I plan on cleaning some pulleys, braces, fender wells etc, this weekend and I was going to use sandblasting sand but Grainger only had glass beads. I got the "medium" beads. Is there a difference between sand and glass beads? What special care should I take with the glass vs. sand.....both to protect me and the parts I am cleaning. I obviously will use gloves, goggles and a respirator. I've heard you can warp the thin metal (like a fender well) if you get too aggressive. Thanks Rick
Beads are the way to go. Sand is too aggressive for pulleys and stuff. My blast cabinet is one of the best tools I ever bought besides the BFH. Good luck, Ted :beer
The sand is actually much more dangerous to you than the glass beads. The dust from the sand is really bad for your lungs. There will be much less dust with the glass beads and they leave a smoother finish.
Rick, How much was the glass bead at Grainger's. I was not aware that they sold it. That's if you dont mind me asking.
Rick, what kind of blast equipment are you using? I have a pressure blaster for doing large parts....outside. I buy sandblasting sand from the tool rental place, about 7 bucks for a 50 lb bag. I'll hang a large tarp from my garage, so I can recover (and reuse) most of the sand. I use a supplied-air respirator to supply fresh air to me. For small parts, I use a blast cabinet. Sand will break down into dust quickly. Glass beads are better. I really like silicon carbide, but it's much more expensive. Just bought some aluminum oxide from the tractor supply store...TSC http://www.mytscstore.com/detail.asp?pcID=1&paID=586 Works nice. Also check Graingers, http://www.grainger.com or better yet MSC. http://www1.mscdirect.com Or look in the yellow pages under 'sandblasting' for supplies.
50lb bucket for $36.00+tax WkillGS: I'm using a low end craftsman set. No cabinet....just a big box and some plastic sheeting. Seems to work fine. And the price is right since it is borrowed. :laugh: Does anyone know if I should be using a different nozzle for different sized media? Rick
Thanks Rick that's not much more than Harbor freight charges. Plus a lot closer which is good with gas prices the way they are.
Nozzle size should be matched to the air compressor. Basicly, if the air compressor can't keep up, the nozzle is too big! If you have enough air compressor, a larger nozzle will produce faster results.
Bead/Sand/Black Beauty I have been completely displeased with Glass bead that I have purchased from tractor supply. It seems to be dustier to begin with, and does not hold up well. If you monitor your air pressure, Glass bead from TiP tends to last longer than any other type I have tried. I have had my cabinet and used it daily for over 10 years. Although, initially the cost is higher, I believe the media I have purchased at TiP has been a better bargain in the long run. I think the cost of glass bead prohibits using it where you cannot reclaim/clean it. With that said, If I were blasting out of a controlled area (outside) then Blasting sand, or fine "Black-Beauty" (Similar to cinders) is the most economical, and effective. John
Sounds like I have a similar setup! I use White All Purpose Sand from Menard's (40lb Bag for $3.00!:bglasses: ), and I just turn down the pressure (about 90PSI, from 120) when I blast outside in the backyard! Takes a little more time, but the end result is the same, and the best part: No Cleanup!:TU: Now, my backyard looks like a White Sand Beach, so I just bought a pool to add realism! :laugh: Valve Covers, Oil Pans, Intakes, whatever, just Blast 'em, prep 'em, and paint 'em, and call 'em done! :bglasses:
