More questions. New toy...sandblaster

I scored a good deal today on a sandblaster, at least I think it was a good deal. Got one from harbor freight for 49 bucks. 20 lb one, looks like an air compressor...its not a suction one...hell I don't know what I'm talking about...here's a link
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=34202

I hope this is enough for what I'm gonna use it for. Didn't wanna drop a bunch of money on something I don't know how to use. After reading many posts here, it seems a blaster is good to have around.

They didn't have sand so I got some 70 grit something or another, forget the name. I'll get some sand somewhere.

anyway, cool new toy.

How fast will I go through 20-50 lbs of media?

 

Depending on when you posted this, you might already be through the 20-50 lbs of media.

Unfortunately, unless you have the right setup, there is no way to easily recover the "used" media.

I used that blaster on my engine bay years ago and am still finding sand in crevices.

You need to have a lot of volume in your airtank also, otherwise, the suction will not pick up the media (so you have to wait on the compressor to build up more pressure before continuing).


BUT, for the price, you can't beat it. It has it's benefits.

 

I have that sand blaster and it works pretty damn good for the price. I blasted the whole bottom of the Sprint with it. Only weakness is the cheezee helmet that comes with it and the hose is not the best quality. Nozzles are the big consumables for these things and you need a good nozzle for it to work at its best. I found that the quick disconnect nipples for air lines work pretty good instead of the ceramic ones. They are way cheaper even though they dont last nearly as long.

 

I blasted mine outside on blacktop. I would just sweep up the sand and run it through one of those kitchen screen things I dont know what they are called but your wife and/or girlfriend will know) before reusing it back in the blaster. You also need a good respirator because fine sand dust is hazardous to your health.
Sand definitely gets into everything like frame rails. Easiest way to remove it is find or make an opening in each end. THen blow air in one side while you run a vacuum on the other end. THen keep switching sides until its all cleared out.

 

after my painting ordeal, I went and got me a good respirator. So that's in check.

I forgot about the nozzles in my air tools kit. I might try those after I experiment with the ceramic ones.

I may end up buying a big one yet still, and use this for small pieces...but for the price and while learning, I think it's enough.

thanks for the input.

 

Keep your blast media DRY . An when your finish blasting empty your blasting pot of all unused media an keeping the blast pot dry. Will save you alot of problem later

jay

 

those work great. just cover up every crevice you dont want sand in.and i mean every crevice.if you get my drift

 

This was a truly awesome experience. I love this thing. It saved me mad time. I now see that parts I thought were bad are actually good. It took things to bare metal so quickly. Even my nuts and bolts look great.

Two words of advice for any other newbs out there.

Gloves.
Instructions.

I forgot to cut off air when pulling off hose and pow, it got me. Hand hurts a bit.

After going through about 30 lbs of media and watching it shoot huge streams of sand. getting mad. smoked a few cigarrettes, tried again. More huge streams of sand. I read the instructions.

Seems there is a flow valve for the media. Durrrrr.

So my last 20 lbs went beautifaly. (sp). Didn't get much done, but what I did get done looks great. I am stoked. I can already see the finished product and it looks much better than I thought it would.

I am tempted to re-do my fender wells. Although it looks good, I covered over many many thick rust areas (with rust converter). But after seeing this tool in action, I think I'll redo it and make it perfect.

I played with my hood a bit. If any of you remember, there was some thick rust on there. No matter how hard I sanded, it was still raised. I hit it with the blaster and it took all rust off. Now it is pitted where the rust was. But I'd rather deal with pits than raised areas. It is only slightly pitted, primer will fill it easily, don't even need filler.

I am excited again, and this renewed my decision to start this hobby. Best thing I bought so far.

...also, I pick up the new mav on sunday...wahoo.

 

I hear ya. I got it everywhere. Took me longer to clean up than to do it. I wore the hood, and finally gloves, but next time its coveralls for me....I'll be taking an extra long shower tonight.

 

Here's the bottom of my Sprint after the blasting.

 

Damn, that looks great. You sure took that car apart didn't you. LOL.

 

One word of advice--if you use it on body panels, make sure you move it around a lot, don't stay in one spot too long. Blasting sand against metal creates heat, lots of it, and fast. Thin body panels will warp if they get too hot. Also, cover any glass that you blast close to. The sand will etch it making it impossible to see through....

 

I was wondering what it would do to glass. I was pretty sure it would mess it up.

Guess I'll cover the windshield when I do the cowel vents. On that note. How do I clean out the vents? Water would make muck...I'm guessing air? Or should I not do that area?

 

Ha! "You ain't never lied!"

 

Just to take a little venture slightly off topic...

I read the baking soda in a pressure washer will give pretty good results without worrying about cleaning up all the sand and getting it out of your "crevices" The baking soda acts like an abrasive similar to your baking soda toothe paste. If your washer has an input for cleaning agents, you can use a baking soda and water mix as your "cleaner"

Any experience with this? My car will need a good blasting with something at some point. I'll probably try both and see how it comes out. Can't have too many tools!!!