Compressor system

[Robert Schwieger]

Having used an airbrush and aluminum oxide for etching glass prior to glue chipping I would like to graduate to a less labor intensive and more reliable system. Since I am not interested in descaling ships this needs to be a practical compressor that provides air supply that is consistent, fits into a small area and would be used for glass work only. What are the minimum requirements? Since I am on a fixed income, cost needs to be considered. What PSI beyond 40 psi is necessary?

Thanks for the help and advice.

Bob

[Larry White]

I started out using a standard Sears 110V tank style compressor, 1 hp I think, and one of those Sears siphon feed sandblast guns. That set up worked decent for frosting glass for glue chipping. It's not quite as nice as using a pressure pot. I would suggest just using some regular sand, as it is way cheaper than any other blasting medium. I was frosting the glass at about 40 psi as I recall. Do a test first to ensure your mask will withstand the blast medium. It would be best if you had a sandblast cabinet or tent to contain the sand. I bet you could set something like that up for a couple hundred bucks max.

-Larry

[DAVE SMITH]

I use a hydrovane Robert. Instant power and pressure so powerful never lets me down. You can pick up cheap second hand machines on the market .

http://www.jjp.co.uk/products/air-compr ... series.htm

Just a thought.
Dave

[Kent Smith]

I used a 120V @ 16 amp, 1 hp unit for years with good success, 35 to 40 PSI. What I also have that made it work is a good pressure pot (holds 50 lb. of sand) with a small orifice tip which helps to maintain pressure. Using that with 70 grit, a great effect is possible. For not much more money I now have a 6hp, 230V @ 30 amp, vertical tank which will maintain 120PSI at 9 to 11 CFM's. The key for sand is the CFM's not PSI which should be around 9CFM. Using smaller tips, helps a small compressor maintain a higher (although false) CFM.