[john5482]

Lots of good advise already listed. I'm also new to sandblasting, but I prefer to figure it out myself. There are many things to consider when choosing a blaster, kind of parts to blast, their overall size and shape, type of metel, etc. I don't recomend a cabinet, unless all you're blasting are small parts. The cheepest way to go (not the best) is to buy the simple hose blaster kit. Get a bucket and a air compressor with a rating no less than 15 CFM (cubit feet per minute) air volume @ 80 PSI. You can go as low as 7 CFM, but it would require a small blaster nozzle best for glass etching. The air compressor should run off of 240V and have a air dryer attached. You will need to use about 50-150psi of air pressure, depending on the type of media (sand, glass, walnuts, etc) used. My Sears Professional 240V 7HP 60 Gal air compressor does just fine with a 50 lbs. bucket style sand blaster running @ 80 PSI. Gas air compressors are more powerful, but cost a lot more. I don't know much about pressurized sand blasters, other than they provide more blasting power and cost a lot more. I found all the info I needed, just by looking around online stores, most will give out all the info you need in picking the best products for the type of project you're working on. Do the research. I will tell you, buying a blaster is worth it. The cheap paint that was used on my new headers came right off using just medium glass beads at 80psi in just a matter of a few minutes (recomend using aluminum oxide it's best for this type of work). The finished product turned out to be far better quality than what I could do using 200 grit sand paper. Don't forget about safety equipment! You will need a blaster hood, gloves, a respirator and cleaning supplies. Glass beads and the oxide medias can be recycled, but you need to sift the media to clean it.