Blast cabinet advice

[2CRUZ]

Hey fellas
I am wanting to buy a blast cabinet. I don't really need it but I want it. I am looking at the TP Tool Delux 960. With the $50.00 unloading fee I'm looking at about $1450.00 shipped. I've never owned one before so what kind of advice can you guys give me on my first one. I have a big enough compressor so I'm good there. What if any thing else do you think I need? I am going to use it to clean up old car parts when I start a new project.
Thanks guys

Mike

 

[motofool33]

if this size is adequate for your uses might be worth a look, and you can setup your own dust vacume with 5 gallon bucket.

http://www.barrelblaster.com/BarrelBlaster1.htm

 

[Falcon67]

You just need the right material for whatever you're going to blast. Lots of info on the web about that. I prefer glass bead for most items as it's not that aggressive. I have the big HF unit, maybe $300 total invested in that. It's not a TP tools unit or even close, but I don't have a TP Tools budget either. It works, does the job and doesn't leak too terribly much lol.

 

[zmotorsports]

I have an old MAC bead blasting cabinet that I bought about 20 years ago. I like it. The size is 24"deep x 36" wide and has the opening on the front that lifts up, not from the side like many of the newer ones. I have used it heavily and it has performed well, but I don't think they even sell them any longer.

I have replaced the gloves once and the nozzles multiple times. I purchased replacement parts from a company called TPTools and have been pleased with the parts I received from them. I have also had a local company cut some disposable plastic sheets that are quite thin and I place them between my plexiglass window and the open cabinet below. When the parts get hard to see from the window area getting blasted, I simply unscrew the frame, pull the plexiglass and clean and replace the disposable sheet with a new one.

Various blasting media will perform differently and give different results. I recommend you experiment with a couple/few to find what works best for your application. There are a lot of varying opinions and you will get a lengthy list of recommendations when you ask so I suggest trying them for yourself.

My application is to remove surface rust and some paint as I am rebuilding/restoring various parts/components and for that I have found that crushed glass seems to work well. I have a local supply company where I purchase it in 50 pound bags and dump a half a bag at a time. One bag lasts me easily about a year as I usually change it out twice annualy.

Mike.

 

[pb57]

I bought the 970 model and like the bigger size. Ask them if they have any "seconds". they usually do. they may have a scratch on them and they sell them cheaper. that's what I did. very satisfied with mine. paul

 

[countryroad82]

I bought the 970 model and like the bigger size. Ask them if they have any "seconds". they usually do. they may have a scratch on them and they sell them cheaper. that's what I did. very satisfied with mine. paul

That's exactly how I got my 970! I uncrated it and all I found was a couple blemishes in the paint...... That just broke it in for me lol!!! My only suggestion is keep the air dry that's coming in and keep an eye on your tips..... If you don't you can ruin your gun, ask me how I know.......

 

[G-force]

Extra screens, carbide tips, foot pedal gun, upgraded interior lights with outlet on cabinet.

Get or build yourself an oven for powder coating as well as a nice ground rack. If you have the blaster, might as well get the full use of it. Powder coating is really quick and easy once you've done it a bit.

All I have ever used in my cabinet is HF aluminum oxide 70 grit. It works good but does give a deeper tooth. Perfect for powder though.

One of the best investments I made for my shop!

 

[pyro3256]

if you just want to write a check, then go for the TP unit. otherwise you can build a cabinet for a lot cheaper. it can be metal or wood. then just buy the important parts like gun and gloves. which you can get in a kit from TP. the cabinet is just an enclosure!

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

I bought the HF unit but the gun sucked, pardon the pun. I purchased the TP gun and all is running fine now.

 

[rburke65]

I own the TP 960 and I am happy with it. I am glad I spent the $ and got it. You wont regret it. Good luck.

 

[Ilikeike]

I looked at a couple,ended up with a Trinco, I've cleaned lots of Camaro parts

 

[rohartman]

I'm looking at the 800-T top-load, Does anyone know if you can pick up? I'm going to Summit Racing near Akron to pick up some Firebird sheet metal and thought I would make one trip out of it.

Thanks, Randy

 

[James Aiello]

I've had mine from TP tools for over 10 years... love it.. I just got back from their shop in Ohio... hard not to leave with out spending $200

I did not modify mine or buy any much else other then some blasting media..
Hooked up the air line and started working...

Keep a eye on tips!!! I caught mine just in time... once the tip wears away you start blasting the gun itself.. ouch!! I have been using the cheap tips for years... only changed once...

Buy extra inside glass shields ..

Have fun!

 

[wantacoe]

I bought the HF unit and made a few changes. Like making the viewing window hinged so it is easier to change the plastic shields.
He James Aiello, are you close to Sycamore?

 

[James Aiello]

yes I am.... In North Aurora.

 

[James Aiello]

Oh yeah and get some casters for it... I rigged up some for mine.. easy to clean around...

 

[Demkog]

I have 970 the things I would advise is the media recovery catch can, it makes less media going into the vacuum and keeps the motor good longer. The other thing i would suggest is the sand deflector on the door I made one, it keeps the sand from spilling out each time you open the door.

The one thing I don't have a good solution for is how quickly the plastic films/ glass cloud up. I find my self looking threw the same spot for most the time and not looking to the left side much at all. so I duct tape the left 1/3 -1/2 of the glass use the right once it gets too scratched up flip it. I almost wish the glass was smaller so glass would be cheaper to replace.

It is a good box has paid for its self many times. defiantly get the carbide tip.