Sandblast cabinet question

[1956f100]

I am considering a blast cabinet purchase. I have researched most, and really like the tptools 960 or 970 series for the capacity if ever needed. My question is this for those of you who have used cabinets. How important / convenient is the front/top loading of parts versus side loading. The tp tools units have what everything I think I want except for that feature. I have considered purchasing, and then modifying to be front load also, but thought I would ask for opinions first. Thanks for any responses.

 

[mrshaun]

sometimes its easier in a smaller shop to have a front loading than a side loading. not enough room to get around the thing.

 

[Major Ramifications]

Yeah, like MrShaun said, you could have other equipment right up to both sides of the cabinet if it was a front loader. I have a side load cabinet, and I don't have any complaints about it. Heavy items like iron cylinder heads can require some muscle to load from the side, but they would require muscle from the front, too.

 

[OccupantRJ]

I don't like top load because the grit falls in your face when you open it after blasting, even if you blow it off somewhat. I like side loaders and have a top load and also a side load at home, and one side load at work.

RJ

 

[T56 Impala]

Mine is top load. Bench model. Its my first so I don't know a lot about them. HOWEVER, with the projects I have used mine for, a side loading unit would have been a real PITA. Add that to the need to have one side unobstructed so a door could be opened, a side opening on would have been difficult to deal with in my very tight work area.

Just my thoughts.

 

[John Timmins]

I have a side door style. They are fine.

I put wheels on the bottom so I move it from it's storage spot in my garage when I want to use it. It's messy to use and gets a lot of media dust everywhere when I use it, but I guess they all do.

So put wheels on it and have it movable. When it's nice out I roll the thing out on the driveway and aim it so the sunlight goes through the window. I use a Sears shop vac on the exhaust port.

Next time I would get a Barrel Blaster. They have a web site. it would be a lot lighter than the one I have which is similiar to the Harbor Freight cabinet

 

[PCO6]

I use a front loader for the reasons mentioned by Mrshaun ... not enough room in my garage for a side loader. Mine is home made and about 30 years old. The arms are attached to the door and not the stationary face of the cabinet. The only problem I had was when I opened the doors the arms would dangle in from of me. My solution was to cut them off (see photo) and use sandblasting gloves that are the full length of my arms. When I put my arms in the cabinet they seal with the cut offs ... works great! An added benefit is that I can load small parts through the front door without having to open it.