4 Best Air Compressors for Sandblasting [for 2022]-With Buying Guide

The machine’s size and capacity are some of the most crucial parameters you need to consider before buying the best air compressor for sandblasting.

Make sure you are going to pick the right air compressor that –

  • Gives the required CFM.
  • Can operate under the required PSI range.
  • Has the capacity to run continuously for lengthy projects without needing to refill in the middle of the task.

If you are not sure what these are and how to choose the best bet depending on the sandblasting job’s size, you are at the right place.

In this article, I will review the 4 best air compressors for sandblasting, mentioning all the highs and lows of each of the units.

Later, I will provide an in-depth buying guide and FAQ section to help you understand the different parameters effortlessly.

Without any further ado, let’s dive right in.

4 Top Air Compressors for Sandblasting – Comparison

Preview
Best for Small to Medium Projects
7.5 HP Quiet Air Compressor, 2-Stage, Vertical, 1 Phase,...
Best for Small Projects
Puma Industries PK-6060V Air Compressor,...
Quincy QT-54 Splash Lubricated Reciprocating Air Compressor...
Best for Industrial Type Projects
HPDAVV 50 HP Rotary Screw Air Compressor, 219cfm @ 115psi,...
Why for sandblasting?
It produces 36 CFM at 90 PSI and 26 CFM at 175 PSI. For a medium project, you need about 18 to 35 CFM. 80-gallon tank capacity.
This machine produces 12 CFM at 90 PSI and 13.5 CFM at 40 PSI. The tank capacity is 60 gallons.
This compressor produces 15.7 CFM at 90 PSI and 15.2 CFM at 175 PSI. Of course, the maximum operating pressure of this machine is 175 PSI. Tank size 60 gallons
It's an immensely powerful machine having a 50 HP motor. This rotary screw compressor can produce 219 CFM at 115 PSI.
Best for Small to Medium Projects
Preview
7.5 HP Quiet Air Compressor, 2-Stage, Vertical, 1 Phase,...
Why for sandblasting?
It produces 36 CFM at 90 PSI and 26 CFM at 175 PSI. For a medium project, you need about 18 to 35 CFM. 80-gallon tank capacity.
Read Full Review
Best for Small Projects
Preview
Puma Industries PK-6060V Air Compressor,...
Why for sandblasting?
This machine produces 12 CFM at 90 PSI and 13.5 CFM at 40 PSI. The tank capacity is 60 gallons.
Read Full Review
Preview
Quincy QT-54 Splash Lubricated Reciprocating Air Compressor...
Why for sandblasting?
This compressor produces 15.7 CFM at 90 PSI and 15.2 CFM at 175 PSI. Of course, the maximum operating pressure of this machine is 175 PSI. Tank size 60 gallons
Read Full Review
Best for Industrial Type Projects
Preview
HPDAVV 50 HP Rotary Screw Air Compressor, 219cfm @ 115psi,...
Why for sandblasting?
It's an immensely powerful machine having a 50 HP motor. This rotary screw compressor can produce 219 CFM at 115 PSI.
Read Full Review

4 Best Air Compressors for Sandblasting Reviews

1. EMAX ES07V080V1 7.5 HP Two-Stage Air Compressor for Sandblasting Review – Best for Small to Medium Projects

Pros

  • It boasts different technologies like a noise suspension system to make it a tranquil unit.
  • Straightforward to wire up and runs pretty smooth.
  • It features ample CFM at 100 PSI to do small to medium sandblasting projects efficiently.
  • This air compressor has enough tank capacity to make it hassle-free for long jobs.
  • A durable air compressor, having a powerful motor to let you forget about upgrading for years to come.
  • Excellent customer support.

Cons

  • The price could have been lower.
  • It runs a bit slow. However, this ensures the increased hours of use.
  • A tad bulky.

Summary

EMAX ES07V080V1 is a USA made air compressor.

To me, it’s one of the best air compressors for sandblasting out there, considering all the necessary features you expect from a sandblasting compatible unit.

This very air compressor shines in, making it quiet by implementing technologies like a separate noise suspension system placed at the back of the compressor tank. They call it to whisper 100. It’s a cabinet that contains some air filters at the top and different sections filled with baffling material.

When the air travels through various sections, it helps in lowering the noise.

