HF walnut vs. glass bead media

[supersteve]

Getting ready to buy an HF blast cabinet to do stuff like cylinder heads. What would experienced users here recommend for media? I don't want to damage any metal on anything I do. I've seen claims that walnut media won't damage the work but I imagine it probably gets consumed more quickly, eh?

 

[supersteve]

Also, if I can get a twofer: would you recommend the media reclaimer kit that looks like it bolts on to the cabinet?

 

[ChevyEFI]

If you're looking for a cleaner appearance externally, start with baking soda.

 

[joop1987]

The glass beads leave tiny pits in the metal. I like the walnuts, they only remove the paint.

 

[Matt Matt]

The glass beads leave tiny pits in the metal. I like the walnuts, they only remove the paint.

I agree. But, it really depends on the type of Metal material. Walnut shells are great for cast-iron paint removal like the OP is looking for. For thinner walled cast iron pieces that have Percision and references, I step up to glass and tape off references.

If you're worried about etching, always use Walnut.

If you're using a single stage blast cabinet, just use enough product with walnut to syphon. It does break down quickly.

 

[ScottsGT]

And make sure no one around has a nut allergy. I use walnut shells to tumble brass. I suggested this to a fellow shooter and he reminded me of his son's nut allergy and what it would do to him.

 

[zmotorsports]

I've used glass beads for years then about six or so years ago tried the crushed walnut and didn't really care for it. Seemed like it didn't clean well at all and took more time. I switched over to crushed glass that my local compressor store sells in 50 lb. bags about six years ago and absolutely love the stuff. I use half a bag at a time then change it out and pick up another bag to have on hand.

I blast a wide range of materials and therefore wanted one media for all. I've found that the crushed glass works the best for me and by merely changing gun angle I can manipulate the outcome based on the parent material or the finish I am after.

Mike