thinking about sand blasting my own frame

[wholio]

so i was thinking about sandblasting my own frame, i was thinking bout goin to harbor freight and getting one of those 130 sandblasters and giving it a go, a couple of people have told me to do a soda blast and others a suger blast and even a glass blast? idk anything about those or what type to use can someone give me some in put,
im looking to do this out in the open not a closed area

[red71cheyenne]

When I did the frame on the 71, I just used regular silica sand. Even recycled it. Just hung up plastic in the carport to keep it from getting away and then swept it up, screened to get out the rust and dirt and kept on using it. I have one of those siphon sand blasters and kept my sand in a trash can. Worked fine. Just get a dust mask or respirator to keep the silica out of your lungs. It can mess you up.

[lakeroadster]

Don't use silica sand! Read this! http://www.silicosis-injury-attorney...ing_risks.html -and this- http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/92-102.html

"In 1974, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommended that silica sand (or other substances containing more than 1% free silica) be prohibited as abrasive blasting material and that less hazardous materials be used in blasting operations."

Only reason I bring this up is I just bought some media today. I thought about going the easy route and just using Home Depot Sand, the stuff in bags, but had heard of silicosis and did a little research on the internet. Yikes, I am glad I did.

Here is how I found blasting media in my area:

First I called the local rental place and asked if they rented blasting equipment, they did. I asked where to get blasting media, they gave me the phone number of the local place. I called them and they have all kinds of different materials and they suggested I use Nickel Slag for the parts I am blasting. It is only $14.00 for a 100# bag, so it's not that much money to ensure your health!

Here is a link to the place I got the Nickel Slag from: http://www.unitedwesterndenver.com/p...ives.html.html

You will notice they do not have any silica sand listed that can be used for blasting.

As Red71Cheyenne mentions use a respirator, but don't just use a "dust mask". To find the correct respirator look at the MSDS sheet for the specific media you are using and talking to the local place that sells respirators.

Your health is worth doing the research on this.... your other alternative is to take it to a professional. I do some blasting myself, but not very much. Between the nasty stuff (lead based paint and ???) that comes off the part and the filthy nature of blasting it's better done by a professional for a large job, IMO.

Hope this helps!

[packers05]

I am a dummy that does his own blasting I have used home depot sand but always use a painting respirator and hoped for the best!

[cdowns]

i've used silca sand for well over 45 years with excellent results and not one health issue ever
common sence goes a long way in protecting your well being

the whole trick to good results is lots of air and air and sand must b dry dry dry no moisture


for best results use bagged blasting sand // beach sand dont work and can have salt content

[lakeroadster]

Blasting inside a cabinet (self contained) with a dust handler system is one thing. But the only approved respirator for blasting in an open environment with sand containing silica is a type CE pressure demand abrasive blasting respirator (see photo below).

Type CE abrasive-blasting respirator (SAR), operates in a pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. Positive pressure means it has a fresh air supply being pumped to the operator eliminating the possibility of breathing the visible and invisible dust.

Surely you guys aren't suggesting that the guy who started this thread, a guy looking for advice on how to do something correctly, should use sand if he doesn't have a fresh air (SAR) style respirator?

[wholio]

so im better off just having some one do it for me.
i got a quote from this guy for 225
150 to sandblast and 75 to primer
i was just think i could do it cheaper myself

[joemacho]

i used sand from the river bottom to blast frames plus i used some metal screens to get the bigg rocks to prevent blockage..

[Alex Hayley]

At $225 to blast AND prime the frame I would jump on it. Sure you could do it cheaper...maybe...but it is many hours of work.

[red71cheyenne]

Originally Posted by wholio

so im better off just having some one do it for me.
i got a quote from this guy for 225
150 to sandblast and 75 to primer
i was just think i could do it cheaper myself

Shoot, I'd have paid $225 all day to have it done. Its dirty nasty work and that sand gets everywhere! If I'd have had a place around that could have done it for that I'd have paid for it in a heartbeat.

[SeventyOne]

$225 sounds great! I'm going to be using a wire wheel to clean my frame before paint...