Media Blasting Question

[mudman]

I am considering purchasing a cabinet media blaster but have a few questions. I have seen decent quality self-contained units for $250-350. Good size (leaf springs would fit, engine sheet metal, maybe bicycle frame) and no external hopper required. My question is: is this what you guys use? Is this similar to what pros use? I think it would be extremely handy with all the projects I do and I have the space in the garage. Also, the units I've seen didn't have compressor requirements listed, is a 60gal, 6hp, 11gpm@90psi going to give desired resuslts on parts refinishing? Any input is greatly appreciated!

-Jeremy

[RickM]

Your compressor sounds like a decent candidate for blasting. Actually volume (high CFM rating) is king for this type of work.

Does the cabinet recycle the media? Have a decent internal work light?

Show us a pic or link so we can take a closer look.

[mudman]

OOOOPPPS. mmmmyeah, that is 11cfm@90psi. I didn't even look to see if it had a light (Rick, it is people like you who are going to save the world from people like me). I saw these at a nice tool store (buying SK tools last weekend), I'll take pics this weekend when I go back to drool. What else should I look for. Yes, it is a recycling unit, looks to hold 5-10 gallons of media. They sell the media and replacement parts at the same store. On media: they sell garnet, alu oxide, and one other, but no glass or plastic. What should I stock up on/have in the shop to start with?
-Jeremy

[RickM]

Jeremy,

For the most part glass and plastic are what's recommended here. It comes in different "grits" and can be suitable for a wide range of jobs. I could be wrong but the media you mention are quite aggresive.

Can you get the brand and model from the store? Then we can just look it up on the net. Personally I'd use a separate blaster unit (pressurized not siphon). Then it is somewhat portable. But that's just my preference.

You also want an easily replaceable window for viewing along with integrated work gloves. The more standard the parts the better. Then you're not stuck with replacement parts from one manufacturer (if possible).

[RickM]

Another accessory to consider is a dust containment/control system. The airborne waste is nasty on the lungs. Sometimes a shopvac is used in conunction with a water based waste separator.

On the other side of the sytem you want a head on moisture separator to insure very dry air.


Couple of informative links:

http://www.kehm.com/media.htm

http://clean.rti.org/alt.cfm?id=ab&cat=gi

[mudman]

Rick, the 'better' quality unit is a Clarke, I'm not sure of the model #. It did have replaceable window and integrated gloves (also replaceable). If I understand the siphon/pressurized idea, it was pressurized (I have a siphon sandblast gun that is a POS). I'll call the store later and do some research online. Also, I'm going to be buying some new tools soon, specifically a set of wrenches. I really like SK stuff, my dad has had some since he was young and it still looks good and works, but I am put off by the thousands of online stores that carry the stuff all with differing prices. I hate to buy stuff in a dirty poorly managed poorly merchandized unfriendly brick-n-mortar(especially when it is 10-30% more) but I'm worried about the fly-by-night web stores. Do you ever order tools online? If so, from who? Thanks a lot Rick!
-Jeremy

[mudman]

Thanks for those links Rick. Do you mean an air dryer on my air line?

[RickM]

For occasional use an air dryer may be overkill. One of these should be good... http://www.eastwoodco.com/email/default.asp?T1=34103


Regarding tools....I typically go to Sears.

[mudman]

Some of those system reqmnts are a little out of my need! Huge cfm!! Anyway, this is the 'lesser' model that I was looking at:

PK36 Side Door Opening Blaster - $299.00
Overall Dimensions: 58" H x 36.5" W x 24.5" D
Working Dimensions: 24" H x 36" W x 24" D
Side Door: 18" x 12"
Window: 23" x 13"
Construction: Cabinet; Thick Wall Plastic (Legs; Steel)
Gun Assembly: Trigger; 14 CFM @ 80-90 PSI
Electricals: 110 Volts
Dust Collector: Not Included
Weight: 75 Lbs. Common Carrier
Misc: Some Assembly Required

[mudman]

Rick, almost exactly what I was looking at. I was also going to install an additional particle filter after that, or would that be overkill? I do plan on learning body and paint someday.

[mudman]

On Sears; the issue that I have with Sears/Craftsman is the quality. I have 2 of each size ratchet now because I break them SO often. And the "guarantee" covers replacement with a refurbished piece. My sockets are almost a joke. Screwdrivers wear out IF I don't don't break it first (no prying, really). The worst part is that I have to drive to a crappy part of town (Scummit Place Mall in Pontiac for you Michiganians) and deal with people who can't speak English (and no, they are not foreign, heck I doubt if they even know they name of another country). Maybe I am just jaded.

[RickM]

Wow, I have great luck with returning stuff to sears. They just say "go get another one off the shelf". Is there another in your area?

[mudman]

Ther isn't much in my area, infact this Sears is a 30 min drive for me. Until a recent deletion of natural beauty I had to go 20 min to a grocery store! Nearest Porsche dealer= 45 min

[Damomma]

Mudman, I would not at all recommend the cabinet pictured above (pk36). I have that exact one and it is really a piece of junk. The side door fits very poorly and doesn't seal at all. The hinged window (plastic)comes loose the drain plug is a crummy plastic cap. The vent is a joke and the light bulb melted right through the side. Harbor Freight (1-800-423-2567) has an all metal one for $399 (item # 47603-0cwa) with free shipping, 4 ceramic nozzles, light, two doors, 163 lbs. Free shipping with coupon # 477-684-918. They have another all metal one for 299 just less features.

[mudman]

Wow, thanks for the heads up on that one! I hate cheap schit.
-Jeremy

[RickM]

And I think the HF unit Damomma describes has much lower air requirements...more suitable for your compressor.

[keithdog72]

I just recently bought a benchtop blastcabinet from harbor freight. It was on sale for 89.99. I honestly have no complaints at all. It is sealed up tight. I had to put a light in it myself, but that was no big deal at all. I couldn't be happier with the results. Think about getting a bench top, they are somewhat portable.

[Evans, Marv]

I agree with the Harbor Freight recommendation. You can walk into the store & look at them. Blast cabinets aren't rocket science to make - they're pretty simple. I think you might also look into a decent system to collect the dust. I bought one with the two external cloth bags for about $140. You can overwhelm a shop vac pretty soon using a blast cabinet. I have two cabinets, one large one like you are looking at & a smaller table top model from Harbor Freight.

[mudman]

My brother was wanting practice welding aluminum, maybe this would be a good project...

I like the table top but space isn't so much of an issue (yet) and I do have some larger projects in mind. Thanks for the info guys!!

[keithdog72]

mudman, got any pics of that falcon???? Might have some extra stuff around here from a 69 (RIP )