Sandblasting Questions (2)

[overdrive]

Okay, as I posted earlier (http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20950) I've been gathering information for sandblasting. I was able to get ahold of a 110lb (20 gallon) pressure-feed sandblaster on ebay, so I figure I'll give it a shot.

Next question: It seems that there are several sites out there that provide information on blasting media, but not many that sell it. Where do you guys get your blasting media? Also, with your specific experience working on cars, what blasting media do you recommend, and how many gallons/pounds should I expect to go through? I'll be blasting my frame, which is covered in surface (but not pitted) rust.

Thanks for your help!
~Dean Wilson

[flynbuick]

I use coal slag which is also known as black beauty. I comes in various grades. Call around to building supply stores. It comes in 50 -100 lb bags so be prepared.

Going to take a two stage compressor and a 80 gallon tank.

If you put up a barrier around a hard surface you recycle some of the slag.


My suggestion is to take it to a service that does it for a living. They will have a booth and bigger equipment. For the money and considering the time and cost of you buying the equipment, outsourcing this is a better deal.

[Rusty Davenport]

My advice is to listen to Jim and have frame blasted by a out source.They can do it about as cheap as you can yourself;around here about $75.00 to $250.00 for a car frame.And remember DO NOT SANDBLAST SHEETMETAL!!!! It will warp it beyond use.

[wkillgs]

I buy sandblasting sand from the local equipment-rental company. It comes in various grits, for different finishes. Medium should work well for a frame.
CAUTION!!!!......use a respirator!!!!! A supplied-air unit is even better.....Breathing dust from sand (silica) can lead to a lung disease known as silicosis......

I put up a barrier or tarps around the project so I can reuse the sand. But after two or three uses, it's dust. But it does help with cleanup.

Sheetmetal can be blasted if care is used. Fine sand, low pressure, a 'glancing' angle, and quick movement will minimize distortion. Just get the worst off, then use a DA sander to finish up. I've found that blasting both sides of sheetmetal, even with extreme care, will lead to warpage....

I do alot of blasting...it gives great results! Just take the proper health precautions!!!

[opeltwinturbo]

Dean: I buy all my materials from www.tptools.com. They are located in Ohio. Check them out on the website. They also deliver.

PS. You ought to show where you live.

[dr]

Rusty
Can you sandblast inner fender wheels safely?
I want toremove about every thing from my motor compartment and blast it.

[Rusty Davenport]

Yes inner fenders,core support,floor boards,trunk pans,door jams,around window pinch welds, all can be blasted with no problems.I WOULD NEVER ATTEMPT A HOOD OR TRUNK LID!!!!!!!!!! I have blasted the inside edges of trunk lid besure to tape off all holes [heavy duct tape] so sand does not go thur them and hit outside trunk skin or it will warp the outside skin.

[Babeola]

CAUTION!!!!......use a respirator!!!!! A supplied-air unit is even better.....Breathing dust from sand (silica) can lead to a lung disease known as silicosis......

Walt or Anyone,

Where would I get a reasonable price on a used or new supplied-air unit, and what is a reasonable price for both new and used equipment? I have been thinking this may be something to look into considering all of the painting I need to do. I think I have another project that will need paint, and possibly another after that. I also know the newer paints are more deadly then the paints of yesteryear. A reasonably priced supplied-air system might be a very good idea for me.

Thanks - Cheryl :)

[wkillgs]

Cheryl,
I'm using an entry-level Hobbyair unit. Present cost is $359. I purchased it from Len Stuart, in New Jersey, who also runs the Autobodystore.com website.

http://www.autobodystore.com/SprayBooth.htm

Units from other manufactures are also available:

http://www.autobodystore.com/BreathingSystem.htm

Breathing systems, sandblasting, and all things Body/Paint related are discussed on the message board. It's one of my favorite sites, check it out!:

http://www.autobodystore.com/cgi-bin/config.pl?index


For used systems, you can always check e-bay....

[Babeola]

Thanks Walt. That is a very good start. It may be time for a new spray gun as well!

Cheryl :)