Educate me on blast cabinets

[tmshort]

I'm thinking of getting a small blast cabinet for my shop.

Based on what I've read, I'm leaning toward one of the smaller Skat Cats:

https://www.tptools.com/Skat-Cat-Series-28-46-W-Trigger-Sandblasting-Cabinets.html

They make a 28" with a side door; which do you all prefer and why - side vs top opening?

I've got a variety of stuff to run through it, none of it is very large, but was thinking if I have longer pieces at some point I could use the side door and cover the opening somehow in order to accommodate longer stuff.

[my current project is restoring a Honda Mini trail 50, so mainly small stuff, engine covers etc)

Any other recommendations?

 

[fourbyford]

I've purchased several times from TP tools... great products and great customer service.

On my recommendation, my buddy, who teaches at the local Community College, bought a Skat Blast cabinet for the school shop from TP. The transaction went flawlessly and they love the cabinet.

My personal cabinet is a Cyclone brand and can be loaded both from the top and from the end. About the only time I ever open the top is when I'm doing some sort of maintenance work on it. For daily use, the end load is much more convenient. TP does make an attachment to extend the length of some of its larger cabinets. Not sure if they do for the smaller ones.

I don't remember for sure... but it seems like their basic floor model cabinet isn't terribly expensive. Long term, are you sure the smallish cabinet will serve your needs? I'd guess the difference in price wouldn't be huge. My buddy has a bench top cabinet from HF. I've blasted plenty of parts for him because they just won't fit into his cabinet.

The biggest consideration is an adequate supply of clean, dry air. One of my compressors puts out about 12 cfm... using it, I can blast intermittently.

What media do you plan to use?

...D

 

[BigDogSS]

I've own the Barrel Blaster for over 15 years:
http://www.barrelblaster.com/
And I love it!!

 

[tmshort]

fourbyford-
Thanks for the input. I called and talked with the TP guys today, very helpful. They are looking at their scratch and dent inventory and are going to get back to me. For the right price, I'll drive to OH and pick one up (they don't ship those scratch/dent units).

You are probably right, I should consider bigger as I may need it down the road. I'll see what the options are.

I'm just learning about this stuff ... tentatively, I am thinking glass beads will be best for my use, but not sure yet.

 

[BearsFan315]

TP Tools Skat Blast are very nice, and well built, great support and are at Carlisle and Hershey each year with all the goodies.

I bought a benchtop from Eastwood because i wanted a small unit.

also scan their ebay listings. TP Tools and Equipment

 

[ZRX61]

You can put a pile of small parts in a large cabinet, but you can't put one large part in a small cabinet.
Just bite the bullet & get a TP 960

 

[Matt M PA]

I've had my TP cab for over 20 years. Always great service from TP...

Mine is a side door model, might be a 950? I've had it so long I don't remember. I would advise to go for a size slightly bigger than you 'think" you need. I also have their vacuum.

 

[fourbyford]

For the right price, I'll drive to OH and pick one up (they don't ship those scratch/dent units).


... I am thinking glass beads will be best for my use, but not sure yet.

A couple years ago, we were in Ohio for a family reunion. I drove over to the store... very cool. Unfortunately, their museum was closed the day I was there. It was still worth the drive!

I've primarily used glass bead. Its hard to beat for the kind of resto work you're doing.

...D