Anyone here using a media blaster?

[Baz]

Interested in using some kind of blaster to remove paint from my concrete steps and block home but also would come in handy for restoration work on vehicles and equipment.

Seems like soda blasting would be best for the environment.

I've looked very briefly at machines sold by Eastwood and HF but what would really help would be personal testimony so appreciate any input from the brain trust here.

TIA!

[beepbeep]

I used soda blaster to remove paint from car for touch-up. Soda is a mild abrasive and blasting with it is messy affair. Sand is much better (but usually needs a booth).

For cleaning up pavement, I find hi-pressure washer better alternative.

[cabmandone]

If you're just cleaning paint from concrete just rent a hot water pressure washer. No dust.
I used one of the smaller HF pot blasters and wasn't impressed. You need A LOT of air to run a pot blaster. My compressor was more than enough but I just wasn't impressed with the blaster overall. I owned a large pot blaster with an Atlas Copco 150CFM diesel fired compressor Now THAT would remove paint.
What are you planning to blast on cars? I only ask because even with soda you can warp panels.

[dad911]

We typically use pressure washer for house exterior, but that will only get the loose stuff off. I've stripped sealer off of a concrete patio with soygel followed by a power washer.

I have a Harbor Freight blast cabinet, but tuned it up with gun, foot pedal and pickup from TP tools. TP Tools & Equipment

You need ALOT of air for sand blasting. Alot. Big tank.

[schwarz633]

Abrasive kit for pressure washer:

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200660204_200660204

[fred cook]

Somebody ought to blast those varmints for all the fake news they are publishing! An oversized laser cannon should do the trick!

[Baz]

Thanks for the replies so far.

My pressure washer is on it's last legs so I will be getting a replacement in the very near future.

I have pressure washed old paint before and it does decent job if the paint is not super cured into it's substrata.

In some cases just getting all the "loose" stuff off is good enough but in others I would really like to get back down to the original surface.

This is the case for both house and vehicle/equipment applications.

Thus my interest in media blasting as an additional option.

My air compressor may not be strong enough for some of these machines that are built for blasting too....so that's something for me to consider.

I also realize that investing in a larger compressor and larger pressure washer may not be practical if it's just to accommodate my blasting "needs".

Ergo - sometimes it's more practical to bring someone in on a case by case basis.

That said - I enjoy the freedom of doing things myself so wanted to tap into the collective here to hear about your experiences.

Thanks for any continued input and thoughts.....really appreciate it!

[gr8fl4porsche]

Rent a big power washer. 25-30 HP.

5000 psi with the right tip will strip the paint off about anything.

Avoid blasting concrete and cmu with sand as you will remove more than just the paint.

A small soda blaster will be rediculously slow.

A coat of eco friendly paint stripper before blasting goes a long way as well.

[cabmandone]

Hot water is the answer to removing the paint from concrete. My 4000 psi (adjustable) pressure washer with a turbo nozzle or without will take the paint off of any concrete and I really don't care how long it has been there. BTW, I have a "water blaster" that connects to a pressure washer and uses suction to pull the sand into the water stream... Not impressed.

[GWN7]

If your worried about damaging the bricks take a look at dry ice blasting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqHyJ6IaOsE

[widebody911]

I have one of the 100lb Harbor Freight blasters - bought it in the mid-90's. It sucked. I ended up replacing the hose and nozzle with professional-grade pieces, and it's much more usable now. At the time, if I'd just bought the "right" stuff the first time vs upgrading the HF stuff, it would have been about $75. I've been using #80 garnet with a 3/32 nozzle and it works great

[sc_rufctr]

The ultimate!

[GWN7]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

The ultimate!

Except the "Dustless Blasters" uses glass beads

[Baz]

Hey everyone.....thought I'd post a brief update on my blaster thread.

I have a buddy who worked at the cape for many years (rocketland as they call it ) and he has a fair amount of experience doing body work and such. He had this little metal blaster can that I borrowed just to try out and it really worked good - for small applications, which is what I have a lot of.

Here's what his can looks like...it's disassembled in the pic, obviously but you get the idea.



So I think I will order one of these from Amazon because the reviews are pretty good. Will keep the thread posted.



Couple other details....I used white sand from a bag that is used to top dress pavers and poured it into several containers and left it in the sun to fully dry out before using. That made all the difference in the world. Also, I ended up buying a used power washer from CL to do my steps and it basically did the job I needed.

[Cooper911SC]

I have a HF blast cabinet with very fine sand in it for restoration work in the shop. Great for wiper arms, engine tin and other smaller parts.

Also have a Speed Blaster, works great for small jobs outdoors. Blasted some hinges on our wrought iron fence out front (200’ Away) before welding on support gussets. Makes a mess, but gets ‘er done.

Multiple refills are a PITA if you’re blasting something the size of a 15” steel wheel...

Obviously wear hand, face/eye protection. A hat is great too...sandy tish gets everywhere.

[Bill Douglas]

You guys are doing better than me. I bought one that looks like Baz's blue one in the pic. It is useless.

I visualized using it for small spots of rust and getting a really clean fresh surface. It doesn't seem to have the mojo, but if I fire it at my hand even a foot away I can feel it sure is working. Just too mild I suspect.

I also thought it would be good for cleaning up welds before painting but I don't think it would manage this either.

[mepstein]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

The ultimate!

Only in the commercials. Doesn't work well in real life.

[fastfredracing]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

You guys are doing better than me. I bought one that looks like Baz's blue one in the pic. It is useless.

I visualized using it for small spots of rust and getting a really clean fresh surface. It doesn't seem to have the mojo, but if I fire it at my hand even a foot away I can feel it sure is working. Just too mild I suspect.

I also thought it would be good for cleaning up welds before painting but I don't think it would manage this either.

I have one , and like it for what it is. Quick and dirty for little spots, and maybe a quick blast before welding. I run 165 psi line pressure . Maybe it helps. also, the size media you use will make a big difference.. The finer stuff, while less aggressive, seems to flow through the smaller nozzles easier .
I also have been using a modified HF pressure pot, with a better hose, and nozzle set up. Works pretty good for what it is .

[Bill Douglas]

Thanks. I don't think I had my psi high enough. I'd been using the fine grade garnet but may do the bake it absolutely dry thing too.