Different types of cleaning/blasting plus few pics

[Alan.UK]

Hi,

Just found these pics which were taken when testing different blasting to see what finish was best suited.

Just for interest sake, the first is cleaning by hand, yuck! and very boring, then fine grit and then vapour blasting. The vapour leaves a nice factory looking finish.



I also get most things done also before they get plated as it gives a much better and stronger finish. Items which are placed under high stress are also baked to prevent embrittlement.

Some parts after vapour blasting but before plating



Same bits after plating

[Briana]

What is vapour blasting? I've never heard of it.

[Alan.UK]

"The vapour blasting method combines water pressure with air pressure and selected glass beads. This gives a much harder, wheather enduring, silky sheen finish. By comparison, conventional beadblasting gives a dull powdery finish which both stains and wheathers much quicker. "

I borrowed this text and hope it helps.

[randywebb]

This is very interesting....

Do you know if vapour blasting is new?

Is it commonly avaialble? (I know we are on different continents, but if common there it might just be common here).

And, it appears that plating is still needed on ferrous metals after doing ti - how about on nonrusting alloys?

[RPKESQ]

Vapor blasting has been around for a long time. I have used it for 18 years myself. But it can be hard to find someone with the equipment. Try the Yellow pages under sand blasting or metal refinishing.

[jpnovak]

Cool! That is like wet sanding with a gun.

[RickM]

Is this pretty much water blasting and does the use of water keep the dust down? I'd assume so and think it would make it more attractive for a DIYer.

[Alan.UK]

Hi,

Randy, with aluminium, I get re-anodized. I think the S callipers were done in this pic.

[Alan.UK]

While I remember if you anodize S calipers make sure they cover the steel pins.

Alan

[randywebb]

Thanks - that sure looks like a nice way to go.

[Alan.UK]

Thanks Randy,

I have done most of the parts but the shell still needs some work. Stripping the under seal by hand takes some work but it is a RHD 70S, one of 34 (I am informed) produced. Since the picture was taken the car has been completely stripped, blasted and etched. A lot of new Porsche panels are on their way.



Thanks

Alan

[Walko]

Car looks farily well stripped. Does the vapour blasting have any bad effects on the metal?

Michael

[Alan.UK]

None that I know of Michael.