[Kevin in NJ]

After a gazillion hours with my bead booth.

I lucked into a 1946 vintage compressor (still made today) with a 60's Ajax real 5HP (take 22amps at 220V). Paid $300 from craigslist. The caps on top the cylinder were loose and leaky so it was not putting out enough air. Catches up with by TP Tools booth so it makes plenty of air.

As mentioned. Do not bother with ceramic nozzles- a complete waste. Get carbide.

The older vacuums for the TP cabinets had the motor exposed to the dust at the one end. The bearing will go bad. If you put the HEPA conversion kit it will prevent it from happening.

I added an extra light. You can never have enough light in there. You would be surprised at how many places you miss when the inner glass protector is a little hazy and you do not have the light right.

Get plenty of extra glass protectors.

I have a 960 cabinet. A decent size, but some parts do not fit. I drilled a 3/4" hole in the door so I could do brake rods. At one time I did a temp card board extender with some duct tape for a part.

I am tall and added a 10 box on the bottom so it is more comfy.

Recycled glass is a decent cut. You will find you need different stuff depending.

You can cut down the time in the booth with electrolytic rust removal for some parts like wheels or heavy rust removal. This saves electric too.