Looking at a sandblaster....feedback?

[Got Smoke?]

I got a $200 gift cert to Northern Tool for Christmas, and I'm thinking of using it towards this sand blaster? Any thoughts/feedback?

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_17798_17798

I have a IR Commercial 80 gal compressor so air supply is not and issue.

My girlfriend and I are going to start restoring my 79 next winter so will be needing a sand blaster FOR SURE!

Let me know what you guys think.

 

[NV_K5]

I have a very similar sand blaster and I would recommend it. If you blast in the garage for instance, make sure you have the air compressor outside. Also respirators are your friend and a better (spare) face shield/hood will be necessary quickly.

 

[Got Smoke?]

I have a very similar sand blaster and I would recommend it. If you blast in the garage for instance, make sure you have the air compressor outside. Also respirators are your friend and a better (spare) face shield/hood will be necessary quickly.

Thanks for the info!

 

[doonjumper]

What types of things are you MAINLY going to be blasting? Large, medium, or small? You might consider a blast cabinet if medium to small things is the majority of things you will be blasting. Just a thought....

 

[ktmoutfront]

I have the HF version of that. Works OK in small doses. Getting the correct sand is an issue here. I get industrial sand at HD. I have to drive by the 2 closer ones to get it. It does use a boat load of air. Much more than the ratings show.

I use a clear face shield with a towel taped to it to cover my head. I do all am my blasting outside.

 

[ryoken]

I too have the HF version of that... think it was like $75.... it'll do the job, just takes a bit of time... the key is, it's a pressurized unit, they usually perform pretty well...

it will run down your compressor, you'll want to stop now and then to let it catch up... also don't just assume "more sand will blast quicker".. not the case, you'll want to play with the sand feed to get it cutting the most...

and outside is a piece a cake, in a garage, well, mine was the sahara desert for a couple weeks.. the stuff gets absolutely everywhere..

and the most important thing, don't just wear a hood, put a respirator on, or at least a dust mask... i haven't met a pro blaster that didn't end up dead from it.. sand in your lungs is about the worst thing you can inhale... very, very bad....

 

[Captainfab]

Very good advice here, especially on the respirator. The dust from silica sand will ruin your lungs permenently (silicosis) if not kill you. If you can find another blast media by all means use it. I have a friend that owns a blasting business and he used copper slag (Kleen Blast brand). Something else to keep in mind is that some of the primers on the market today (epoxy and others) can have adverse reactions to the silica that becomes imbeded in the steel from blasting with silica sand. It might be a good idea to check the data sheet on the primer/paint you plan to use before hand.

I too have the HF version of that... think it was like $75.... it'll do the job, just takes a bit of time... the key is, it's a pressurized unit, they usually perform pretty well...

it will run down your compressor, you'll want to stop now and then to let it catch up... also don't just assume "more sand will blast quicker".. not the case, you'll want to play with the sand feed to get it cutting the most...

and outside is a piece a cake, in a garage, well, mine was the sahara desert for a couple weeks.. the stuff gets absolutely everywhere..

and the most important thing, don't just wear a hood, put a respirator on, or at least a dust mask... i haven't met a pro blaster that didn't end up dead from it.. sand in your lungs is about the worst thing you can inhale... very, very bad....

 

[Got Smoke?]

Mainly plan to blast the frame and whatever components that are rusted, but salvagable. My 79 has been neglected and was my fathers former farm truck so EVERYTHINGS rusted. Our plans are to tear it down to the frame and go back up. Can other media besides sand be used in that blaster? I know exactly ZIP about blasting and blasters so please school me.

 

[Captainfab]

Yes, media such as the one I mentioned above. There is also a nickle slag, and I've heard of a coal slag that is available. There are several other types of media such as walnut shells, baking soda, etc. Since you are wanting to remove rust you will want to stay with a media that is going to be able to cut thru the rust. Some of the other abrasives don't do as well with rust. You'll just have to check around in your area to see just what is available to you. Are there any businesses in your area that do blasting? You may be abld to find out media availability from them.

Can other media besides sand be used in that blaster? I know exactly ZIP about blasting and blasters so please school me.

 

[cuervo]

Keep in mind, I sand blasted a trailer for a buddy of mine in my backyard. It killed the grass. I'm guess it was because of the paint contamination. I still have a ton of sand on the ground where I did this. Pretty stupid of me really.