HF Benchtop Blast Cab and Abrasives Questions

[Splat!]

I was at HF today looking at the $179 free standing and the $119 benchtop blasting cabs. Amazed to see what appears to be some type of caulking in the seams now on the benchtop version. Looked like dried sealant of some kind, not bead tape. I didn't see anything like that in the freestanding version. Are they now sealing these? I'd be amazed but you never know.

Lastly, what's a better abrasive to use to clean up relatively clean > 1/16" thick metal for powdercoating, 70grit AO, 80grit glass beads, or coal slag? Thanks.

 

[RacerX]

For abrasives, I prefer the 80 grit glass bead personally. Have used it in my 48" Greg Smith Equipment blaster for a number of years. You can adjust your air pressure to control how much or little it will abrade.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[kabinenroller]

As for abrasive I can tell you that the HF aluminum oxide is not good. I normally use glass beads or aluminum oxide that I purchase from a distributor that sells abrasives to industrial customers. That business is about 30 miles from me so the other day I needed some aluminum oxide for a project and stopped by HF for a box. I installed it in my **** Blast cabinet and proceeded to blast some lightly rusted mild steel. Well, the oxide did cut the rust OK but it was very dusty, after a minute the cabinet was like a dust storm, the oxide I normally use creates very little dust. (I have a dust cyclone and a vac system on the cabinet)
I will not be purchasing any more abrasives from HF.

 

[Sewerman]

So Jim, I’m interested in learning what AO you normally use. I’m looking for some quality AO myself and would appreciate your input. Thanks.

 

[kabinenroller]

I just picked up a 50lb bag the other day ($40)
The product I bought was Garnet #80, I wanted to try it instead of aluminum oxide. I bought it from Metal Finishing Supply in Waukesha, WI.
Jim
http://www.metalfinishingsupply.biz

http://www.metalfinishingsupply.biz/abrasiveblastmedia.cfm