The purchase of a blast compressor is a significant investment for any business. These intuitive machine tools are essential for sandblasting, paint removal, and surface cleaning applications. That being said, most buyers end up making expensive mistakes when purchasing their equipment. You can make an informed buying decision and save money by avoiding these common mistakes.
Blast compressors are air compressors specifically designed to power sandblasting devices. They are used to develop pressure air that forces abrasives down a hose and nozzle. Through this process, paint, rust, and other materials on the metal and the concrete surfaces are removed.
These compressors are not ordinary shop compressors. They require long periods of high pressure and steady airflow. The continuous demands of blasting work usually cannot be met by regular compressors.
The worst strategic error made by buyers is a lack of understanding of their air requirements. The blasting work will require various volumes and pressures of air. Purchasing a compressor that is too small will slow down your work and annoy your crew.
The majority of sandblasting nozzles require an air flow of 185 to 375 cubic feet per minute. The pressure must not be less than 100 PSI; however, most jobs are better at 150 PSI or better.
Check the needs of your blasting equipment and then shop. See what the manufacturer says about air flow and pressure. More capacity is required when running two or more blast pots or nozzles simultaneously.
Consider the air tools you could use with your air compressor. In addition to the blasting equipment, you may also require air to clean up, paint, or other shop equipment. Divide all these needs by the total air requirement.
Do not miss air loss in fittings and hoses. Long hoses and various connectors reduce the air pressure applied to your tools. This loss should also be factored into the compressor sizing.
It has been observed that many buyers purchase diesel compressors without considering other alternatives. Some jobs may be better suited to electric compressors, although diesel is standard.
Electric compressors are quieter in operation with no exhaust fumes. They also perform well in enclosed working environments or in cities with limited noise levels. They are also cheaper to maintain since the parts that move are few.
Diesel compressors are small in size and can be deployed anywhere. They are suitable for outdoor work or where there is no power supply. They require regular maintenance, though, and emit noise and fumes. Check the place where the compressor will be used most frequently. Assuming that you work primarily in your shop, where the electrical supply is good, a bit of money could be saved with an electric unit. In the case of mobile work, diesel is a more suitable option.
To save the initial cost, some customers prefer relatively small compressors. This sounds clever, but it usually causes trouble later. When heavy blasting is required, the small compressors work harder until they wear out.
It is impossible to use a compressor that is too small to serve your blasting equipment. This makes it slow and lowers productivity. Your crew will also waste more time awaiting the accumulation of air pressure.
Compressors that are undersized have a higher fuel or electricity consumption per cubic foot of air expansion. A bigger and correctly sized compressor is actually cheaper to operate in the long run.
Consider the way your business can expand. Do you want to add additional blasting equipment? Will you do larger jobs that require more air capacity? You can save the hassle of having to upgrade later by purchasing a slightly larger compressor now.
The price difference between compressor sizes in most cases is far less than that of purchasing two separate units. This is why it is important to plan to avoid this costly error.
Different manufacturers of compressors do not all match. Depending on their companies, certain companies are more reputable in terms of quality and service. It is costly to purchase a product from an unfamiliar or insecure manufacturer.
Study the company, and buy. How is their longevity in the business? What are the comments made by the other customers about their products? Are they friendly in the way they communicate with their customers and technical support?
Check to see if the manufacturer has licensed state dealers or service facilities in your area. Local support makes it significantly easier to obtain parts and service. Read warranty conditions. Good manufacturers offer a wide warranty with their products. You should avoid companies that provide minimal coverage or those with numerous warranty exclusions.
Purchase price is only the starting point of your compressor expenses. Maintenance, repair, and other replacement costs accumulate throughout the machine's life. Many buyers often overlook these ongoing expenses.
There are compressor designs with different maintenance requirements. Particular service procedures or parts, which are costly, are required in some models. Some are made to be serviced using conventional components.
Learn about everyday maintenance expenses before making a purchase. Determine the frequency of accessing these primary services and their corresponding prices. Include such expenses in your average comparative cost.
Ensure that your compressor has easy sourcing of replacement parts. Other manufacturers stop producing parts for older models, leaving you with a costly paperweight.
See whether any usual wear components, such as air filters, oil, and belts, can be purchased locally. The ordered special parts, when they fail, can result in expensive downtime.
A large number of blast compressors have to be transported between worksites. But buyers occasionally select units that lack easy transportation or installation. Consider how you will carry your compressor. Does it have a good trailer or skid design? Do the cranes have lifting points? Will your trucks be able to take the weight?
Consider the issue of setting up time at the work sites. Certain compressors require a longer start-up time than others. Complex setup procedures are time and money wasters on each job. Ground clearance and approach are crucial when working in rugged areas. Components mounted in low positions may be damaged on bad roads or uneven surfaces.
Other consumers buy compressors without running them and trying to see how they work. This oversight will create unpleasant postpartum surprises. Always request a demonstration or check the compressor before purchasing. Verify that it is reaching rated pressure and flow. Monitor suspicious sounds or vibrations that may indicate potential issues.
Check the control system and the safety control system. Check the gauges to ensure that the safety valves are in place and functioning correctly. Ensure a smooth start and easy engine operation. When purchasing secondhand equipment, ensure a trained mechanic has inspected it. Specific issues may cost someone thousands to repair once the item is purchased.
Do not simply believe advertising claims about performance. Request official test data or a third-party review. Other manufacturers inflate their specs as a way of making sales. You can bring your own gauges in case you want to check pressure and flow indications. Compare the performance with the specifications that you were promised.
Most companies purchase compressors without giving their users proper training. That results in costly errors, untimely wear and tear, and safety issues. Daily inspections, procedures, and general maintenance are met with proper training. Operators must know how to identify the problems before they cause significant harm.
Ask whether the manufacturer comes with training with the purchase. Other businesses also offer operator training as a package deal. Some go the extra mile and offer highly detailed programs. Set aside training time when budgeting to address your purchase. Training operators costs money now, but it will cost a lot more later.
These are just some of the mistakes that you can avoid to save thousands of dollars and precious time. Take the time to research your options and determine what you need.
It is essential to remember that the lowest-cost compressor is not always the most profitable. Pay attention to the total cost of ownership, such as the cost (buying price), operating cost, and maintenance cost.