I have a small 25 gallon, 4-1/2 h.p. compressor to run it.

The problem is that I can't get it to pick up much sand. I have to rock the reservoir back and forth to get just a few grains out of the nozzle.

I seemed to have improved matters when I would blast for a second or two, let off the trigger, then blast again for a few seconds. This gave the sand enough time to trickle into the outlet, but still nowhere it needs to be.

Volume isn't a problem either, as it does the same thing with the tank psi @ 130.

The sand I used is not exactly from a quarry - Lowe's for $1.50 for 50lb. It seemed 'dry enough' when I used it.

Do you guys have recommedations on type or size of sand or other techniques you use with good results?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,