Problem with my new sandblaster

[joeyrossmiller12]

I'm restoring some toolboxes and just got craftsman 50 pound sandblaster. I'm using a stand up 60 gallon compressor. Its pretty big, I'd imagine I'm getting enough power from it. There's no moisture in it. When I pull the trigger I get a small blast of sand coming out then just air. I pulled the gun apart many times, tried all the different tips and stuff and it was all the same. It seems like there is enough suction but I'm not sure. The sandblaster is brand new. I suspect I'm just doing something wrong. I even took a bucket, drilled a hole in the bottom and set it up on an 8 foot ladder. Finally, that got the sand in the hose but still nothing coming out except the small burst. And I'm using black diamond blasting sand from Menards.

Can anyone help me out here?

 

[jabberwoki]

Look to see if there is any larger bits blocking your tube i like to sift mine to make sure?

 

[dwm]

Look at the reviews on the Sears and Craftsman sites, there's some information there that looks pertinent (reviewers who fixed similar-sounding problems).

 

[trexdoink]

Depending on where you live, moisture can be a big factor. I had problems in the midwest even with a cabinet type. Check for chunks like the first post mentioned. Also with your super thick rubber glove on block the nozzle (where the sand and air would exit) with your hand and back blow the suction line. That helps remove the bigger chunks that may be stuck in the line. If the suction side isn't kinked it should **** dry sand.

 

[KraftwerkMk1Jetta]

Screen your sand, I bet there are pieces blocking it for sure!

 

[joeyrossmiller12]

Thanks for the replies. I sifted the sand as I put it in and took it apart several times and nothing was clogged. I'll check out the sears website

 

[Major Ramifications]

Where is the vent in this unit? Does it use an internal tube or a hole in the hose to draw air into the abrasive line? It sounds like the vent is clogged or covered.

 

[Buckgnarly]

I'd bet it is the Black Diamond....that stuff is just too big and clumpy. I have the HF 40 pound, would do the exact same thing with the Black Beauty stuff from TSC. The stuff would clump and clog with any tips, even with no tip! Went and got 80 grit Al Oxide from TSC (more $$, but worth it!) and the thing works like a champ!

I have no idea how I went this long w/o a sandblaster, but I learned to spend a little extra on the media, it's worth it!

 

[countryroad82]

When I use my pressure blaster it usually requires 2 people to operate it, one to do the actual sandblasting, the other to shake/ kick/ rattle/ curse the thing to keep media going out. Yes I strain my media, yes there is absolutly no moisture (Sharp Dryair system), and yes the media is powder dry. I did get wise the last time I used it and zip tied an electric palm sander to it and that seemed to help pretty good, I still had to mule kick it a few times but it works.

 

[PCO6]

It's doubtful that you have this problem ... I couldn't believe it when it happened to me. My symtoms were similar to what you describe. I cleaned and blew out the gun, lines, fittings, etc. I finally emptied the sand pot and found that a mouse had fallen in and couldn't get out. The carcass finally made its way down to the output port at the bottom of the tank and clogged it. Ever since I have made sure that the top of my pot where the sand is poured in is covered when not in use.

 

[joeyrossmiller12]

Where is the vent in this unit? Does it use an internal tube or a hole in the hose to draw air into the abrasive line? It sounds like the vent is clogged or covered.

there is a hole in the sandline right at the base of the pot. its a hole that is drilled into the fitting that screws into the pot. why do you ask? could it cause a problem?

 

[Major Ramifications]

That hole needs to be uncovered to let air in.

 

[BlindViper]

take a blow gun and blow the sand back into the hopper you need to try a finer sand

 

[chris fresh]

been using starblast media,it's made by dupont.been using it for a few years now,it's 9 bucks a bag and i get it local at a my local sand supplier.i'll never use anything else,it's super fine,cheap,and it cut's great.plus it leaves a great finish for paint or powdercoat

 

[2oolhound]

It's doubtful that you have this problem ... I couldn't believe it when it happened to me. My symtoms were similar to what you describe. I cleaned and blew out the gun, lines, fittings, etc. I finally emptied the sand pot and found that a mouse had fallen in and couldn't get out. The carcass finally made its way down to the output port at the bottom of the tank and clogged it. Ever since I have made sure that the top of my pot where the sand is poured in is covered when not in use.

It sounds like you have a mickey mouse sand blaster there.

 

[torqueman2002]

It took some fiddling with my sand blaster, it sounds like you may need to try different tips and siphon air jets. I get parts from TP Tools.
http://www.tptools.com/dg/18_Abrasive-Blasters-Abrasives-Parts.html

I do not use an air dryer, I do have an 80 gallon 2-stage, I do have to 'shake down' the HF alum-oxide, I do not have clogging.

Keep trying, you'll eventually hit on the right combination.

 

[PCO6]

It sounds like you have a mickey mouse sand blaster there.

Ha ha - good one. Mine is the type that you have to pull the handle up on when you pressurize the pot. When it's not pressurized there is a hole in the top that Mickey and Mini could both fall through. I made a plastic cover for it for when it's not in use ... no more mice.

 

[Motofixxer]

Yep it's been a while since I used my HF blaster, but I had to keep it rocking to keep the sand flowing...It's not hard once you get the hang of it.