Skat Blast Cabinet

[Stick-man]

I know there is a blast cabinet thread, but I apologize, it is way too long to read every post.

I am looking at a Skat Blast® USA 970-DLX Deluxe Abrasive Blast Cabinet, for my first owned unit. Just wondering if anyone has any experience with these? I don't know much about them other than how to use them. Are they a quality unit? Am I correct in wanting the larger size? I don't have anything specific to blast, just whatever comes up. Thanks

 

[larry4406]

I was looking at one near identical from Skat Blast but with dual doors. Then found one like your post on Craigslist.

TP Tools sent me a proposal for parts to add the other door couple years ago. I need to get that quote updated and pull the trigger or build my own. Where I want the cabinet to go, it really needs the door on the left side.

 

[finn]

I bought the next size down off of Marketplace last year. Based on the description, it’s the 960 model.

No issues with it, although it’s not as well made as the smaller (bench) Econoline I picked up years ago.

All in all, the Skat is a solid unit, much better than the imports like HF that I’m familiar with.

 

[GeoBruin]

I bought the next size down off of Marketplace last year. Based on the description, it’s the 960 model.

No issues with it, although it’s not as well made as the smaller (bench) Econoline I picked up years ago.

All in all, the Skat is a solid unit, much better than the imports like HF that I’m familiar with.

Not to derail the thread, but it sounds like you're fond of the bench top Econoline model? There's one on Craigslist for cheap and I'm thinking about picking it up.

 

[gatewaysysop]

I know there is a blast cabinet thread, but I apologize, it is way too long to read every post.

I am looking at a Skat Blast® USA 970-DLX Deluxe Abrasive Blast Cabinet, for my first owned unit. Just wondering if anyone has any experience with these? I don't know much about them other than how to use them. Are they a quality unit? Am I correct in wanting the larger size? I don't have anything specific to blast, just whatever comes up. Thanks

If you're buying new from TP Tools, get the upgrade to the larger dust collector than what it normally ships with. They can put a larger port on the side of the cabinet to take the larger vacuum hose. You won't regret having the far superior dust collection. Worth every penny.

 

[Stick-man]

If you're buying new from TP Tools, get the upgrade to the larger dust collector than what it normally ships with. They can put a larger port on the side of the cabinet to take the larger vacuum hose. You won't regret having the far superior dust collection. Worth every penny.

Yes I am going to order this week from TP. I appreciate the advice, but that would almost double the price. I do not plan on using it a ton, actually not very much, but I want it available. So I think I will have to go with the original package. But I will ask for a quote with the upgrade. Thanks

 

[finn]

Not to derail the thread, but it sounds like you're fond of the bench top Econoline model? There's one on Craigslist for cheap and I'm thinking about picking it up.

It’s good for small items. You’re going to have to rig a vacuum adapter, depending on how dusty your media of choice is.

A dedicated dust control system like the one that came with my TIP Skat a blast cabinet works better than the shop vac with hose adapters I have on the Econoline. I think Econoline offers an evacuation system also, though.

The fit of the access doors, hinge quality, and overall details of the Econoline are better than the Tip / Skat. That shouldn’t be taken as meaning the Skat is bad.

I have had the Econoline for several years, and don’t know about the current designs, but I think they are probably similar. Econoline seems to be more of an industrial market machine while Skat is hobby focused.

 

[gatewaysysop]

Yes I am going to order this week from TP. I appreciate the advice, but that would almost double the price. I do not plan on using it a ton, actually not very much, but I want it available. So I think I will have to go with the original package. But I will ask for a quote with the upgrade. Thanks

You might be happy with the stock package, but you'd never regret better dust collection. That said, budget is budget and if it's between a bigger cabinet or better dust collector, that's understandable.

 

[Stick-man]

You might be happy with the stock package, but you'd never regret better dust collection. That said, budget is budget and if it's between a bigger cabinet or better dust collector, that's understandable.

Like I said, I will see what the upgrade costs and go from there. I am the buy once cry once type. I hate not being happy and having to buy twice.
Can I ask what the best media is and where to buy? I was thinking glass beads from Northern Tool, but not sure which choice would be best. They seem to be the cheapest. But I have also heard of Black Diamond before, but again, I never purchased any.

 

[Nortonscustom]

I bought my 966 new 20 some years ago. Have used it every week since. No real complaints. Mine sits on a couple 6"x6"s because it was a little low for my liking. I highly recommend getting the blow gun kit! It's really nice blowing all the dust and grit off your parts before taking the out of the cabinet. When/if the vacuum motor fails my local appliance parts store had motors for about half what TP was asking. Overall they are well made blast cabinets.

 

[southalabama]

Skat blast and TP tools good products and company.

