What type of sandblaster to use?

[gsomersjr]

I'm considering the purchase of a sandblaster. Any advice? Is a cabinet model better at certain tasks? How about the tank style? I would be using the sandblaster to do small parts, wheels, hubcaps, small things. I'm leaning toward a larger cabinet model but haven't completely decided that's the way to go. I've found the cabinets for $200-$300 which doesn't seem unreasonable.

[john hall]

Blast cabinets are far more handy when working with smaller parts. If it doesn't come with a dust collector, consider purchasing a new shop vac and dedicating it for this purpose. Don't get too big of a vac or it will suck all the media out. A lighted cabinet is a plus. At work we have a sheet of small screen wired to keep small parts from falling into the media. Always make sure your parts are dry and grease free before you blast them. See what the CFM requirements are for the blaster and then check your compressor. You need dry air as well--make sure you have good water separators. We use glass beads, a little pricey but they last a long time. Be prepared for a small mess, I have never seen a blast cabinet that did not leak a little, or at least wind up with abrasive on the floor/walls from changing out parts.

[jboelens]

Agree with John H.

I have a harbor freight blast cabinet, works ok but definitely isn't sealed 100%. Also have a pressure pot blaster for the larger stuff like frames and hoods. In both of those I use the black diamond sand or foundry sand. I also have my buddy's soda pot pressure blaster out here, works great for stripping paint, less aggressive and wont help much to attack rust unfortunately. Soda is expensive.

[rdehli]

When I was in the market for a blaster, I wanted to find a good canister type , but they all seemed to large and required more CFM than my compressor would put out. I bought a CH siphon type , I now pour my silica sand into a 5 gallon bucket stick the hose in to the bucket and I am blasting . It takes very little CFM to use and I usually blast on a cheap tarp . this keeps the mess right on the tarp. If your looking for a cheap blaster, this is it mine was only 30.00 at Harbor Freight. With that said if I was blasting every day it would not be a good investment. but for small projects like a garden tractor, a deck or implements its real handy.

[gsomersjr]

My compressor should be big enough to handle a large sandblaster but I think I might try the siphon type first. It's cheap and sounds like it will do all that I need it for. Thanks.

[john hall]

You may want to pick up a sandblasting hood. They are pretty cheap. I found I was cheaper to make my own replacement lenses. Do yourself a favor and empty your pockets, take off your watch and cell phone. It is amazing where that sand can get. Get a good respirator as well.