Well then, this is the patrol edition of our continuing wet blast purchase plan.
To use a proper wet blaster, you need a compressor with real power. The compressor we’re currently using at the shop is probably a small used model I bought 22 years ago. *Good durability—that’s the quality of Made in Japan from its golden era.
When it comes to compressors, “Hitachi Baby Con” comes to mind. Since we’re spending money on the wet blaster, I’ll aim for a low budget and a reliable direction.
Since it will mainly be used for wet blasting, I’ll choose based on solid performance.
Target specifications
Power: 7.5 kW
Air discharge volume: 200 L/min or more
Japanese manufacturer
New
Basically, I’m not overthinking these four points. There are several types of compressor designs, but the price skyrockets when you go for quiet, packaged models. Since I can quiet down the compressor noise myself, if it becomes an issue, I’m thinking of building a soundproof box.
Higher output means higher price—I’m like Urashima Taro.
The Meiji packaged compressor I’m currently using was bought used 22 years ago when I started the shop. Despite not maintaining it very seriously, it’s incredibly durable. That’s the quality of Made in Japan from its glorious era.
It had one electrical issue, but it’s been running normally ever since. Since this compressor is old, both its power and tank capacity are small, making it unsuitable for wet blasting.
Given the time that’s passed, it’s probably nearing its limit, so the timing seems right. Back then, I think the compressor we were using cost around 100,000 yen from a used machinery dealer.
This time I’m getting a new one, and I thought it would feel nice to have something new, so I checked the price…
I had the impression that this type of compressor was selling for around 250,000 yen, but I was way off (；∀；) I might have to switch from new to used.
For now, I’ve narrowed it down to two Hitachi Baby Con models: 7.5P-9.5VP5 and VP6
A common manufacturer catalog issue—the notation is really confusing, isn’t it? The difference between VP5 and VP6 is…
Basically they’re the same, just different frequencies. I wish they’d made it clearer—everyone thinks so.
Looking at this compressor’s shape, I suddenly thought: why is it horizontal? I thought it would be better if it were vertical, but when creating compressed air, water accumulates at the bottom, so it has to be horizontal.
ポチップ