Think that I recall the owner joining the forum a few years back. Not sure how active he is.

 

[Crabman]

@larry4406

Where I want the cabinet to go, it really needs the door on the left side.

I have a smaller top load TP. Not sure if it would work for you but mine is on wheels. Could be a simpler or cheaper route?

OP

I started with a shop vac as the TP dust system was beyond my means at the time I got the cabinet. I upgraded later which was a real good change. Could be a budget solution for you, guessing you already have a shop vac.

Good luck with the cabinet, one of my favorite tools.

Edit: probably won't work for OP since he is likely down near Memphis, but for others you can save shipping bucks by picking up in Ohio, and they used to let you save shipping and get a "flea market" price at the events they do like Carlisle and Hershey. Could work for other folks in East.

 

[Stick-man]

You might be happy with the stock package, but you'd never regret better dust collection. That said, budget is budget and if it's between a bigger cabinet or better dust collector, that's understandable.

I called and I think it will be around $3k with the upgrade. The upgrade is $1100 I think. (I lost my paper I wrote the info on)
Just wondering if anyone knows of a comparable cabinet, WITH a high quality dust collector, with a better price? I have been searching, but there are so many variations, options, pros and cons, etc., this is mind blowing. I do like that it is made in USA, and want to stick with that option.

 

[MileHighRover]

Since you're not in the need for one right now, I'd keep an eye out for a used one. I found a beautiful Snap-On that was owned by a homeowner from new. Picked it up for $500.

This is the one I have, though it is an older unit. YA435. Retail price is $6,600.

 

[txvwnut]

I bought a **** Blast cabinet for the day job, I don’t remember which one but it wasn‘t much over a grand as they were having a sale. You won’t be disappointed they are quality made cabinets. I do have one complaint, they need to be taller. I’m just a little under 6 foot tall and have to stoop a little more than I like compared to my HF cabinet.

 

[ZRX61]

I have the 960. Great unit, bought it almost 20 years ago. No issues.

 

[ZRX61]

I bought a **** Blast cabinet for the day job, I don’t remember which one but it wasn‘t much over a grand as they were having a sale. You won’t be disappointed they are quality made cabinets. I do have one complaint, they need to be taller. I’m just a little under 6 foot tall and have to stoop a little more than I like compared to my HF cabinet.

Put it on a couple of 4x6's

 

[Michael B.]

I bought a Skat Blast several years ago and it has worked well. I left mine on the pallet it shipped on for the same height reason. When I built my new shop I also vented the exhaust system outside. There was always a very fine dust in my previous garage after using the cabinet.

The functioning of the blasting process will depend highly upon the cfm of your compressor. You should ensure your compressor is performing with the recommended cfm as a minimum.

 

[T444e]

I've had my 970-DLX for 3 years now. In my opinion, you are correct in wanting the larger cabinet. Works well, but I second txvwnut that their cabinets need to be taller, I put it on some 4" square tube to get to a better operating height. I also ordered thier magnetic stip light with the cabinet, like the additional light.

 

[930dreamer]

I bought a

Skat Blast® USA VAC-55 HEPA Vacuum to use on a friends cabinet for a few hours. It's just collecting dust.​

 

[finn]

I've had my 970-DLX for 3 years now. In my opinion, you are correct in wanting the larger cabinet. Works well, but I second txvwnut that their cabinets need to be taller, I put it on some 4" square tube to get to a better operating height. I also ordered thier magnetic stip light with the cabinet, like the additional light.

I built a frame on casters to convert my small bench top cabinet to a roll around, and will add some 2x3 box tube and wheels to the larger Smat cabinet as soon as I extend my power and air lines. The plan is to be able to roll the cabinet out the garage door to eliminate any spurious dust from escaping into the shop, although I can’t really identify it as a problem, as grinding dust is the biggest issue, followed by paint overspray.

 

[Stick-man]

Since you're not in the need for one right now, I'd keep an eye out for a used one. I found a beautiful Snap-On that was owned by a homeowner from new. Picked it up for $500.

This is the one I have, though it is an older unit. YA435. Retail price is $6,600.

What a great score! I am surprised at the price of the new one. I just scored a Snappy 30 gal parts washer for $400, and a new one is over $5k!!! I would think their blast cabinet would be around $15k. LOL

Yes I am getting the extra mag light. I don't see well when it's dim

 

[Stick-man]

I've had my 970-DLX for 3 years now. In my opinion, you are correct in wanting the larger cabinet. Works well, but I second txvwnut that their cabinets need to be taller, I put it on some 4" square tube to get to a better operating height. I also ordered thier magnetic stip light with the cabinet, like the additional light.

Is that mag light special? Or could i get a cheap one and put mags on it?

 

[T444e]

Is that mag light special? Or could i get a cheap one and put mags on it?

