Cheap Pressurized Blaster

[bad_idea]

I am looking to buy a cheap pressurized abrasive blaster. I see HF has a 20lb unit for $89 or a 110lb unit for $160. I don't plan to do a lot of blasting, so 20 lbs should be enough capacity. Worse case, I have to fill the hopper multiple times. Again, I do not foresee me using this thing a lot. I have a Quincy 325 run by a 5HP motor - puts out 17CFM at 175 psi, should have enough air for a small unit to run well.

Suggestions for something cheap that will do the job? I also do not mind modifying/upgrading the unit over time to improve it.

 

[chevy.stroker]

Filter your air good to reduce wet media. Expect to unclog occasionally on either model. It is just the nature of the beast.

For sand many purchase playground/sandbox sand from Home Depot and filter it with a screen.

Wear a respirator. Silica in the lungs causes permanent damage, and is called Silicosis.

Doing the underside of a car takes minimum of 250 pounds with some recycling to give you an idea of capacity.

 

[finn]

Stay away from playground sand or any silica based product. There are plenty of alternatives that won’t kill you.

Silicosis is real

 

[OccupantRJ]

If you do FB there is a small fries sandblasting group for smaller units.

 

[yatg]

You can usually pick up a used unit on FB or CL. People buy them and don't realize their "6HP" (says so on the label) compressors aren't up to the job.

 

[RickP330]

I have an old TIP unit, it's awesome. But I noticed they don't make it any longer. But perhaps check Ebay for TIP pressure blaster, someone might be parting with a goo used one....
RP

 

[bad_idea]

Stay away from playground sand or any silica based product. There are plenty of alternatives that won’t kill you.

Silicosis is real

I have a full face respirator I will be wearing for any blasting operations (no matter what media I use). I know all about silicosis, I work in ship repair and we do sand blasting quite a bit. If I can use regular old sand, then I will. I live in a coastal area with sand pits all around me. I can get a dump truck load of sand for $95 delivered. A pick up truck worth costs me $20.

As far as units to purchase, anyone have experience with the HF units? Should I purchase one over the other? I assume at half the price, the 20lb unit should be half the quality of the 110lb unit.

 

[Mark_17]

I have the HF pressure blaster, once you get it set right it works great! I have it paired with the big HF compressor too, it keeps up just fine