which compressor for sandblasting?

[callmej75]

I was noticing the sandblasting cabinet thats advertised here says its supposed to have at least 12 cfm at 40-80psi. Where could I possibly get a compressor to run this to strip old powder coating and paint? Would I have to run at least a 5hp? any help appreciated.

[jbotti1]

12 CFM would probably require something around a 3-5 HP unit. However, you could use a smaller compressor if you used a smaller nozle. It's also possible to use smaller compressor if you don't mind waiting for the compressor to catch up. However, if the compressor runs constantly it will heat up and put more water in the air. Most sandblasters won't even touch powder coating. You need a good aircraft stripper to remove powder coating.
Joe

[pickleboy]

Originally Posted by jbotti1

You need a good aircraft stripper to remove powder coating.
Joe

i agree on this sandblasting will surely remove powder but it is slow. the aircraft stripper(not the low odor version) comes in a blue 1 gallon can with an airplane on it. available at most auto parts/auto paint suppliers. it is a little costly but worth it. coat the part fairly heavy and then cover with a large garbage bag(this will keep it from evaporating to fast). let this set for about 1/2 hr. come back then a check to see if all the powder is bubbled and lifted. if so use a plastic scraper to clean the bulk of it off in the same garbage bag then throw that bag in the trash. rinse the part very well. and then go to the sand blast to prep for new powder.
btw be careful with this stripper it is nasty stuff. read and follow the safety instructions on the can. best of luck bro.

[callmej75]

Originally Posted by jbotti1

12 CFM would probably require something around a 3-5 HP unit. However, you could use a smaller compressor if you used a smaller nozle. It's also possible to use smaller compressor if you don't mind waiting for the compressor to catch up. However, if the compressor runs constantly it will heat up and put more water in the air. Most sandblasters won't even touch powder coating. You need a good aircraft stripper to remove powder coating.
Joe

Thanks for the info. I use to powder coat in Florida and I operated a $40,000 line with a 20' Oven and 5 stage prewash station and we primarily coated bare aluminum substrates and some iron. We used a good chemical company for our phosphate and acid etching stuff but I forgot the name of the company. I'm looking into purchasing caswell's iron phosphate and acid so i guess my next question would be has it been proven great for adhesion? I'm use to having 2 sample products of 1"x1" iron sticks and I would show my customers on how well the powder adhesion was by banging them together to show no flaking or peeling. We also had a hot water heater to heat up our solutions before applying and would rinse with DI water instead of city water.

[callmej75]

Originally Posted by pickleboy

i agree on this sandblasting will surely remove powder but it is slow. the aircraft stripper(not the low odor version) comes in a blue 1 gallon can with an airplane on it. available at most auto parts/auto paint suppliers. it is a little costly but worth it. coat the part fairly heavy and then cover with a large garbage bag(this will keep it from evaporating to fast). let this set for about 1/2 hr. come back then a check to see if all the powder is bubbled and lifted. if so use a plastic scraper to clean the bulk of it off in the same garbage bag then throw that bag in the trash. rinse the part very well. and then go to the sand blast to prep for new powder.
btw be careful with this stripper it is nasty stuff. read and follow the safety instructions on the can. best of luck bro.

Note taken on aircraft stripper....thats what I used to strip my skid plate on my truck and then cleaned it with the acid etching solution and phosphated heavily after that and the powder is still on it to this day with no cracking or peeling.

[callmej75]

Also I will be using an inline refrigerated air dryer so I'm not too concerned about condensation in the lines. Seemed to work well at the shop in Florida.