Nothing special, just a strip light with magnets and a cord: https://www.tptools.com/45-Skat-Blast-Super-Pro-Magnetic-LED-Cabinet-Light,9250.html

Knowing how my projects go, I could have built one, but I would have had a few hours into it and spent twice as much to get the same end result. I can't bring myself to buy cheap components for a project and just slap something together.

 

[Model A Fan]

Any update on your purchase? What size compressor do you have?

 

[Stick-man]

Any update on your purchase? What size compressor do you have?

Yes, I received my cabinet with the upgraded vac unit. I haven't hooked it up yet, still waiting for electric service to my shop. I've been running on generators, but not my compressor. I have a Champion 5hp, 80 gal. I also have a Champion 10hp, 120 gal from my family business I will be acquiring soon. I also have to run my air system, the RapidAir. It looks like a very well made cabinet. I am sure it will serve me well. But the total price is over double the catalog price. That was very disturbing, but........

 

[Stick-man]

I still haven't use my cabinet yet, it will be a while. But I had had my kid make a skid for it so I can wheel it around and/or move it with a pallet jack.

I realized a few disappointing things about it.

1. The lower trap door is way off level. I guess I won't complain unless I have some sort of issue when I start using it. But being made in the USA and for the price I paid, it really needs to be dead balls on level.








2. In the first pic, common sense tells me this would be the ideal placement for the vac. Why on earth would they put the port in the front of the unit side, instead of the rear, where it will route the hose perfectly. I am very discouraged I have to chop up my new equipment for such a stupid reason. Maybe I am wrong, so please correct me if there is something I am not seeing here.

 

[Steve_P]

It's a sheetmetal cabinet and not a precision surface ground NASA cast surface plate component. Why does that portion need to be "dead balls" level? Is your floor "Dead balls" level??? Is your skid? Is the earth? I mean, I get it, but.... How does that portion of the cabinet being off even a quarter of an inch affect the function? It's a sandblasting cabinet.

 

[isb cornbinder]

My wife surprised me with a Canadian Made abrasive blast cabinet from MOD-U-BLAST #2448 It was my b'day.

 

[Stick-man]

It's a sheetmetal cabinet and not a precision surface ground NASA cast surface plate component. Why does that portion need to be "dead balls" level? Is your floor "Dead balls" level??? Is your skid? Is the earth? I mean, I get it, but.... How does that portion of the cabinet being off even a quarter of an inch affect the function? It's a sandblasting cabinet.

I guess being a proud tradesman, I take a lot of pride in my work. When I build something for myself, most of the time I need something now, and I will cut some corners. But that is for me. When I get paid to do a job, I make sure to ask myself if I would pay for the final product. I make sure it is the best and most perfect job I can do. I paid just under $4k for this thing. Yes, it is only a cabinet, but it has the Made in USA label on it, so it shouldn't look like it was made in china! But, you're entitled to your opinion, and I'm glad I didn't have to pay for that!

 

[Stick-man]

My wife surprised me with a Canadian Made abrasive blast cabinet from MOD-U-BLAST #2448 It was my b'day.

Congrats! Have you used it yet? Unfortunately I am having issues with my electrical service install. So I won't get to use mine until that is done and I pipe my shop for electric and air.

 

[isb cornbinder]

Congrats! Have you used it yet? Unfortunately I am having issues with my electrical service install. So I won't get to use mine until that is done and I pipe my shop for electric and air.

I gave away my Speedair twin and built this Ingersoll T30/80. The compressor was built from scraped parts and some auction parts in a box that included a rebuild kit.
I have had the cabinet since December 13, 2002. The cabinet has its own negative pressure filtering system from the factory. My son and I have many hours with the cabinet.
I knew I had a pack of replaceable window protectors. I looked for two days and gave up. After getting home with a new package of window protectors, I pealed one off and put the remainder into a drawer. There it was, the other package I had been looking for.

 

[thammel]

I just joined your club....bought a Skat blast 960 deluxe with a #3 bundle. Much better than the Eastwood cheap unit I just sold. THe bundle includes a wheel kit which puts it at about the right height for me.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I just joined your club....bought a Skat blast 960 deluxe with a #3 bundle. Much better than the Eastwood cheap unit I just sold. THe bundle includes a wheel kit which puts it at about the right height for me.

The MOD-U-BLAST unit I have is not very different than your SKAT 960. I just did a USD to CAD. It cost the same in British Columbia as the USA. (not the same $$$)
I had one of those imported, cheap in every way, cabinets before. The cabinet was plagued with leaking. It was nearly impossible to maintain a negative pressure so dust removal was not good.
I gave it away. I seldom if ever buy imported anything from the East. This was a sharp reminder to not do that again.