glider
Well-known member
Was going to setup a pot blaster to clean some headers up. Was looking at my options of media? Tractor Supply sells glass and garnet. Is there other options at a reasonable price?
This is why I asked.This has been discussed 100 of times ...........
Yes ........safety is for sissies:
WARNING! Abrasive blasting with sands containing crystalline silica can cause serious or fatal respiratory disease. ... The Alert describes 99 cases of silicosis from exposure to crystalline silica during sandblasting.Jun 6, 2014
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3697.pdf
DO NOT USE SAND !!! !!
There is a sticky on blasting and media. Link to sticky:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=237844
Was thinking being outside with a pot blaster and respirator would work with sand.For headers, a fine media will leave a smoother surface.
Get an aggressive 'sharp' media which will cut thru the rust. A 'smoother' media like glass beads won't cut as well.
TSC also sells Black Diamond coal slag. I haven't used it, but it gets good reports.
If I'm blasting outside, I just use sand and wear a supplied-air respirator. It cuts well and can be reused a few times before turning into dust.
For a blasting cabinet, I like aluminum oxide. It cuts well and lasts longer.
On the safety and comfort side again...........respirator or filter or outside is NOT enough. Bare minimum get a blasting hood and coveralls and hose them off outside.
If you ever blasted you know the grit gets everywhere. All your clothing and everything gets covered in grit and dust. When you taste dust or grit in your teeth , eyes watering and at night your burn.....you feel like you were in sand storm .........you know dust has made it through. Blow your nose that brown snot **** might be a concern.
