sand blasting questions

[mkriegs]

I have a good friend who does sandblasting, nothing professional mind you just an air compressor attachment I think, and I was wondering if that would be an acceptable choice for getting a matte/dust finish. I know it can be done and has been done but how does the final anodized finish compare to other methods? Also, how do you strip powder coat? just sand blast?

note - this is going to be for paintball parts.

Thanks,
Matt

[acidrain]

I warn against just using sand... it will embed contaminants, and leaves a rough (sharp) finish.
Go with clean glass beads. I'm not sure of the sieve size, but they are small (like grains of sugar) blasted at ~60psi. Just a quick back and forth dusting is all you need. If it comes out blotchy, or un-even part to part, you probably blasted it too long.

[autobonifica]

i've always been told to stay away from glass beads with aluminium and to use aluminum oxide

[mkriegs]

I'm not to sure I can afford a bead blaster + compressor, especially when I have a rectifier to buy first.

What would my next best option be? I've heard theres an etching solution I can use to get matte finishes.

[acidrain]

Etchants will give a dull finish, but glass beads are where it's at.

[LU_aDaK]

I hate to necro a thread. But the information is relevant to my question.. no need to waste bandwidth on another thread.

I have been toying with anodizing for over a year now, after upgrading my powersupply to a 20amp model (thanks for the advice acid) I blew a fuse. Long story short I got a replacement unit and I have not touched my setup since.

With summer around the corner, I will have more time off to dabble. Aside from setting up a new ano tank (cant use a 5 gallon bucket any longer) I want to invest in a bead blasting setup.

Right now I am browsing but I really dont know what I should be looking for. I understand a compressor, cabinet are involved... but what else should I know when buying...

How large, price range ect...

Would this be an acceptable cabinet?

[destroyer125]

Blasting cabinets are cheap....Buy the $200 one from HF and you will be alot happier in the long run.

[acidrain]

I started with that exact unit... added a light and it work good for a couple of parts at a time.
Here is a hint... replace the screen with a plastic one to avoid scratched parts when you lay them down. I saw some punched plastic sheet at Lowes the other day.

[LU_aDaK]

Originally Posted by destroyer125

Blasting cabinets are cheap....Buy the $200 one from HF and you will be alot happier in the long run.

Originally Posted by acidrain

I started with that exact unit... added a light and it work good for a couple of parts at a time.
Here is a hint... replace the screen with a plastic one to avoid scratched parts when you lay them down. I saw some punched plastic sheet at Lowes the other day.

I would love to follow in your footsteps... but I wonder if spending more now would help...

Ok now with the unit between 2 or three choices (also looking at TP model http://www.tptools.com/p/427,54_770-...g-Cabinet.html)

What should I use to power the unit...I dont want overkill but I would rather not start with something mediocre and then have to upgrade (such as my powersupply ordeal)

[LU_aDaK]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...521&pricetype=

Found this model, says it is 4hp... All 5hp and up models are looking to be out of my price range, looks like I may be in over my head with this venture... time to check out craigslist