Media Blaster

[JGalt]

Does anyone have experience and/or a recommendation for a stand alone media blaster for a home shop? Space is not an issue, but I do not want one that needs to be placed on a table. I am also interested in what size/capacity/cfm air compressor would be required to feed one, short of going to a large 240v shop type compressor. Any issues with siphon type system? Easily changeover from sand/glass to walnut shells? Minimum dimension for access door.

[tom1394racing]

I have been using the large blasting unit available from Eastwood. It runs off my 6.5 HP compressor and does a great job with either glass bead or silicon carbide for cleaning up everything from suspension parts to piston tops. It is a suction blaster rather than a pressure blaster. Pressure blasters are supposed to have more blasting power but are more expensive and probably not needed for the home shop.

[Scott R]

I have a Harbor Freight blasting cabinet, and it's done very well for me:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=38440

I was using a siphon but it was driving me nuts, they clog easily, and it takes a ton of air to get it going. I switched to a pressure unit, this one:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=34202

That being said I don't think I could do much blasing with a small compressor, I have a 90gallon 208V and it's just about right for sandblasting and running DA's and such.

At any rate the equipment at $89 a piece is worth it for me, I retore all sorts of cars, and you should see what a cleaned up pair of heater boxes look like!

[RickM]

I have the second HF unit mentioned by Scott. It's gets air from a 7 HP / 60 Gallon compressor. Highly recommend.

[Joeaksa]

Use a table model HF blast cabinet and it works fine, but wish I had a stand up model. I have a 6.5 hp compressor, 220v and it has no problem staying up with it, while my old 3 hp 110v unit would run forever trying to keep up.

Door size? What are you going to put in the box? How much money do you want to spend? Get the largest you have money and room for. You will appreciate it later!

joeA

[gestalt1]

i got a benchtop blaster from tool america - there on ebay. it cost me around $150 with shipping. it's about 22x32x22 and is a good size for most parts, not big enough for wheels however. i use the aluminum oxide media to strip paint and rust and it works ok. the blast gun clogs easily and the hose/fittings are really cheap. the box is metal and is bolted together - i would seal the seams with caulk because the media does get out. i think the internal light is a must - when blasting there is a lot of dust and the window turns almost opaque in no time. the blaster is nice to have but for difficult parts i would send them out to a professional. i have a set of bbs basket weave magnesium wheel centers and there is no way i'm blasting them myself.

[Zeke]

Originally posted by gestalt1
... i have a set of bbs basket weave magnesium wheel centers and there is no way i'm blasting them myself.

And you should be careful to whom you take those to and with what they use. Not saying you don't have a good guy. But the average idiot with a gun and abrasive medium (read speed = profit) can make a mess out of those.

I would take them to the powder coater directly because he has something vested in the outcome. On second thought, maybe the PC'r can hide his mistakes.

I don't know, I'd just look out for those. (I have some BBS one piece wheels)

[tom1394racing]

I took Scott's and Rick's advice and bought a pressure blast unit from Eastwood and adapted it to my blast cabinet. Works really well but the dead man valve for blasting is pretty cumbersome to manipulate into the tight spots.

Does anyone know of an alternative lighter weight presuure blast nozzle?

[vizail]

Hey Guys
Let see some work performed by the Blasters.
Some Pix will be real nice

Vic

[rick-l]

Originally posted by Scott R
I have a Harbor Freight blasting cabinet, and it's done very well for me:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=38440

If you get the Harbor Freight one that has a door on the side, if you have something big you can stick it int there and leave the door open

[vizail]

How A bout Some Work

Vic

[RallyJon]

Originally posted by vizail
How A bout Some Work

[David E. Clark]

Originally posted by Joeaksa
Get the largest you have money and room for. You will appreciate it later!

Your original post said that space is not an issue. It this is true, follow the above advice. You'll be happy you did.