Bead Blast Cabinet

[byrdman]

I'm thinking of purchasing a bead blast cabinet for use on my car projects. I don't want one that takes up a lot of room, so I don't expect to be blasting big stuff like fenders, etc. I want one just big enough for things like intake manifolds, control arms, maybe a wheel or two. I've never used a blast cabinet before so I'm not sure exactly which features I'm willing to pay for. The features that sound nice to me are:

-a floodlight inside the cabinet
-a vacuum system to clear the dust to increase visibility
-top loading door to save room in the shop
-big window with removeable laminate sheets on the inside

My compressor is rated 24CFM at 90 psi, so I should be able to run most any cabinet in my size/price range. I've been scouring the net looking for quality units, but really I haven't found much.

I'm currently leaning towards a package deal from TP Tools, the Skat Blast 780-TL package.

Has anybody used this model? It says the collection funnel is plastic, should I be worried about that? Any recommendations of other quality cabinets in this size/price range I should look at? Any features you'd be looking for? Thanks in advance for your comments and suggestions.

(I know there was recently another thread concerning blast cabinets. Steve was asking about a cabinet that broke down for storage, I'm interested in a more permanent setup)

 

[s_ontario]

Thats purdy pricey why not build one ?

http://www.barrelblaster.com/

 

[chevy302dz]

I have not used that model but I have used Skatblast cabinets and they are great even if used everyday. no air leaks, the guns hold up well, a good suction setup, etc.

 

[Benw455]

I have the 780 TL. Its a great unit. When you order it get some extra lens covers. When blasting wheels it will pit the covers pretty fast. Hope this helps, Ben

 

[W-Cummins]

I have the 780 TL. Its a great unit. When you order it get some extra lens covers. When blasting wheels it will pit the covers pretty fast. Hope this helps, Ben

If you put a layer of metal window screen over the plastic cover it will help it to last longer too.

 

[Tx Firefighter]

I have that exact cabinet. Money well spent. I'm very happy with it.

 

[krooser]

I've got an unknown brand that I bought on Ebay...nice cabinet and a great price.... $123.00...36" wide about 24" deep and 24" high. They show up on Ebay quite often.

I use a small Shop-Vac vacuum for dust control and it works very well...I'd buy a larger cabinet and a cheap vac rather than a fancy vac system and a smaller cabinet.

TP makes real nice stuff and they support their product very well.

Here's some more...http://www.acesandblasting.com/
http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?itemID=1312&itemType=CATEGORY
http://www.sandblasting.com/
http://www.consolidatedstripping.com/pages/1/index.htm

There are several other manufacturers..the Econoline and ACE are quality units, too.
I was told that the Ace guys used to work at Econoline before breaking out on their own.

Give the Consolidated site a once-over. Great info on blast media.

 

[byrdman]

Wow! Thanks for all the input, gang. Some good tips and inside advice there. That barrel looks like the viewing window is a little small. Krooser, I checked those links out, there's some good stuff there but nothing that really sways me. So far it looks like I'll go with the 780 Skat Blast but I'll keep looking.

 

[REFLEXX]

craigslist.org <--- got my industrial unit 24 x 24 x 48, clamshell, with vac system. Just needs a paint job and some freshening up.

All for 100 smackers!!! It was my biggest score of the year. This unit sells for $1,300. They guy said he just wanted it out of his garage. OK, I said.

 

[michaudracing]

http://www.blast-it-all.com/

I got a cabinet very similar the Skat Blast (style and price) from these guys, even though it's not on their website. They run special deals at the biannual autofair at Lowes Motor Speedway in Charlotte. I have no experience with other cabinets, but mine has done great for two years.

-Steve

 

[ThreeBay]

I have that model but without the vacuum. Great cabinet and I highly recomend getting the vacuum. I use an old Sears shop vac and it doesn't work as well as it could.