If you do plan on sandblasting glass, you will obviously need an air compressor. The photo on the left shows an example of the 2 compressors in my garage (a 1 stage & larger 2 stage). The selection of an air compressor can sometimes get confusing because of various ratings and types available. The specifications to look at when buying an air compressor are the “CFM” rating, maximum air pressure output, air tank size, and the horsepower of the engine.
The horsepower of the engine will usually go hand and hand with the amount of air power the compressor generates. In addition to this, you can also consider the type of air compressor such as an electric or gas powered engine and a single or two stage compressor. Usually a single stage compressor will work for a pressure pot. My rule of thumb is to buy an air compressor based on the requirements given from the manufacturer at least or better. Sometimes when I am blasting smaller items, I can easily get away from the minimum requirements, but if you’re doing this a lot or work often then you should follow the air requirements.
Listed below are the air/sand supply requirements for the Central Pneumatic pressure pot from Harbor Freight. The requirements are from this particular manufacturer, but they should be fairly similar to other brands.
| Hose ID | Nozzle ID | Compressor HP | CFM@ 125 PSI | Sand Use per Hour |
| 3/8” | 0.1” | 2 | 6 | 60 lbs. |
| 3/8” | 0.125” | 4 | 12 | 100 lbs. |
| ½” | 0.15” | 7 | 20 | 150 lbs. |
| ½” | 0.175” | 10 | 25 | 200 lbs. |
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Thanks Eric
what type of air compress i should use
for 10″x13″ glass?thanks
Really anything will work. Just make sure that the air compressor meets the minimum air requirements- but a larger one is better. It depends on the size of the sandblaster and nozzle size. You can go with the gasoline powered one or the electric one. Then there are regular ones and two stage compressors. As long as you following the requirements- the compressor type is up to your preference, but you would prefer the larger ones.
Depends on the size of room to cool. If using a box fan, put it in the window on . Sucks out all of the hot air. Maybe at night, put it on to blow the cool air in. First thing in the monnirg, close all windows and drapery. (Keep the cool air in).
Pls. i have been wanting to get more information on best procedures for sandblasting on glass and wood please i need more info on this
Please I need more information.because m starting New shop of glass design work.so please give me more information about compressor. And aching work
Hi
I have a 2.5 hp compressor 24ltr tank. Will this be suitable for glass etching.
Regards Glyn
i have 1 hp compressor but frome this can we do deep glass etching?
@shivakumar, you will probably need something more about 2 hp or more, but it depends on the size of the Inner Diameter of the nozzle used. Deep etching typically needs to be blasted at 60-90 psi. I have the chart of estimated CFM needed per a desired PSI in the Glass Etching Secrets ebook but need to post it here soon.
Eric, I have an electric tire inflator I use to blow up my RV tires to 125psi. Can I rig this up to etch glass? Thanks,–Joe
@Joe, it might be possibly for very light sandblasting with a mini sandblaster. But overall it is really dependent on the CFM output and the nozzle ID being used.
Hello Eric,
I’m planning to buy an air compressor, sandblaster and/or blasting cabinet if needed and I’m very confused on which one to buy. The question is, for the air compressor, what is the maximum CFM/SCFM and the PSI that is required to do these projects, etching glass and mirrors. I’m also planning to do big and small projects for my business. Guide me on which air compressor to get.
Thank you,
Luiz
Please information glass etching machine