Which blast cabinet would you go with?

[joshs74nova]

The time has come for me to get a blast cabinet. I've narrowed it down to 6 cabinets in my price range (south of $500).

http://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-abrasive-blast-cabinet.html

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200103074_200103074

http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/jobsmart-vertical-sandblast-cabinet

http://www.harborfreight.com/abrasive-blast-cabinet-68893.html

http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Performance+Products/555/81500K/10002/-1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007Y4PHLM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Last year I purchased an Eastwood parts washer and love it. However, it was defective out of the box and getting the part to fix it under warranty was a huge hassle for me. So needless to say I'am hesitant of going with them for a second time. I know most of you are Harbor Freight fans or haters (there's no middle of the road). So let's try to keep that fight to a minimum. There are better options out there in the higher price range but I'am not willing to go that high at this point in time. If you have any experience with these 6 or others, please give us your opinion.

 

[cowboy73]

You can get free plans for one. Check out this. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=290223&page=6

 

[DocRock]

I have the HF unit and with a 20% coupon, it's pretty tough to beat. I've used it many a time and works just fine. Not a whole lot to a blast cabinet. Sure is handy for fast clean up of parts in prep for paint.

 

[joshs74nova]

You can get free plans for one. Check out this. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=290223&page=6

The link that is provided no longer displays the plans.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

There really isn't much difference between the products listed. Price, customer service, availability, convenience. Those are factors I'd consider. No matter what you pick, you will want to pick up a tube of silicone sealant to do all seams since the included foam tape does NOT seal very well. Replace the included weak light with a brighter unit. Add your own moisture filter and regulator at the air inlet. Add wheels to the whole thing. Then you've got a good system.

Out of the box, these are going to be frustrating unless you take the time to do the prepwork right.

 

[cowboy73]

The link that is provided no longer displays the plans.

Read down a little further. The owner of TP Tools, "Fritz Ohio" is offering free plans mailed to your address. You just have to send an email to the company. His offer is still good until 9-30-15. Just follow his instructions and they'll send them to you for free.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

I bought the large free-standing HF one and like it well enough. As others have said, there's not much to one. It works fine and is cheap.

 

[BUDSVTX]

I have had my TIP blaster for many years and use it a lot doing hit&miss engine restoration. I found that using a shop vac, your bearings go out fast on the vac motor. I bought the TIP vac system, ended the problem. I also bought the carbide blasting tip instead of the ceramic tips which wear quickly. I have never had to replace it. TIP is a little expensive, but the service is GREAT and you have a lot of options.

BUD

 

[txvwnut]

HF cabinet here, bought it with on sale with a coupon. If you go the HF route get the the TP tools gun upgrade kit, the HF gun and siphon tube is ****. Also order the glass protectors from TP tools also as they have better adhesive than HF.