Dee-Blast Model 38 Media Blasting Cabinet

Keyblazer · Nov 12, 2013

Been struggling with my HF bench-top for years...

Then I found this Dee-Blast Model 38 cheap.
I liked the solid steel construction... the shop footprint of 38" x 30"...and the price!
It also had about 150lb of impacted media in the hopper... took my buddy an hour to get it out before it was light enough to load into the truck!
It was full to the internal grid!

I can't work on it now, as I am awaiting surgery, but could do with some input on what mods would be good once I am recovered.

Issues:
1/ Its an older model, and has twin extraction motors on the top that dump into individual cloth bags.

One of the motors is not working.
Does this system work, or can it work better with mods, or should I dump it and find an external system?

2/ The PO said it didn't work well.... Maybe the fact that there was no moisture trap anywhere... and the clogged media is a clue!
Its a trigger gun... no idea what make..
It feeds from the hopper plug at the bottom..

Maybe upgrade to a Skat Foot Pedal kit like this...
http://www.tptools.com/Build-Your-O...oot-Pedal-Operating-System,7190.html?b=d*8040

Input, or ideas and knowledge are welcome!

Keyblazer · Nov 12, 2013

The gun has a 5/8" OD nozzle.. you need 25cfm to run one of these I am reading...
Gun replacement is wise I think!

Keyblazer · Dec 7, 2013

Cleaned up and repainted, its looking better...

Didn't like the wheels I had on it, so I decided to put a wheeled base on it so I can move it about, act as a catch tray, and store new media.

Keyblazer · Dec 7, 2013

Now...

Can anyone tell me where to look for a replacement motor....
No marking on it anywhere...

Shadowdog500 · Dec 7, 2013

Looks great!!

Not a clue on where to get a motor, but I have a dee blast 34 and wound up taking my motor apart and clean in it up. It was loaded with sand dust. Once I cleaned it out it worked fine.

Where did you find a new glass? I need a new glass for mine.

Chris

Keyblazer · Dec 7, 2013

Thanks... Looks better than it was for sure... I had the yellow rustoleum already.

The glass is original and not in great shape, but will work for now.

One motor works now... it was wired wrong, but the other just make a hum and does not turn.
I guess taking apart cannot make it worse!

How well did you find the extraction system worked?
If it is poor, I might not make too much effort to fix it.

Keyblazer · Dec 9, 2013

Dee-Blast says they can sell me a new motor... almost $300... :shocking:

930dreamer · Dec 9, 2013

Nice work on the blast cabinet, try a motor repair shop for the replacement.

Keyblazer · Dec 23, 2013

A buddy of mine took the motor apart and cleaned it up, and it works!
Seems weaker than the other one tho....
I am wondering if the squirrel cage was set too far from the inlet... would that affect its suction?

Anyway, I traded him some glove time, which he made good use of!

Aquaticbob · Dec 23, 2013

Wow you really cleaned that cabinet up! Looks amazing, and looks to be working pretty well now too! Leaps and bounds better than your HF one?

Keyblazer · Dec 23, 2013

Aquaticbob said:
Wow you really cleaned that cabinet up! Looks amazing, and looks to be working pretty well now too! Leaps and bounds better than your HF one?

Thanks!
Well, there is more space... and better lighting, so it feels better.
Swapped the 2 x 60w incandescent bulbs for 2 x 100w Compact Fluorescents... more light, less juice and heat!
The performance could be better.... as I am using the original bottom feed pipe, and the gun from the HF cabinet for now.

Keyblazer · Feb 21, 2014

Upgrade time!
TP Tolls supplied the S-25 gun, new internal pickup tube and pipework...

469 runner · Feb 21, 2014

Dee Blast is the supplier for the Snap-On branded cabinets. Same units. While probably not the cheapest option, you could try getting a replacement fan motor through Snap-On. They still have lots of parts available for older cabinets as I have one just like this, only painted red and says Snap-On all over it.

Keyblazer · May 15, 2015

Time for an update.
The cabinet has been used a lot, and had earned its keep!

The window was past its best a year ago, so when I broke it, it was time for the next level.
TP Tools, 33 x 12 just fitted, so here it is.

Also tested feeding my HF 10lb Soda blasting unit inside the Cabinet... works pretty good on my test piece... this Alfa head...

Keyblazer · Dec 27, 2019

Unit has been working GREAT, but I decided needed a Wet/Vapor Blasting unit too.
I dithered with the idea of converting it and bought most/all the parts I would need...

But after some consideration, decided to do a separate unit for that.
I looked at a 40lb HF unit, but didn't want to spend $150+ on a new one only to heavily mod it. Looked on CL and most HF units were in the $100-150 range.

Until I spotted a used, and unloved DeeBlast Model 34!
A quick dash in the car and it came home with me!

Needs some love, but thats fine!
The best part is its a top loader, which I much prefer!
Pics to follow!

Keyblazer · Dec 27, 2019

Here she is!

Keyblazer · Dec 27, 2019

Shadowdog500 · Dec 27, 2019

Looks just like my Dee blast 34. If you find a source for new glass please let us know.

The model 34 cabinet was also sold as a wet blast cabinet. (I’ll look for the link). So it is a great choice.

Keyblazer · Dec 27, 2019

Awesome Info!

As for the glass, I will be doing the same lens as I put in my Dee blast 38....
by my calculations, I will fit.
The lid is 34.5" wide and the lens glass is 33", and trim is bang on 34.5".
Here:

https://www.tptools.com/Medium-12-x-33-Cabinet-Lens-Frame,5600.html?b=d*14040

Or if you just want similar, do this one...
https://www.tptools.com/Standard-12-x-24-Cabinet-Lens-Frame,5589.html?b=d*14040