Craig...I have an upright SEARS 5.5hp, 25 gallon, single cylinder, oil free
model. Fairly new. 120v, 8.8 scfm @40psi, 6.4 scfm @ 90 psi.
The only thing that stresses it is sandblasting....depending upon media
(aluminum oxide, glass bead, etc.) used. With aluminum oxide being used to
get rid of rust "spores" on steel and cast iron parts for example, you need
to run it at about 80psi. This uses a lot of air and the compressor goes on
and off a lot. If you are using glass beads to remove old paint and perhaps
grunge off of cast aluminum parts 50-60 psi works well and doesn't use as
much air. If your primary use is air tools and painting your unit should work
very well.
I looked at both sides of this.....it takes more money to buy a larger, 2
stage compressor to do a lot of sandblasting. I figured I would only use it
occasionally after the car is finished so I got a unit that maybe is marginal
for sandblasting but perfectly adequate for almost everything else. I am not
blasting the frame or body tub/panels. I am blasting suspension parts, intake
manifold, swing arms, etc. Mostly small pieces. So far I haven't burned it
out! I did install a moisture/particle trap though. SEARS sells these as
add-ons. Around $20 if I remember correctly. You definitely these
oil/water/particle traps if you are painting.
Hope this helps...Happy Holidays
Larry M
TR250 rising from the pieces
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