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CNKS
10-26-2005 17:39:56
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Re: Best setup for sandblasting?? in reply to scott#2, 10-25-2005 18:26:56
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The reply you received on the other forum is mostly correct. I have a "cheap" no name Chinese pressure pot type sandblaster from Northern Tool that has been upgraded as far as nozzles, control valve, etc. It holds about 160 lbs, powered by a 24 CFM two stage compressor. I consider this a minimal system, but it does work. I've had it less that a year, thus cannot speak for reliability, but there isn't much that can go wrong with a sandblaster. Last week I did the two cast rear wheels and rims (38 inch) and the fenders off my IH 460 Hi Utility. Used about $90 worth of sand, 12-80 lb bags. A bigger blaster will use LESS sand, mine is not efficient as far as sand use, about as cheap to hire it done, but not as convenient. Didn't time myself, probably took 3 or 4 hours, 160 lbs of sand does not last long and it takes a while to refill. That's not all bad because my compressor does not have a 100% duty cycle, so it needs time to cool off. I use my Hobby air system with a tyvec hood for protection. I cut a 3 foot or so 1/2 inch? steel pipe and put the nozzle on the end--that keeps me out of the direct path of the sand, so the tyvec or me does not get damaged. I don't need a full fledged canvas hood, and change the tear-offs occasionally for visibility. Normal clothes and work gloves, no heavy duty clothing. I use the same water trap I use for painting, the blaster also has it's own trap, absolutely no water gets into the sand. I forget the size of the tip, but the air compressor barely keeps up, if I go the next smaller size tip, I have to screen the sand as I load the tank, doubling the time. I really need about twice as much air pressure, but the thing does work. I have another air compressor, but it is single stage, I have the two hooked together, but decided to use only one as I can't seem to get the pressure of the 2 stage down enough to allow the single stage to run. I think there is a way to allow both to operate at the same time, but I haven't taken the time to figure it out yet. Bigger is better, up to your monetary limitation.
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