are all sandblasters alike? does it matter which one i buy? how much should i spend on one. I know I have to buy a bottle for it ....what size do i need to remove thick surface rust? I was thinking about renting one but with the amount they want im better off buying one. any information on sandblasters would be very informative to me.

thanks!

 

A pressure fed blaster seems to work better than a siphon type. Be careful sandblasting large panels as they can warp if you use the wrong media. I use glass in my blast cabinet does not hurt alum and doesnt leave a rough surface like alum oxide and sand

 

The type of sand blaster you get is relative to the air compressor you have. A pressure type is more expensive but requires a little less air and clogs less frequently. You can pick up a siphon type with a 90lb hopper from Eastwood for around $200, the pressure type is double that. The compressor you need to run it continously is at least a 5hp, preferably a 2 stage. I saw one that would work at menards yesterday for $400, its a 220V unit so you need a place to put it. A small portable type would work, but doing an entire car would work it over pretty well.

If you are blasting the underside of the car, do it outside unless you live in a city, (in that case you should take it to have it done) use sand as its cheaper and works really well. I would reccomend sheetmetal such as fenders doors hood etc, be sanded instead of blasted.. Dont let the sand get wet or it clogs really badly. Also dirt, paint large rocks or anything other than sand in the hopper will clog it, so unless you feel like sifting the glass bead before you put it back in or spending more for media use sand. I live on an acerage with a gravel driveway so I have plenty of space to do it.

If you have a small garage and you live in town, and you still want to do it yourself, you can make a hood that you can drape over parts of the car, like underhood or the front suspension area on one side at a time. Be sure no matter what media you use when doing non cabinet blasting to wear a respirator, you can get silica pneumonia by beathing the dust, among other things. Safety gear is required unless you dont value skin on your arms/face, and your vision..

Hope that helps some

 

I don't use any media on panels as I use a rubber like pellets to peel away paint..no pits and bad mess