Sand Blasting Sheet Metal (Tool Box)

[Ecosta777]

So I looked a little and couldn't find a thread or much info on this. I Know sandblasting sheet metal can warp it, but I've also heard if done right it won't warp. I have an old grey / red Craftsman tool box and rolling base I'm restoring, and I would like to have the main bodies of both sandblasted to save some time. Inside, the drawer slides are all rusted, and I wanted to get those cleaned up, and figured sandblasting would be the easiest way to do it. And since the bodies of both are so large, I thought sandblasting would be the easiest / quickest way.

There is a local guy I want to call who does sandblasting, so my question is, what techniques / media should be used to do this right, so I can know what to ask him and talk to him about when I call?

And on top of that, should I even bother, or just try to use stripper and wire wheel the whole thing?

 

[OccupantRJ]

The cost of blasting alone may make you change your mind, and I don’t like using a large commercial blaster on sheet metal cabinets and such. I have a commercial blaster, an aluminum oxide blast cabinet, and a glass bead cabinet. I still often use a Dewalt orbital sander and 40 grit abrasive on cabinets, but this will not access all the intricate nooks and crannies. Power wire brushing will get to more, but not all.

Even if using stripper you will need to abrasive prep those same areas. So in short, with what I have at my disposal, i would likely go for the alox blaster as long as the cabinet fit. Supposedly a wet blaster will work well on your cabinets, but again, price may be a factor.

This thread link is to my refresh of a card file cabinet. Post #23 has more detail.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=275108

P.S. I checked out your website. I also collect and refurb or restore old machinery. Some can be seen in my profile album.

 

[930dreamer]

See if anyone in your area does dry ice blasting.

 

[sberry]

It can be done, being worth it is another issue. How much you want to pour in to a box with relatively minor value. Could be replaced cheaper, easier. As a hobby it's ok if it's worth the price, can be good to scrape and sand, sand the outside.

 

[FJ 432]

IMO you are right to go the sandblasting route with all the rust in the drawers. If you can find someone who uses a less abrasive media (walnut shells, dry ice, etc.) it will turn out fine. If you can stomach the cost.

 

[MFolks]

Look for a place that does blasting with baking soda,the debris can be rinsed away with water....

 

[y'sguy]

I had mine Water and ground glass blasted. stays cool no warping. Like others have said, make sure the object is worth the money and time spent. You might also check into citrus soaking it. All methods are still going to require prep and follow up with rust preventative. As others have mentioned make sure that Craftsman box is worth it. Mine was but it was more of sentimental reasons to do it all. Best of luck, btw, your work looks stellar. And I restored a BSA 440 victor years ago.