Finally ready for blast cabinet. Suggestions needed

[katit]

Hi all! With new resto-project I decided it's time. I have ~20CFM compressor already, I have approval. I did debate on getting HF unit and mod it. But then I thought about it and figured I'd rather use a tool and not mod it. Just not enough time, want to work on a project.

Use cases:
- Different media uses. Soda, sand, depending on work piece
- Will it fit 18" wheel disk?
- Mostly for hardware restoration. Bolts/nuts/calipers/brackets

Important

Clean! My garage is pretty clean and last thing I want to have is dust everywhere after blasting session.

If this is not possible (cleanliness) - Have to be easily portable. So I can roll it out of garage. Not ideal though.


I want to stay below $1k delivered. Ideally below $800.
And I want something I don't have to mod right away with decent gun and other stuff..

Possible?

How does this look?
https://www.tptools.com/USA-SKAT-CAT-35V-Slant-Top-Abrasive-Blast-Cabinet,9356.html?b=d*41308

 

[dodge610]

Very nice cabinet I have the 960 skat blast there is all kind of add on mods for it that you can add on as your needs grow. I have had it for 20 plus years no complaints,

 

[katit]

Very nice cabinet I have the 960 skat blast there is all kind of add on mods for it that you can add on as your needs grow. I have had it for 20 plus years no complaints,

Yours is like 50% more $, should be better I assume. Wondering what I will be getting for $1000

How is filtering?

 

[bob15]

I would also look at the soda blasting attachment. I don't own one, but I have been thinking about getting one for a future project.

https://www.tptools.com/Soda-Blast-Attachments.html

https://www.tptools.com/Soda-Master-Soda-Blast-Media,2899.html?b=d*8045

 

[bob15]

Yours is like 50% more $, should be better I assume. Wondering what I will be getting for $1000

How is filtering?

After a quick read, the other cabinet is 12" longer and has foot operated trigger (worth the extra money or upgrade). Also has a 2nd flood light and a large window.

Your call as to which one to buy. i built my own many years ago using TP Tool's directions and equipment.

 

[katit]

I would also look at the soda blasting attachment. I don't own one, but I have been thinking about getting one for a future project.

https://www.tptools.com/Soda-Blast-Attachments.html

https://www.tptools.com/Soda-Master-Soda-Blast-Media,2899.html?b=d*8045

Why can't I use cabinet with soda without this attachment? This looks like convenience item for quick media swaps, but at this point budget-prohibitive. Can't I use cabinet as-is with soda?

 

[katit]

Other than that, this IS brand/type of cabinet for the money? Or there is something else available in budget and better?

 

[Crabman]

I have had an old Skat Blast 780 for over 20 years and have been very happy.

I think this is the current equivalent

https://www.tptools.com/USA-SKAT-CA...Blast-Cabinet-with-Vacuum,8894.html?b=d*76151

This one is a little bigger for $100 more.

https://www.tptools.com/USA-SKAT-CAT-35V-Slant-Top-Abrasive-Blast-Cabinet,9356.html?b=d*76151

The wheel kit is $119, which I have and is nice for moving it around. Clean is not easy without a vacuum and a through wall exit type of arrangement in my experience. But others may have a better idea.

You will need a big compressor. My old single stage 5hp 80 gallon Sanborn will barely keep up if I am really going at it.

The 960 is a nice cabinet as mentioned by dodge, but good bit bigger (more floor space needed) and more expensive.

I love my blast cabinet, you will enjoy it more than you think. Good luck finding a good fit.

Bruce

 

[katit]

Is side vs top load have pros/cons?

For dust, those units with vacuums should do, right?

 

[txvwnut]

You can't go wrong with any of the TP Tools stuff. I have a Harbor Freight blast cabinet that I've upgraded with a TP gun with carbide nozzle and foot pedal. Whatever cabinet you buy get a foot pedal as its really the only way to go when standing at a blast cabinet for extended periods.

 

[matt_i]

I went with Trinco (Trinity). Made in Michigan. No regrets. Use glass beads.

 

[MileHighRover]

Is side vs top load have pros/cons?

For dust, those units with vacuums should do, right?

