Compressor for orbital?

E

EvolutionX

New member
I'm looking at the 3M orbital to do some color sanding. I read it takes a big compressir to run it effeciantly when doing a whole car. I'm curious what is the smallest compressor I could get away with if I was just planning on doing 1 panel a day?


Thanks
 
I have used my small home compressor with just fine results. Trick is to have a large enough tank, the compressor is not really the issues. 


You want a tank that can hold enough volume that you do not have a drop in pressure while sanding as that will slow the sander down. If you go with a small tank then you should just keep an eye on the pressure in the tank and down work when it is below the optimal pressure of the tank and wait for the pump to re-fill the tank. 


Mine is a 6.3gal tank with an electric pump putting out 1hp. 


If you do use it often go for a unit where you can service it (change the oil) as it will extend the life of the compressor. Mine is a sealed unit so it's not made for lots of use. 
 
One other thing to look into is they offer valves that go in line with the air line and sander that allow you to control the air pressure being applied to the sander. This is a more effective way of controlling the air flow because if you are sanding with a small tank and the pump kicks on you will have an increase in speed from the orbital sander. 


Hope this all helps. 
 
Thanks. I was thinking this one from Harbor Freight


26 gal. 1.8 HP 150 PSI Oilless Air Compressor


Says 4 CSM at 90 PSI. I read the orbital needs 17 CSM but wasn't sure if that was to use it to do a whole car at a time.
 
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