Sandbasting noobie needs help

[DaffyJeffy]

Hi everyone. I need to add sandblasting tools and skills to my shop. I'm a professional handyman that specializes in creative projects. I always seem to be restoring and fixing up some old thing for someone (work I love by the way).

It's almost embarrassing how little I know about sandblasting, and I really need to be able to do it in my shop to improve the quality of my projects.

Projects I'm currently working on include a 1969 John Deer 110 garden tractor, a 1959 Johnson outboard, and a 1989 Polaris snowmobile. I do the occasional woodstove resto as well. Smallish stuff. Nothing big like a car or large tractor.

I have a 20gallon 2 hp 220V air compressor that can move about 8CFM.

What do I need?
What should I buy?
What are my options?
How much will it cost?
...etc?

Thanks! Jeff

 

[countryroad82]

If nobody has already said it welcome to the forum!! First off I'm going to be the bearer of bad news, if you're going to be doing quite a bit of sandblasting/glass beading, you're going to need a bigger compressor. Time is money and if you're sitting waiting 5 minutes for your compressor to catch up so you can do 30 seconds of blasting, you're going to wind up with a **** ton of time that you could have been doing something else. Now I have a couple questions for you on the subject.

1. Are you wanting a blast cabinet, a pressure pot, or a gravity type system?
2. How much of your current projects are you planning on blasting? The whole shebang or just parts?
3. Do you plan on expanding to larger projects like a car or tractor?

 

[2oolhound]

I'll add that it's a very dirty job. If you do it in your shop everything will get coated in dust within 50 feet after the 1st job. Do it outside or use a cabinet with a dust extraction system. An air dryer is recommended.

I was told a professional set up had 80 gal tank at 15 cfm but I use a 60 gal tank at 12.5 cfm and can go pretty well non stop but the compressor is running non stop to keep up. Until I go spend $75 at a pro blast shop (google "Blast it") where they have a truly pro set up you rent by the minute, I'll never know how inefficient my system is. I suspect their gun takes a wider swath and moves faster than mine.

However when you want to do just one little thing it's sure handy to do it without jumping in the car and driving someplace. I usually place items I need to blast in the cabinet and let them accumulate in there till I have to do something right away. Then I do them all at once with the piece I need immediately. My cabinet is on wheels and I roll it outside when I need it until I build the filtering system. Do a search and you'll find diy threads on setting a nice system up.

 

[AndyA]

For reference, I run a 25 cfm compressor and it just barely keeps up with a 3/32" nozzle.

If you stick to smaller sandblasters you may be ok. These aren't going to cut a big path and you'll be spending more time per square foot. It may not be a problem on small parts.

 

[justanengineer]

At the risk of sounding like someone's mother do yourself a favor, BEFORE you fire up the blaster for the first time become aware of the effects of silicosis (sp?) and protect yourself. Yes, sand is natural but the dust is absolutely terrible for your lungs, anytime youre open blasting or if your cabinet is leaky wear an appropriate filtered mask and keep the kiddies and spectators away from the area.

 

[racingtadpole]

For small parts consider using a rotary tumbler, it works while you sleep...

 

[DaffyJeffy]

Thanks everyone. To answer some of the questions:

1. Sandblasting is something I would do infequently. I'm actually more of a woodworker and that is what my shop is set up for.

2. As far as the size jobs I need to do, it will mostly be smallish parts (small motor blocks, outboard motor components, etc)

3. I don't know what type of system would best suit my needs. Looking for some guidance here.

4. I live way out in the willywacks of northwestern Maine and the nearest rental place is about 100 miles away. Not a practical option for me.

5. I'm on a limited budget (again, willywacks of Maine) so I don't plan on upsizing my compressor anytime soon.

In a nutshell, small/infrequent sandblasting jobs, low-cost, most flexibility (bang for my buck).

 

[The DIY Hubby]

You can find cheap sandblasting kits online. Campbell Hausfeld and PowerMate have sandblasting kits for under $70 on Amazon. There are even cheaper DIY kits that will set you back $20.

Most of these kits require at least 9CFM. The best option for you(without changing your air compressor) is maybe the PowerMate that requires only 7CFM at 90psi. The PowerMate sells for $64.99 at the moment on Amazon.

The DIY Hubby
http://www.thediyhubby.com/air-compressor-reviews/

 

[countryroad82]

My replies are below.

Thanks everyone. To answer some of the questions:

1. Sandblasting is something I would do infequently. I'm actually more of a woodworker and that is what my shop is set up for.
Alrighty so not something you're doing all the time.

2. As far as the size jobs I need to do, it will mostly be smallish parts (small motor blocks, outboard motor components, etc)
Small engine blocks like a mower? You're not going to like my answer here.

3. I don't know what type of system would best suit my needs. Looking for some guidance here.
I myself am a cabinet guy I hate anything else, plus it is easier to keep your area clean and your media lasts longer due to you not having to sweep it up and strain it all the time..... I just get lazy and leave it lay!

4. I live way out in the willywacks of northwestern Maine and the nearest rental place is about 100 miles away. Not a practical option for me.

5. I'm on a limited budget (again, willywacks of Maine) so I don't plan on upsizing my compressor anytime soon.
You can make your compressor work, just don't push it give it time to catch up, it will just take A LOT longer than having a bigger compressor.

In a nutshell, small/infrequent sandblasting jobs, low-cost, most flexibility (bang for my buck).[/QUOTE]
If you can stand not being able to get a block in, sounds to me a table top unit would work best in your situation. But if you're dead set on getting a block in it, buy a build it your own kit from TP Tools and since you're a wood worker you can build a cabinet as big as you want and with the kit you get gloves, window, gun, and some other stuff I'm forgetting. I have a buddy that did this and he is into his for a couple hundred dollars and his is much larger than my 979 that I bought years ago.

 

[DaffyJeffy]

Wow, THANK YOU ALL! This has been supremely helpful. I think I'm pointed in the right direction.