I have a Snap-on YA435 cabinet with top load and side load. I found using the top load results in media being dumped all over the place when you open it. I pretty much exclusively use the side door. If you have a large piece that won't fit through the side, the top load feature is nice.

My recommendation for you would be to go bigger than you think you need/want. Just like a garage or shop, you think the size you chose is perfect until you start using it.

 

[nutjob]

Take a look at the Little Blaster LB-4024. This is the model I have https://blast-it-all.com/

It will be more than your budget but another option to look at and compare.

Kevin

 

[katit]

Take a look at the Little Blaster LB-4024. This is the model I have https://blast-it-all.com/

It will be more than your budget but another option to look at and compare.

Kevin

Kevin, looks good. Inquiring about price. However, vacuum on a back is a no for me. I want it to stay next to the wall

 

[katit]

Clean is not easy without a vacuum and a through wall exit type of arrangement in my experience. But others may have a better idea.

Anyone has an idea on this? I plan on getting vacuum kit as well. Main question is how does it stand? Space is of a premium. Is there any space required to be behind a box?

You will need a big compressor. My old single stage 5hp 80 gallon Sanborn will barely keep up if I am really going at it.

I got 19-20CFM two stage 5hp compressor, should be fine.


Another question... The more I look at how those operates and the more I read - looks like regular blow gun inside of blast cabinet is pretty much a must. Wonder why manufacturers not including those. While work is inside - I can blow it off, also I can blow off door, etc so I get clean part out without spilling media.

 

[MileHighRover]

...Another question... The more I look at how those operates and the more I read - looks like regular blow gun inside of blast cabinet is pretty much a must. Wonder why manufacturers not including those. While work is inside - I can blow it off, also I can blow off door, etc so I get clean part out without spilling media.

I just pull the siphon tube out of the media and use the gun to blow everything off. You'll still spill media when opening the doors.

 

[bob15]

Another question... The more I look at how those operates and the more I read - looks like regular blow gun inside of blast cabinet is pretty much a must. Wonder why manufacturers not including those. While work is inside - I can blow it off, also I can blow off door, etc so I get clean part out without spilling media.

You can add a separate hose and blowgun inside the cabinet. Buy a bulkhead fitting for the blowgun and use silicon sealant for an airtight seal. Look at the 2 air hoses going into the cabinet. One is from the foot pedal to the gun and the other is for a blowgun.

Again, buy this foot pedal upgrade as it will make life easier when blasting and not having to hold onto a trigger: https://www.tptools.com/Foot-Pedal-Upgrade-Kit,7453.html

 

[katit]

I just pull the siphon tube out of the media and use the gun to blow everything off. You'll still spill media when opening the doors.

Why? Little media between gasket?

Take my words back. Just got a quote for "Little Blaster". $2200 delivered!!! Out of budget and I don't like rear mounted reclaimer. But they do have $100 "checkbox" to install blow gun

 

[katit]

Again, buy this foot pedal upgrade as it will make life easier when blasting and not having to hold onto a trigger: https://www.tptools.com/Foot-Pedal-Upgrade-Kit,7453.html

Got it. Right now I am looking at this one as my choice:
https://www.tptools.com/USA-940-DLX...MIlfPa_4nE7QIVy9XACh31SAgVEAQYASABEgLcl_D_BwE

$1350 delivered but I think it checks all my boxes. Yes, bigger is better but I have to work with space available. I think it will fit all the small bits and pieces I need to work on. None of them will hold motorcycle frame, so..

And for long pieces/shafts I can always make a hole later

 

[nutjob]

Take my words back. Just got a quote for "Little Blaster". $2200 delivered!!!

Yep, its not cheap but I hope you see some of the features it has. The glass protector sheet roll mounts on the front and it is very easy to loosen the 4 wing nuts and pull in a new sheet. Blast gun inside the cabinet is a must to help keep your space clean. Blow off the parts and the door before opening. Foot pedal is the only way to go.

Anyway, get extra glass protector sheets and a bunch of media options. You should save a bunch on shipping these with the cab rather than purchase later. I keep 4-5 5 gallon buckets with different media under the blaster. I could change media 2-3 times a weekend depending on what I am working on. I made an angle iron frame with a piece of ply and mounted on wheels.

