blast media... what to use

[CRGRS 66]

I bought a sandblast booth today, less than 1/2 price at Princess Auto. It has a good sized blasting chamber. What is the best media to use. I will be blasting control arms and such, but will also be blasting more delicate stuff as well. Should I use glass beads, sand, crushed walnut?

I may have posted this in the wrong area, but I know you guys look here all the time...

[theastronaut]

I like glass beads if there's not alot of rust or paint buildup. It's really nice on aluminum and other soft metals. Alot less dust than sand as well.
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[Captainfab]

Copper slag works good on parts that are just going to be painted or powder coated. It is less $$ than glass beads also.

[Billett]

I've always used glass bead at work. It's easy on the metal but with a decent pressure you can get a lot of the paint off with a little patience. Unless time is of the essence, the n I use aluminum oxide. That stuff is much harsher though and will leave a more severe surface profile. Walnut shells are great also

This might help you a bit

http://www.kramerindustriesonline.co...ting-media.htm

[CRGRS 66]

Originally Posted by theastronaut

I like glass beads if there's not alot of rust or paint buildup. It's really nice on aluminum and other soft metals. Alot less dust than sand as well.
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Originally Posted by Captainfab

Copper slag works good on parts that are just going to be painted or powder coated. It is less $$ than glass beads also.

Originally Posted by Billett

I've always used glass bead at work. It's easy on the metal but with a decent pressure you can get a lot of the paint off with a little patience. Unless time is of the essence, the n I use aluminum oxide. That stuff is much harsher though and will leave a more severe surface profile. Walnut shells are great also

This might help you a bit

http://www.kramerindustriesonline.co...ting-media.htm

Thank you all for your input, much appreciated!

[chevyrestoguy]

I prefer garnet. It's a good all-around media, and if you're doing something soft, just turn the pressure down. Works great on rusty parts, too.

[CRGRS 66]

Originally Posted by chevyrestoguy

I prefer garnet. It's a good all-around media, and if you're doing something soft, just turn the pressure down. Works great on rusty parts, too.

Thanks, garnet, like certain sand paper is garnet... different coarse garnet available I presume, auto body supply shops good place to look for garnet?

[63sbssbbw]

When I put mine together I used the tape they supply AND silicone to ensure its leak free.
My first run I ran silica sand but switched to aluminum oxide hoping it would cut down on the dust and cut faster (and it did).
if I did it agian I would deviate from the instructions a bit
!. install gloves before panel assy
2. install glass before assy
3. if you have the light option install it too
It was a pita installing it all after the box was together...of course I siliconed it all,so I didn't want to take it all apart.
Another hint for cutting down on dust ....wire wheel or wire brush as much rust/crud off as you can before hand.
Hope this helps
T

[SIR]

...C4 ..but that's just me...

[CRGRS 66]

Originally Posted by 63sbssbbw

When I put mine together I used the tape they supply AND silicone to ensure its leak free.
My first run I ran silica sand but switched to aluminum oxide hoping it would cut down on the dust and cut faster (and it did).
if I did it agian I would deviate from the instructions a bit
!. install gloves before panel assy
2. install glass before assy
3. if you have the light option install it too
It was a pita installing it all after the box was together...of course I siliconed it all,so I didn't want to take it all apart.
Another hint for cutting down on dust ....wire wheel or wire brush as much rust/crud off as you can before hand.
Hope this helps
T

Yes, I got the light, how could I not, got the cabinet for less than 1/2 price!Thanks for the assembly info!

Originally Posted by SIR

...C4 ..but that's just me...

Thank you "SIR", good bit of education here for me.

[jimmydean]

I have used garnet for years. It works well, leaves a great profile for powder (I don't do paint) and is cheap.

[Snowbound]

I use aluminum oxide in the cabinet. Lasts way longer than other media, but only use it with steel parts.

Used copper slag in the portable blaster. $14 per bag from OK Building Supplies if you have them out there. It's called Kleen Blast.
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