Jan,
The thing to consider is that the blaster you are thinking about
uses about 10 CFM at 90 psi, FOR SAND BLASTING (I assume),for
continuous blasting it uses/needs the 10 CFM. What you going to be
doing is most likely NOT a continuous process so a smaller
compressor could run continuously, pumping up the storage tank while
you are NOT blasting. So a smaller compressor, if what I have so far
stated is correct, would work in your situation.
There is a good chance you will not be using the blaster as the full
90 PSI as you are just matting the metal, not trying to blast off
rust, paint or whatever. So again you would reduce the CFM
requirements to some level.
With air compressors, I would normally rather have one too big than
too small, but again, what you are going to be using the unit for is
not REAL SAND BLASTING. A suggestion would be to go to Home Depot,
Lowe’s or some larger store in your area selling compressors, and
see if they would let you test your blaster with some of their
different compressors to see what size you, and they, think you
should get. They might allow you to try the compressors there in the
rental area with your blaster but not using media, and you could
approximate how much time you would need to blast a dummy piece and
get a better idea of the amount of air, storage and refill
requirements you need. I may not be exact but it may allow you to
have a better idea of what compressor unit you need.
As to noise, any piston/valve compressor will be noisier than a
piston/reed compressor. Reed compressors are usually, not always
cheaper and less noisy that valved compressors but a reed compressor
will usually have s shorter expected live than a valved compressor.
This is all probably way more info than you wanted (I am known for
that a) but it IS all that one would need to make a
better decision about the needed compressor.
Hope it all goes well and you get what you want and need.
John
john dach