, the compromise isn’t that bad.
Nozzle and Orifice
The volume you receive out of your compressor is ultimately determined by the nozzle size and orifice.
A larger aperture equals more airflow, which means your tank empties faster. However, if you have a large tank, a larger opening on an orifice nozzle greatly boosts the operating pace.
Maintenance
If you’re looking for a smaller air compressor, we suggest maintenance-free compressors that don’t require oiling. When it comes to oiling, you have to do it well and use the proper lubricants, which many people would rather avoid.
The Bottom Line: The Best Air Compressor
You now have all of the details you need to determine which air compressors are best for sandblasting. Now, all you have to do is be true to yourself and figure out what you want to do with it.
However, we strongly advise you to take the necessary precautions. You need to work in an open area and make sure you can dispose of the sand rubble that results.
Piling sand on top of each other could have disastrous consequences, which you should avoid.
