Sandblasting the generator.

[fng]

My generator has been painted about 13 times judging from the buildup of goo. My question is will it hurt it to put it in the blast cabinet and strip it down to bare metal? I've looked it over and can't decide if any of the open holes expose anything electrical. Anyway some of you guys with spark knowledge enlighten me please. Thanks, T

[k8icu]

Well...it's sealed from water I would think it should be sealed from sand then....but I don't know if I would do it with out taking it apart. You should be able to remove the outer cover and blast it with out touching the inners....or when your watching TV just take some sand papper and slowly clean it up....

[randygar]

I'd advise against it... you'll get sand in all sorts of places sand shouldn't be. You probably need to pull it apart, or strip it with a wire bush/nylon abrasive wheel, etc.

--Randy

[syzygy]

I'd advise against it... you'll get sand in all sorts of places sand shouldn't be. You probably need to pull it apart, or strip it with a wire bush/nylon abrasive wheel, etc.

--Randy

I second that. Sandblasting gets sand in nooks and crannies you didn't know existed. I wouldn't want it near anything that spins/has bearings/needs to move freely and precisely like the generator. Pull it apart and blast just the case/cover/whatever separate from the mechanics... (and there's no reason not to do that...)

[gimpyrobb]

One of those scotch brite pads on a drill works wonders for stuff like this. I agree, if your gonna blast it, take it apart first.

[fng]

Now that I think about it, a wire wheel on my angle grinder would probably do just fine. I've never pulled apart a generator before, visions of little springs flying around the shop or dropped bearings into the magnetic stuff...hmmmm. Wire wheel.

[randyscycle]

Another thing too: If you blast into any opening that expose any windings, you might remove the insulation on the windings. That would spell instant death for the generator. Pull the outer cases.