Keeping Sand Blaster Dry

I got one of the HF sand blaster cabinets on legs to handle all the parts I need prepping. Problem is moisture after working for a short period of time. I have one of the moisture trap clear plastic things, but still getting moisture. The compressor is one of the bigger Sears uprights, 33 gal as I recall. Anyone else have this issue? I know professional shops have fancy units but that's out if the budget. Suggestions please.

 

Drain the compressor tank regularly and religiously of all moisture. Before use drain the moisture separator and make sure it is mounted upright in the right direction. Make sure your compressor has free airflow in and the air lines have as few bends as possible. If you have a long run to the cabinet add another water separator halfway through the run. Air heats up a surprising amount flowing through the air lines then when it cools back down moisture comes out of the air and recondenses in the lines. The more turns in your lines you have the worse this becomes as the water settles in the low spots. Too small of a line can exacerbate the air heating issue as the restriction can cause the air to heat up even more.

 

Good point. Right now it's just going thru my long hose I keep on it. I think I'll try a short hose and see if it helps. Thanks.

 

get a motorguard canister filter that holds a roll of toilet paper http://www.amazon.com/Motor-Guard-M...1460891400&sr=8-1&keywords=motor+guard+filter

 

As in real roll of toilet paper?

 

Besides what was mentioned above keep the blast cabinet closed and away from open doors and such. The sand will draw moisture from the air.
When not using it for extended time drain the sand and store it in sealed containers. We store ours in the resealable pails the sand came in after use. Keeps the moisture down real well.

 

yup has a filter that runs about 7 bucks i use dollar store toilet paper no water or oil gets by the paper,lasts about a week under heavy use, and i let the wet ones dry out and use em again.

 

Good news to report today. I moved the trap from coming out of the compressor to right in front of the cabinet and problem solved. And it worked great. Had to drain the trap part way thru today. Thanks nickmill.

 

A guy I know cooled his air before his moisture trap. I think he ran it outside to a coil of tubing in a tub of water or something like that. I assume it worked for him. He mainly wanted the air dry when he was painting.

 

I run 3/4 galvanized pipe out of a large moisture separator at the compressor. I have about 20' of pipe running two directions out of the compressor with 12" drops with draincocks. After an hour of blasting, the pipe is so hot you can barely keep your hand on it. Keeping the air cool is key to keeping condensation to a minimum.
Like Nick said, drain the tank religiously!
-Donny