This is a great tool for the shop and will really change how you work and the quality of the parts you are restoring.

Kevin

 

[katit]

Yep, its not cheap but I hope you see some of the features it has.

Kevin

Yeah, it's endless, I just need to keep telling myself that it's not what I do for living. Just a hobby. I can see it being used sparingly. Things like replacement screens, etc is convenience because they save time. I am not going to use it so much to worry about it.

My main concerns now:
1. Dust management
2. Footprint

Looks like I want to put it on wheels regardless (for ease of moving). And I can just roll it out of garage when I need to do something.

 

[ZRX61]

I have a TP960, it's the dogs ********.
Side loader is easier to deal with, no one wants to lift a cast iron FE390 intake any higher than they really need to.



Cleanliness:
Any cabinet will have a vent somewhere to counter act increasing internal pressure from the gun or decreasing pressure from the vacuum. Stick a piece of foam in it to stop media leaking out.

 

[katit]

Cleanliness:
Any cabinet will have a vent somewhere to counter act increasing internal pressure from the gun or decreasing pressure from the vacuum. Stick a piece of foam in it to stop media leaking out.

I wonder why this simple thing being skipped by manufacturers?

 

[ZRX61]

I wonder why this simple thing being skipped by manufacturers?

I've seen one that had a cheap K&N knock off fitted to it, but a piece of foam is ideal. I use a chunk cut from a car wash sponge in mine.

 

[1320stang]

no one wants to lift a cast iron FE390 intake any higher than they really need to.

 

[MileHighRover]

Why? Little media between gasket?...

Most likely. No matter how much I blow off the inside of the cabinet, media falls on the floor every time I open the door. Not a huge deal, just something to know.

Just like with anything, you start off wanting something then by the time you're done researching, talking with others, and putting together your dream list you've doubled, tripled, or quadrupled your budget.

Keep it simple. You can always add items down the road as you figure out your needs and have spare cash, like a foot pedal, blow off gun, etc. Get a cabinet and vacuum. That will get you going.

 

[gm54210]

Funny this came up today. I just finished putting together this Eastwood unit this afternoon. (not mine unfortunately) It is a very nice unit, well built. It comes ala cart as far as accessories. The reclaimer can be mounted on the wall instead of the back of the cabinet. It come with a hose extension and wall anchors for mounting as well.

That said, I made a cabinet years ago (26?) with a TP Tools kit. With the exception of the ceramic nozzles and lens protectors, it's all original and works like a charm.

One thing to note on side versus front open - the side door will require a larger footprint to accommodate the access.

 

[katit]

Ok, side door works for me, it will be against wall but not in a corner, no problem there

Now... there is difference between vacuum and reclaimer, right? I understand SKAT unit will just take media from a bottom. Vacuum is for dust control mostly, right?

I do need soda blasting and checked their attachment. Looks like whole point of it so media doesn’t mix. Because soda is not reusable. But I can use any other media in their soda kit if I didn’t want mixing, right?

 

[bob15]

Ok, side door works for me, it will be against wall but not in a corner, no problem there

Now... there is difference between vacuum and reclaimer, right? I understand SKAT unit will just take media from a bottom. Vacuum is for dust control mostly, right?

I do need soda blasting and checked their attachment. Looks like whole point of it so media doesn’t mix. Because soda is not reusable. But I can use any other media in their soda kit if I didn’t want mixing, right?

Vacuum is for dust control and IS NEEDED!!! the reclaimer is like a dust deputy and will take the majority of the media out of the air before it reaches the vacuum filter, allowing you to re-use the media. Just remember the more you re-use the media the less abrasive it becomes.

As for the soda and media mixing, I would try calling TP Tool and ask them directly. I believe the soda is a one-time use........

 

[katit]

Not sure what have I done. I bough used **** cabinet. But it's in sorry shape. $300. 46 wide. Gun, pedal and it's bigger than what I would buy so that is good part.

My reasoning was that I would be making rolling platform anyway. But with this one re-paint needed and some consumables. Gloves, glass, etc. And ideally I need another blast cabinet to blast this one.

OTOH - for the money I will buy soda kit, vacuum, consumables and come out cheaper than if I bought cabinet only. I wonder if TP will sell me sticker to replace

Did I say I didn't want "project"? Well, I got it Hopefully it's worth it. Any "mo
ds" while I am there welcome..