It produces 36 CFM at 90 PSI and 26 CFM at 175 PSI. For a medium project, you need about 18 to 35 CFM. That means you can use this unit for all sorts of sandblasting works.

EMAX ES07V080V1 is an 80-gallon compressor to help you work continuously without worrying about an empty tank in the middle of the project.

As per the companies claim, it will give you at least a total of 50000 hours of use if you can do the maintenance accurately.

Although this one is an ideal air compressor for small to medium projects, you can use it for industrial sandblasting tasks as well.

2. Puma Industries PK-6060V Single Stage Air Compressor Review – Best for Small Sandblasting Jobs

Pros

  • It features the required volume of air (CFM) for different nozzle sizes for small sandblasting jobs.
  • Substantial capacity to provide compressed air without needing to refill for short to medium jobs.
  • The tank fills up quickly.
  • It’s a reasonably quiet machine.
  • This machine boasts a powerful motor to withstand tough jobs like sandblasting.
  • A well-designed air pump removes the heat efficiently.
  • Not too heavy.
  • The size is quite convenient to fit in tight spaces.
  • The price is a bargain.

Cons

  • Wiring this unit is a bit tedious. I suggest hiring an electrician to do that.
  • The on/off switch is flimsy.
  • The company should focus on detailing the user manual.

Summary

Puma Industries PK-6060V is a 220V single-stage machine equipped with a 3 horsepower motor, and the air tank capacity is 60 gallons.

That means it’s quite capable of providing smooth operation without needing to fill up the tank in the middle of a relatively medium sandblasting task.

The 3 horsepower electric motor has a graphite cast-iron crankshaft and ball bearings that ensure a long life.

It boasts an oil-lubricated v-twin design cast-iron air pump that efficiently removes the heat transferring between the cylinders.

This machine produces 12 CFM at 90 PSI and 13.5 CFM at 40 PSI, which is quite substantial for sandblasting, painting, etc.

Pro Tip: Getting a dehumidifier would help to get rid of the humidity from the exiting air.

Although the wiring seems a bit tedious, some users found it easy to do without taking the help of an electrician. It depends on the individual’s expertise, though.

It lasts considerably longer. Keeping this air tool lubricated will help it to last even longer.

Puma PK-6060V is another America made air compressor for sandblasting having all the abilities to provide the required support for small projects. It doesn’t break the bank, too, compared to its performance.

3. Quincy QT-54 Two-Stage Air Compressor Review – Best for Small Projects

Pros

  • The drain valve on the leg makes it easy to drain and gather the moisture.
  • It offers all those meat and potatoes for sandblasting, including CFM, capacity, etc.
  • It doesn’t make too much noise during operation.
  • Fills the tank relatively quickly.
  • Being a two-stage compressor, it pumps the air twice to give enough air in a quick time.
  • Fits well in small spaces.
  • A well made and professionally engineered unit to make it usable for commercial purposes as well.
  • Equipped with a powerful motor.
  • For the price point, you won’t go wrong with this.

Cons

  • No major issue except a couple of buyers found the drain on the bottom is leaked. It’s not an uphill task to fix, though.

Summary

Quincy QT-54 is a 100% duty cycle air tool offering every bells and whistles to do small sandblasting projects with efficiency.

It features a 60gal tank, which is quite ok for running the unit continuously without needing to fill up the tank all of a sudden while sandblasting.

This compressor produces 15.7 CFM at 90 PSI and 15.2 CFM at 175 PSI. Of course, the maximum operating pressure of this machine is 175 PSI.

It is powered by a 5 hp motor.

All the above data is clearly indicating its ability to perform well to run the sandblaster effortlessly.

Quincy is an age-old brand and doing business with a reputation from the beginning. The support from the company is worth noting, and finding the parts of this unit is an easy-peasy job.

Altogether, you should give it a go if you are searching for a durable, cost-effective air compressor for sandblasting.

4. HPDAVV Rotary Screw Compressor Review – For Industrial Type Sandblasting

This very air compressor is particularly made for a heavy-duty job, and when it’s about sandblasting, you will want to buy it only if you are going to do some industrial type sandblasting.

It’s an immensely powerful machine having a 50 HP motor. This rotary screw compressor can produce 219 CFM at 115 PSI.

This machine boasts a built-in oil separator. The vibration is low, as well as the noise level. It requires very low maintenance.

Although the price is on the higher side, the performance and usefulness of this unit justify the bill.

