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Ok...I've heard and read about a couple dozen different media types to use in the "sand" blaster.
What is a good media for the home shop that isn't expensive, takes off both paint and rust, and can be resued a couple of times? Brand names and compound would be most helpful.
Hey Joe, I know there is some debate about the health issues but I use Black Diamond. My setup is a Harbor Fright cabinet hooked to a 3.5 horse, 60 gallon compressor. I used to use the aluminum oxide stuff but it tended to load-up pretty quick and was very expensive to replace. Because my system operates at a constant 80-100psi to work effectively I chose the BD because it has a more coarse grit, is cheap ($7 a 50# bag) and does a really good job at moderate pressures.
I do wear a rebreather mask whenever I'm using it and I'm careful about keeping the dust swept up too.
I'm on my third reload and so far it has tackled everything that will fit in the cabinet.
Joe,
I thought you were about to blast the lame stream media for some moronic reporting when I read the thread title.
My suggestion is to find a shop near you that does blasting and go do a "touchy feely" visit. Words and pictures only tell you so much and since this is probably one of the most important decisions you will have to make on this project. A hands on example of what media does what and talking to guys who do it everyday is probably called for. Just my thoughts.
I'm a big fan of coarse grit aluminum oxide from Harbor Freight.
I'm an even bigger fan of letting someone else do the blasting whenever possible. Stuff goes EVERYWHERE. I need to get a blasting cabinet.
Zach
Doing a LOT of production work on some irreplaceable items, I prefer and have had the best results with glass beads. Not the Harbor Freight stuff either. It isn't actually "beads" but ground glass powder. Its cheap for a reason. Potter's Quality glass beads are what you want. Most industrial supply places and machine shops can supply it. It runs around $40 for 50 lbs, but if you aren't using it every day, it will last a long time.
It is aggressive enough to remove paint, rust, or anything else, but still not so aggressive that it will warp or destroy the metal. Its also kind to aluminum sufaces and won't etch them badly like Aluminum Oxide, or sand, or silica materials. It generally flows well through most cabinet guns too. Just keep the air supply dry and regulated at 90PSI. Oh, and nothing greasy in the cabinet.
We are in a part of the state called the "sandhills". About 30 miles South of me is a place that sifts, grades, and bags sandblast sand....they have 100# bags, up to these giant bags that are about 4'x6'x4' tall....I forget how many thousand pounds they are.
Minimum order is $50...which right now is 1600 lbs of sand. I don't have a cabinet, but a stand-alone sandblaster. I'm fixing to get more sand (after it cools down some later in the summer. I plan to split up an order between 2 or 3 others. 1600# goes a long way. I got some blue plastic pickle barrels that I store mine in to keep dry.
I've always used just plain ole sifted sand, 50 pound bags, available from most all concrete/cement suppliers (the cheapest at like $3.50 per 50 Lbs) or home supply stores like Lowes, Home Depot, etc. More expensive.
I use the Harbor 100 lb tank system, modified with a better hand held hose blaster. Wear a sweatshirt and hood. Ear plugs are nice for noise abatement and to keep the sand out of there, too. Try to do it on very windy, cloudy days. (ha ha)
Sweep up and sift to reuse or dispose on driveway in winter (if needed)
Scott
When sandblasting outdoors and you want to reclaim your media, just use a very large tarp as a backdrop/ground cover. Easier to reclaim and sift that way.
Oh, and do cover or seal every opening in your clothing or sand will end up there. When I am doing big sandblasting jobs, I use the Tyvek coveralls, and lots of duct tape to seal the cuffs to my gloves and boots.
I use garnet - just about as good as aluminum oxide and is alot cheaper. You can get it from Tractor Supply.
I have black beauty in my blast cabinet. works great.