 

[ZRX61]

The rust inside it will go away the first time you use it. The vent in the back is where you stick the piece of foam/sponge, cut it big enough to more than fill the vent cover inside the cabinet.
Should be able to get new glass literally off the shelf at Lowes or HD as they have pre-cut popular sizes.
I'd hit the outside of the door with a DA & repaint it, the rest looks like a good wash with soap/water will clean it up well.


Get a bus box from your local Fart & Smile or Wally World to go under the drain on the bottom of the cabinet as a 5gal bucket won't fit: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Rubberma...1tjRwxd_R4VTCAQRobTsRYOvBGFw-bOMaAh0xEALw_wcB


Makes swapping media easier.



Make sure it's grounded so you don't get static shocks to the ******* when you lean against the cabinet while using it (unless you're into that sort of thing)

 

[ZRX61]

& before ya fit the new glass, apply 2in wide scotch tape to the inside. Leave one 2in section without tape to look through.
When that section becomes hard to see through, peel off one of the tape stripes.

 

[katit]

So, I will be looking through 2 in port, right? Do you apply tape vertical stripes?

As far as paint - looks rough, will need to paint it all . No big deal. Putting it on wheels will be bigger project but I was going to do it anyway

 

[ZRX61]

Horizontal stripes for the scotchtape, so you're looking through a 2x24in clear bit of glass.
The glass is actually quite cheap, the tape saves you changing it too often.

 

[MileHighRover]

Better yet, buy a roll of clear mylar from Amazon for $10-15. Tape it to the inside of the glass. Replace as needed. I think the roll I bought was 100 feet long, so basically I'll never need to buy another roll.

 

[Jswain]

Better yet outfit a metal window screen painted black ~3/4 of an inch ish off the glass on the inside and never worry about changing your glass or tape. Make it either easily removable(I used magnets) or at least easy to flip down so you can wipe the glass occassionally. Install a couple(at least) bright lights & hook up a shop vac/dust collector etc. And it will make your sandblasting much more enjoyable

 

[katit]

Better yet outfit a metal window screen painted black ~3/4 of an inch ish off the glass on the inside and never worry about changing your glass or tape. Make it either easily removable(I used magnets) or at least easy to flip down so you can wipe the glass occassionally. Install a couple(at least) bright lights & hook up a shop vac/dust collector etc. And it will make your sandblasting much more enjoyable

Metal window screen. Can you share type/size of holes?

 

[tarmy]

Following...very good info on here...thank you. I may just need to buy myself a Christmas present...

 

[katit]

Ok. More assessments.

1. DA sander cleans up this cabinet nicely. Will do full respray and make it look new, no big deal.

2. Sheet metal especially on a bottom distorted (back wall). Front legs bent. And there is a lot of rust and bend on a bottom lip. Fabrication reinforcement needed. I thought about making just a simple shelf off 1x1 metal and put it on wheels. However, looks like it's not going to be enough. With me being 6'1 - I need cabinet to be at least 6 inch higher. This will be first project to put it on wheels and bring up to proper height.

3. I think pickup tube is "done". Will need new one (see pics)

4. Foot pedal works but "week" - internal springs wouldn't hold it shut under pedal weight. Need rebuild kit (available)

5. All hoses pretty stiff, need new ones.

6. Gun. Is that a good one? Since I am on a mission - mine as well get new one unless this one is good

Looks like soda kit + vacuum and parts will run $800 which will bring whole thing to $1100 which is at least $500 less vs if I bought it new

 

[Lost Pup]

I went the Harbor Freight route, sand blast cabinet and their glass and abrasive media. 4 casters under plywood to move it around.

I used a cheap wet dry vac, placed a stocking over the filter and just ran it.

I would roll it outside in the driveway when using it along with the vac.

Changed out all of my air hose fittings to Milton high flow v style.
Used a motor guard air filter just before the cabinet.

Used the glass media on aluminum and it worked great. Learned to start with lower regulated line pressure so the beads don’t just blast apart.

The abrasive media worked fine as well.

I used the smaller cone size on the gun for both.

Got great results.