Sand blasters and media questions

CAD · 10-12-2009, 07:32 PM

Right now I'm shopping around for a sand blaster and wondering if anyone has any input? Just about the only decent choices locally are one like NAPA sells. I believe the model is Balkamp? They are the siphon type. I'm looking at one of the Eastwood pressurized sand/soda blasters right now. How much better are the pressurized type over the siphon ones?

Next question is what type of media do you guys use on your classic mustangs? I don't have soda blasting as an option where I'm at. The local abrasives place hasn't even seen soda before. Pretty much my options are Green Diamond, walnut, aluminum oxide, glass, maybe a couple other types.. What should I get? Should I use one type on frame and suspension and other thick metals and something else on the body skin?

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cprstreetmachines · 10-12-2009, 07:53 PM

Blast what ever you want, other than the skin on the body. Qrtr's, roof, doors. You can hit the edges and about 1inch into a skin, but no farther.

chris66dad · 10-12-2009, 09:09 PM

Soda blasting has many issues that can give you problems.
If your interested here is a pro painter forum (hotrodders) on the subject:
http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/once...ng-162700.html
Here is the Wiki article that is loaded with information, warnings and cautions:
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki/Soda_blasting

Read and then make a decision...
Good luck and BE Safe
Ron

Tony R · 10-12-2009, 10:16 PM

I used the biggest blaster that harbor freight sells. I also used sand. It was medium playground sand IIRC. I did the entire car. If you are careful you wont warp your panels.

CAD · 10-12-2009, 10:32 PM

Did you get the siphon or pressure from harbor freight? How much have you used it? Any problems?

Jaded · 10-12-2009, 10:51 PM

I'm using Eastwoods blaster with the soda conversion kit. The only drawback I've had is not enough air compressor. It requires 7 scfm @90psi, and mine couldn't keep up with the blaster. Otherwise it works fine.

My neighbor uses the harbor frieght blaster with play ground sand, something I'm not willing to do because of the hazard, and the ability to quickly warp a panel. Besides, I don't have acres of land in the middle of nowhere to do this like he does.

I'm looking at an 80 gallon compressor now that is more than double the needed scfm rating at 90. That outta take care of painting this beast too.

Tony R · 10-12-2009, 11:46 PM

I have the pressure tank. I also did it in the garage. i will pay next time to avoid the mess. Even with draping plastic around the garage it still trashed my garage.

photocliff · 10-13-2009, 12:15 AM

Sandblasting causes metal warp? How? Is the presure causing the body to dent in.

CAD · 10-13-2009, 12:30 AM

photocliff, it's the heat that causes warpage. The thinner the metal the higher the chance.

CAD · 10-13-2009, 12:33 AM

Tony, how well did you seal around the car? I'm thinking of making a "booth" of plastic around it. Top, bottom, & sides. That way I should be able to reuse some of it too.