I have some parts that need to be sand blasted. Probably about 40 sqft of material from 1/4" to 22 ga metal. No single piece is larger than 8 sqft. I don't have a big enough air compressor or a sand blaster. What type of places do sand blasting and any ideas on what it could cost? Or would it be cheaper to buy a compressor big enough and get a Harbor Freight blaster?

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67Cuda,FAST EZEFI,340cu,CR=10.25,RollerCam&Rocker (XR268HR,#20-810-9)(#1622-16)(EddyRPM#60779,#7576), (MSD6AL,#6425) A904, GearVendorsOD, 8 1/4,3.55:1, ClassicAir

look into renting the equipment.

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I've been calling it as i see it for my entire life and that's not about to change. Take it or leave it.

A sand blaster uses a lot of air pressure. I've got a 5 horse cast iron compressor with a huge tank and it does a fairly good job of keeping up with the demand. Once you've invested in the equipment, you'll have it for future projects as well. The Harbor Freight blaster I've got does what it's supposed to do - sandblast!

My compressor can't keep up with the sandblaster, so everyone once in awhile I'll let it catch up.

The secret is to start blasting again before it shuts off..........

That way it never shuts off, and you gain time because the compressor keeps going when it would normally be off. (Instead of just running off the tank, you're running off the tank and the compressor).

The gain in run time depends on how close your compressor can come to supplying the air volume.........

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

Yup; I have a 5 HP TWO STAGE with a cast iron 4 cylinder pump, 80 gallon tank. (I would never consider a single stage for blasting) This is the 1st compressor I have had that would keep up with blasting; I think I burnt up at least 3-4 motors on the old 70s Crapsman (they were not as bad then) 30 gallon portable Dad had when I was a kid) that comp is still there, not been used since Dad died. my brother left a 5 HP-60 gal "Sanborn" single stage (alum pump) up there; it gets used to air up tires on Mom's car whenever I stop by (damn aluminum rim corrosion; I can't remember exactly how many times these have been buffed and rattle can clear coated-- stock 98 Intrepid wheels--- nother story nevermind) but even though that POS is a "5 HP" you'd need to run probably 3 of them in series, to put out the same volume as my 5 HP dual stage. Works OK for what they use it for though. (and sandblasting is not on the list)
The main thing in a residential area is you probably do not have access to 3 phase electricity so watch for that but check out your local classifieds, Craigslist and the like; mine was the best $500 I ever spent on tools/equip next to the money spent on jacks and stands.
If you find yourself debating between a couple of machines, go with the bigger unit if at all possible; you will be glad you did. down the road.
BTW, mine is made by Emglo, about an '87 model; Champion and Quincy are probably the 2 best. (USA made, completely serviceable, parts available--- if you should ever meed them-- definitely not "throwaway" units) speanking of which; STAY AWAY FROM THE OIL LESS ones; they are louder and NOT very well made; talk about "throwaway".......