Bead blasting - my simple, cheap and quick tools

[GDA]

Over the years working on my cars and in buying used tools, I have found my hand blaster to be one of the best tools to have around. After doing some work on some used parts and getting compliments on another forum, I thought it might be helpful to others to share my methods and tools used. All this can be accomplished with less than $100 investment (air compressor excluded). I run this off my CMan Pro 1.6hp 25 gal compressor.

List of tools -

Grinding shield
Mechanics gloves
3M breathing filter
Blue Point Speed Blaster
Northern Tool Glass Bead media (5gal bucket for $20)
Sawhorses

I picked up these 3/4 drive SO sockets last year for $50 and they were coverded in rust and were in general poor visual condition. Today I decided to clean them up to show the great results from bead blasting in your backyard.

Tool arsenal -

Before...

And the results of 15 minutes work including set up....

Hope this helps those who are unfamiliar with these handy tools. I had to learn this by trial and error so thought I should post up to help the next guy.

G

 

[David79z28]

I ordered a speed blaster the other day. Thanks for the tip..

 

[Ritter4.0]

I do the same exact thing, but use to blast cabinet at work. Saves a ton of money, and makes old rusty tools come back to life. I don't really care about damaging old chrome if it is already rusting. Just blast it all off, and oil, paint or powdercoat the tool if needed.

 

[bmwpower]

Do you try to save the media?
Any tips on the procedure?
I have the HF gun and I feel like I have to fill it often.

 

[NCCheesehead]

Alright you got me, where is the cheapest place to buy the Speed Blaster?

 

[mopar66]

I was just looking for one after reading this and found it on the Snap On website for $80.

 

[Grogan14]

$41.99 + $10.76 shipping on Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013HBZEY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[rt dak]

I was just looking for one after reading this and found it on the Snap On website for $80.

The Speed Blaster is made by a company called Zendex. You can get it for about half that price if you buy it under the Zendex brand name instead of rebranded. Made in USA to boot, in a facility about 20 minutes from my house.

Do you try to save the media?
Any tips on the procedure?
I have the HF gun and I feel like I have to fill it often.

They sell a blast media recovery bag.

http://www.zendextool.com/hotspot/

 

[mopar66]

Thanks for the link I will be ordering one.

 

[treasureseeker]

I have CZ75 Stainless gun that is matte and polished and some of the matte is getting polished. Is there a way to bring back the matte?