Learn me up on Sand Blast Cabinets

[Rusty Heap]

I'm in the market for a full sized upright blaster cabinet, no weenie bench top models need apply.

I've got a big 80 gallon 2 stage 175 PSI compressor to drive it so PSI and CFM isn't an issue.

The winner so far for price and features comes from Summit Racing, so I'm hoping it's of "decent" quality, and heck they beat Harbor Freight by almost $70-80 bucks.

Summit Racing SUM-919050 - Summit Racing® Vertical Sandblasting Cabinets - Overview - SummitRacing.com


I've done some web browsing, and hear about people doing better mods with pressure pots, better guns/tips, foot pedals, additional lighting, peel-offs for the viewing window, what other critical components should I be judging on.......???

A) What's a good all-around cabinet, seals seem very important to eliminate sand leakage.

B) Vac system is a must to keep dust down?

C) Best all around media to use? Walnut shell, glass bead, silica, what grain size for multi-use on steel, iron, aluminum, and un-obtanium?

D) Is a top load door really needed, or will a side door be adequate for anything but long heavy stuff like axles?

I'm just looking at doing mid sized parts for clean-up / rust removal, home use, but have wanted one for ever.......and I buy big and try and do it right the first time.

I've got a motorcycle head pipe to clean up, so instead of just taking it somewhere for $20-30 clean up I have to spend $250 on a cabinet.........grins........merry christmas to me.

Thoughts on the Summit Racing Unit for only $209 plus $12 shipping? That seems like a smoking good deal as it's not much more than the dinky benchtop units.

[targa911S]

Lighting is essential. The one I have used the light sucked. I had to put a spot light on top of the outside glass. ya gotta see what yer doin'.

I have had the best luck with glass bead media.

Vas system? Big yes.

Side door works as well as anything. The one I use can do a 30 inch gun barrel no problem.

just looked at the Summit model and it IS the one I'm using. It's my BILaws so I didn't pay attention to the make, but visually it's the same one. So get a better light.

[dad911]

I bought a Harbor-freight cabinet, added a footswitch and replaced the gun with parts from here: Abrasive Blasters - Kits - TP Tools & Equipment

[K9Torro]

770 Mini Cab Abrasive Blasting Cabinet - TP Tools & Equipment

or I will just sell you my bench top blaster if you want buy it,

Todd

[Rusty Heap]

Good stuff so far.

So With a wet/dry vac (I've got a huge one, Sears Biggest 20-25 gallon units) what fine filter media type sock do you use as a dust pre-filter over the pleated main vac boulder catcher filter?

And the foot pedal, is that for "throttle control - proportional control" or just a foot operated on/off control to minimize trigger finger cramps from the pistol grip gun?

A lot of people say the venturi suction even with the tapered bottom sucks (ha ha literaly) and to go with a pressurized system?


keep up the good tips and experiences, thanks everyone.

[Joeaksa]

Good lights, big door and a vacuum is a must. You have a good compressor so thats a big part of it.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Need recommendation on blast cabinet

[Rusty Heap]

Shaun, THANKS man............weird, your post didn't show up even after 2-3 pelican searches on the subject. Your post answered 95% of my questions.

now 2 years later after your 2007 purchase, you still happy with it, and any mods or changes you'd suggest?

cool dood, thanks for the link, I'm where you were 2 years ago.

sometimes the search feature doesn't even find MY own posts I've made, and I scratch my head over that.

dave

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Hi Dave,

I love the cabinet, works like a champ. I've replaced the plexiglass once (just cut some lexan from Home Depot) and need to replace the light, it's pretty dead, but it has seen a lot of life.

I wish I had a bigger compressor. Was supposed to get one but company came first.

I use glass, current media is used up but again, got my money's worth. For delicate items, soda is awesome, just go to your local pool store. Did the CD with it, shown here:

Early Engine Bay Electrical Panel Restoration