Sandblasters

[Crimson558]

Hey guys purchased an old house not to long ago and working on some improvement and upgrades. Previous owners were horrible painters and I have paint on what seems like every hinge and handle. I am considering getting a small blaster to help me remove paint and for whatever else may come up since I mean c'mon you can't have to many tools right! So any suggestions you guys have would be appreciated since I'm not a fan of trusting reviews at the big box store sites.

 

[countryroad82]

Look on TP tools and equipments site. Made in Ohio, good to deal with, and good prices. I bought mine from them 6-7 years ago and I don't know how I ever got around without it!

 

[toomanytoyzz]

Depending on your budget, compressor size and how much stuff you'll be blasting will be the deciding factor as to what blaster to purchase. The compressor can be your biggest drawback since any type of blaster likes to eat the air up. I have a nice Marco blaster and when it's hooked to my dad's Ingersoll-Rand T30 shop compressor I get a good 6-8 minutes of blasting before I need to give the compressor a break.

You can even get the one that Harbor Freight sells, but I would recommend taking it apart and wrap every fitting with plummers tape to insure a proper seal.

 

[Crimson558]

Will mostly be blasting small things like the post stated so that's why I'm not wanting to go all out on a crazy expensive blaster. I currently have a 50gal air compressor which I "think" should handle most small jobs.

 

[mo2872]

If you're just doing "small" items, look at one of those hopper-style "Speed Blaster" guns. I spent this past weekend blasting a whole garden cart with one, using a 60 gallon single stage compressor. It was time consuming, and worked the compressor hard, but, it kept me out of the bars, I suppose.

 

[countryroad82]

I hate those Speed Blasters never could get one to work right, not to mention the mess that is made.

 

[espyking83]

I just got this guy off Amazon for $20 and it works great. Not exactly proffessional quality but it is fully capable of what you're planning to use it for. Just cut the hose in half, get an old bucket, and adel the hose into the bucket:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0007D30DO/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_1?qid=1403703709&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40

You can use blasting sand or play sand. If you're using the playsand just fix a window screen to the top of the bucket so the clumps don't get through. Also, sand blasters need a decent compressor, make sure it cranks over 100 psi.

 

[Stuart in MN]

If you're talking about door hinges and door hardware, I wouldn't go to the expense and effort of sandblasting. Get an old pot or saucepan, and boil them. The paint will come right off. Some people use just plain water, some put in a little soap, others put in some washing soda. Here's one example with pictures: http://anurbancottage.blogspot.com/2011/03/stripping-paint-off-hardware.html

 

[Crimson558]

If you're talking about door hinges and door hardware, I wouldn't go to the expense and effort of sandblasting. Get an old pot or saucepan, and boil them. The paint will come right off. Some people use just plain water, some put in a little soap, others put in some washing soda. Here's one example with pictures: http://anurbancottage.blogspot.com/2011/03/stripping-paint-off-hardware.html

Thanks for that link I'll give that a shot before going with a sandblaster!

 

[Hpozzuoli]

This is the big HF one. It's amazing how cheap they sell this thing for. No leaks, good light, and with a vac hooked up it stays clear inside so you can see. My point is, if you have space get it or the bench top version. Either way it's a small investment for something that will see a lot of use.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I hate those Speed Blasters never could get one to work right, not to mention the mess that is made.

I concur. I don't know why I still have it, but I never had luck with it either.

 

[countryroad82]

Yeah, mine had an unfortunate accident with the floor and my foot after it spit and spuddered minuscule amounts of (very fine and strained) sand for the last time. Was a total waste of time and money. And yes I'm glad I threw it to the floor, stomped, and kicked that POS across the shop. It saved somebody else the aggravation, no wonder the damned thing was given to me!!

 

[mo2872]

Hmm, SpeedBlaster detractors......perhaps I got the only working one they made? Score for me! LOL.

I used play sand, spread it all out on a tarp, and let it bake dry in the sun, then screened it. Worked great. :shrug:

 

[rsanter]

If it was me I would not be blasting all that stuff but using paint stripper in a bucket and then a wire wheel

Bob

 

[Crimson558]

Yeah I'm gonna go with the stripper method after all. I have probably over a hundred hinges, knobs, and handles to clean and that's why I was considering a sandblaster. Previous owners win the blue ribbon for worst paint performance haha.

 

[lmandell1960]

you should never use playsand or any kind of sand, silicosis will develope in your lungs. get some proper blasting media.

 

[In My Garage]

Does anyone have this Blast Cabinet from Harbor Freight set-up in their shop?

If so, what are the exterior dimensions of the cabinet without the vacuum canister?

And how does it come crated; fully assembled or cabinet and base, etc?

 

[ADSR]

Does anyone have this Blast Cabinet from Harbor Freight set-up in their shop?

If so, what are the exterior dimensions of the cabinet without the vacuum canister?

And how does it come crated; fully assembled or cabinet and base, etc?

I have this one from grizzly. Looks close to the HF you posted. It comes in a HUGE crate. You just bolt the legs on...

http://www.grizzly.com/products/24-inch-x-48-inch-Blast-Cabinet/G0708

 

[ZRX61]

Thanks for that link I'll give that a shot before going with a sandblaster!

Use laundry detergent, bring to the boil & then just simmer for 10-20 minutes. Paint lifts right off & the parts come out spotless. (as does the pot)

 

[ADSR]

you should never use playsand or any kind of sand, silicosis will develope in your lungs. get some proper blasting media.

Agreed! The stuff will kill you.

 

[In My Garage]

I have this one from grizzly.

Could you measure the length of the side under the door (yellow line shown in pic)? Thanks!

 

[ADSR]

Could you measure the length of the side under the door (yellow line shown in pic)? Thanks!

Sure thing, i'll get it tomorrow when i'm there.

 

[ATC]

Could you measure the length of the side under the door (yellow line shown in pic)? Thanks!

If you check out their website, it shows that cabinet as a 24"x48".

I'd assume the measurement you want is 24".

Although this little doo-hickey on the back of it might throw that measurement off a bit:

 

[ADSR]

Could you measure the length of the side under the door (yellow line shown in pic)? Thanks!

24 1/4"

the vac can sticks out 11"

 

[cagullett1]

Definitely do not use sand. You will breathe in minute particles of glass, which is not as fun as it sounds. I got the benchtop HF one, and it works great with the black 21 gallon compressor from there.

Personally, I'd media blast them and powder coat them. If you blast them you will have to do something. The stripper method you've decided on will hopefully leave the finish so you won't have to go through all of that.

How do you like the benchtop model? I've been contemplating which HF model to get as a beginner.

 

[In My Garage]

24 1/4"

the vac can sticks out 11"

Although this little doo-hickey on the back of it might throw that measurement off a bit:

Thanks!

The vacuum canister can be removed I am sure.

I want to make sure it goes down my flight of stairs and door into my basement where it will then be placed in its own sealed (but vented to the outside) room.

 

[ADSR]

Thanks!

The vacuum canister can be removed I am sure.

I want to make sure it goes down my flight of stairs and door into my basement where it will then be placed in its own sealed (but vented to the outside) room.

No problem. Yes, just remove the van can, mount on the wall and run PVC to the back of the blaster.