Question on Bead Blast Cabinet and Compressor

[TEX]

This question is for anyone who has used this equipment extensively. I am contemplating the purchase of a medium size blast cabinet for low volume small parts. The cabinet I am looking at, which comes with all the fittings (hoses, nozzle, etc.) is indicated as needing a 5hp compressor capable of putting out 12cfm at 40-50psi. I already have a small compressor that is rated at 2hp and 6cfm at 90psi. The question is; am I going to be able to get by with the compressor I have? It has a rather large receiver tank on it (about the size of a 20 gallon water heater). I have used a blast cabinet at work on many occasions, but it was hooked up to 110-psi plant air system that was all but inexhaustible. I am thinking that I will be able to get by with what I have, but may have to stop ever so often to let the pressure in the tank build back up. Or, does 6cfm at 90psi work out to be about the same as 12cfm at 40psi? Any help would be appreciated.

TEX

 

[Sam]

You can hook up the 2 hp and blast for 15 seconds and wait 4 minb to recharge or you can get a proper sized compressor.
Even a 5 hp won't give you a 100 % duty cycle.
Always get the absolute biggest one you can afford because ther is no such thing as too much air.

Sam

 

[asknight]

Sam's right. You'll burn up your small compressor in short order running it at max duty cycle on a bead blast cabinet.

6CFM @ 90PSI won't give you the results you're looking for. You will barely move any particles, but when they come out @ 90PSI you're going to be doing some serious, uncontrollable blasting of the project.

More air at a lower PSI is a lot more controllable and you will be able to work up to your desired finish level much better.