Overall, if you are looking for a reliable industrial-grade air compressor for sandblasting, this one is the best bet for you.

How to Choose the Best Air Compressor for Sandblasting

As I said earlier, the sandblasting air compressor should meet certain criteria before you consider it to be the best bet for the job. Depending on the size of the job, the configuration can vary.

If you’ve gone through the review part above, you already got an idea of some of the most crucial deciding factors. Nonetheless, I believe a bit more explanation on the most vital deciding factors will help to decide on the ideal unit for you.

Here you go.

Nozzle Size

Large and heavy duty sandblasting jobs require large nozzle size.

Remember, a larger nozzle requires a higher air volume. Similarly, you can say the bigger the nozzle, the higher the CFM should be.

Air Volume / CFM Output

CFM stands for cubic feet per minute. The minimum CFM of the air compressor should be 10 CFM. With that said, ideally, it should be higher than 20 CFM.

The type of sandblasting and the diameter of the nozzle orifice mainly decide the CFM or SCFM (standard cubic feet per minute) of the unit. For instance, for industrial types of sandblasting, you should be looking for a CFM range of 50 CFM to 100 CFM+.

For small tasks, the ideal CFM range is 10 CFM to 20 CFM.

For medium tasks, the ideal CFM range – 18 CFM to 35 CFM.

For heavy jobs like industrial sandblasting, the CFM range is 50 CFM to 100+ CFM.

Air Pressure

The air pressure is denoted by PSI (pounds per square inch), and this is the third most crucial measurement in choosing the best air compressor for sandblasting after CFM.

According to the experts, the minimum PSI of the air compressor should be at least 50 PSI, and it can be as high as 140 PSI. However, 90-100 PSI is considered to be the ideal PSI range for sandblasting to get the optimum efficiency.

Capacity

Most of the sandblasting jobs require you to work for a long period. You won’t like to stop in the middle of the job. That’s why it’s essential to use an air compressor with decent tank capacity.

Although going for a 120-gallon tank size is ok, 60 gallon is the ideal compressor tank size in most of the sandblasting tasks.

Quiet

No matter why you are buying an air compressor, it should run quietly. Oth

Price

Like any other tool, the price range of a sandblasting air compressor should be within reach, and it should be cost-effective.

I’m not telling you to go cheap; I haven’t listed any cheap unit either. What is crucial is getting the best bang for the bucks. A too expensive unit doesn’t always necessarily ensure all the requirements in the best possible way for the sandblasting task.

Final Words

So, this is it!

I’m sure you are now quite familiar with the different parameters that you should consider before buying the best air compressor for sandblasting.

If you are looking to accomplish a small task, then the Puma Industries PK-6060V Single Stage Air Compressor is the one you should get your eye in.

For small to medium tasks, go for the EMAX ES07V080V1.

For industrial type sandblasting tasks, the HPDAVV Rotary Screw Compressor is the ideal machine without any doubt.

Now, it’s your turn!

Frequently Asked Questions

What size air compressor do I need for sandblasting?

An air compressor that can produce a decent amount of air volume at 90-100 PSI is ideal for sandblasting. If you are finding an air compressor for a small project, the machine should produce 10 CFM to 20 CFM; for medium projects, it should produce 18 CFM to 35 CFM; for large projects like industrial projects, it should produce 50 CFM to 100+ CFM.

How much PSI do I need to sandblast?

You should run the compressor at least at 90-100 PSI to get the optimum results in abrasive sandblasting. If it's more than 100 PSI, then it's even better. Working with less than 90 PSI will make the process remarkably slow. Reducing the blasting pressure by half, increases the required finishing time by four times.

How many CFM do I need for a blast cabinet?

For small projects, the air compressor should produce at least 10 CFM to 20 CFM; for medium projects, it should produce about 18 CFM to 35 CFM, and for industrial type projects, the air compressor should produce about 50 CFM to 100+ CFM. The diameter of the nozzle orifice also decides the required amount of CFM an air compressor should produce.

What is the best air compressor for sandblasting?

If you are searching for an overall best air compressor for sandblasting for small to medium projects, you should try EMAX ES07V080V1. It features a powerful motor, 80 gallons tank capacity, can produce 36 CFM at 90 PSI, and 26 CFM at 175 PSI that covers a lot of projects with efficiency. It's a long-lasting unit having every necessary feature, including a separate noise reduction system.