Can we discuss Portable Sand Blasting tanks

[f575gtc]

I currently have a decent setup using the smaller table top sandblasting cabinet from HF, but I find myself struggling with items bigger than what can fit in the cabinet's door.

I am trying to read up on the portable siphon and portable pressure pot blasters. It seems that the pressurized pots do a better job, but I am curious how they work.

Do they get filled with air to hold a charge and then blast off that compressed air? Or do they need a consistent supply of air to work? It almost seems like if they fill with air that they won't blast for more than 30 seconds before losing pressure.

Also what type of air compressor is needed to run most of these? I have a 60 gal 17.5CFM@ 175 psi compressor and it has no issue running my cabinet, but reading some of the specs on these they need 25CFM @ 125PSI??!?! that is crazy!

Right now I am looking at the 110lb type like HF sells, I found some like new for cheap on CL.

 

[mikegt4]

They use a constant supply of air, it is up to the operator to juggle the amount of air that goes into the tank vs around the tank. Your compressor should keep up with the typical Chicom 40 lb. pressure pot as long as use use the appropriate size nozzle and replace it when it wears out of spec (which many people don't do then complain that it doesn't work correctly).

 

[f575gtc]

Do they work noticeably better than the siphon feed jugs?

I have one of the 50lb siphon feed hoppers from HF and it sites on the shelf because it works poorly.

 

[188slo50]

I have the gun from HF that you drop in a bucket with abrasives in it and it waste more than you actually use, I've used pressure pots in the past and thought they worked good for small items like panel blasting and frame cleaning.

 

[toplessHO]

yes a pressure pot works far better than a siphon feed.
Kinda like a carb vs a supercharger.
If you set the media feed correctly it will use more air than media.
I like to use cardboard to set the media feed,you will see quickly what punches holes thru all layers.

 

[Heavymetalmechanic]

I tried both symphony and pressure pot, the pressurized was far more effective. It took a lot of messing around with different types/size of media and adjusting of the feed valves to get it working well. I would not want to try with any less CFM then what you have. I ended up renting a 80 CFM gas powered screw compressor to finish doing my trailer frame because I was sick of messing around.

 

[f575gtc]

Ouch they use that much air?

 

[sgs236]

I have the eastwood-100lb-pressure-abrasive-blaster. My compressor is a 60 gallon Craftsman 3.2HP rated at 10.2 SCFM at 90 PSI. With this setup I can get around 15-20 minutes of blast time, before I have to let the compressor catch up.

These sand blasting tanks work, but they can be a real pain to get adjusted just right. Seems like there is either too much sand on not enough sand. As you are blasting, you will periodically have to stop and re adjust the valves. The nozzles do wear out surprisingly fast, plus the bottom ball valve will wear out as well, if it is made of brass. I replaced mine with stainless steel ball valves.

For large items, the pots work OK, but if you can afford a larger cabinet you will have a lot less problems IMO. If you're patient, you may be able to pick up a decent size used sand blasting cabinet for cheap on craigslist.

 

[f575gtc]

My garage is also limited for space.

This pressurized tank would be for blasting things outside.

 

[May Pop]

I also have one. A 70 or 100 lb pressure pot from TCP. They no longer sell these but someone else sells the exact ones,US made. Id say your compressor will be fine as I work with a smaller one and let it recharge and I get to rest. It takes a little to get it working correctly then its fine. One problem blasting outside is the mess. I blast into a large container or trash can so its less mess and I can filter and reuse blast media. As always personal protection is mandatory either way.