What blasting media?

[mpierich]

Was thinking of getting a small sandblaster so I can remove the paint from sportbike wheels. Can anybody tell me what media to use? Would I need to use glass beads or would the walnut shells do the trick (don't want to etch the base metal at all).

Also, anybody have one of those cheap siphon blasters ? Are they worth the trouble?

Thanks.

[pickleboy]

from what i know, glass is the mildest media. as for the blaster i would also be interested in any comments on that, i am also looking to get a small cabinet. i only need to be able to do a 21" motorcycle rim at largest.

[mpierich]

Originally Posted by pickleboy

from what i know, glass is the mildest media. as for the blaster i would also be interested in any comments on that, i am also looking to get a small cabinet. i only need to be able to do a 21" motorcycle rim at largest.

The one from HF just has a hopper, and a hose and gun and it's only $40 or so. I figure I can just set a cardboard box on top of it and reclaim the media.

[pickleboy]

not a bad idea. i did some checking and found glass bead averages 50 micron for grit(roughly 240-320 range) so it should be the least aggressive by far.

i use glass bead . the tip is when you use it is to shot it at a lower psi.

But for you first blast you can it it iwth oxide then swich over to the bead to give you a smooth semi gloss surface then for the sport bike wheels i glass bead at 80ps1 then i lower the pressure to 60 and hit the knocks where the baskets meet the lip . and then i putt out the greasseless and go to town on the basket to smooth out as much as i cn the for the knocks i use a facer in them areas ...

i did my ninja wheels just to powder them cause i did not want o clean them every few days ..

[mpierich]

Thanx guys - I'll prolly just keep sanding thru the paint (see my "tip" post) but good to have this info for cleaning up other stuff.

[jimcarry]

If you use baking soda in your media blaster there is no need to use sand paper this will leave a bright finish with out sanding and will not harm the piece you are working on
due to high heat sand can actualy burn items if you are not careful also sand or bead blasting can leave a dull or gray finish on the item that needs to be polished out before plating
I use soda on everything it works great with very little time at the polisher afterwards

[jrow]

Jim,

I have been reading about Media Blasters, and am curious about what type of system you are using. I have seen soda specific blasting set ups which are pretty high priced for the average hobbiest. What pressure are you using and what nozzle size? Do you need a lot of CFM for this type blasting?

John

[jimcarry]

John I hope this helps
Air pressure can be varied from 20psi on soft surfaces to 120psi on harder surfaces.

The following list compares the blast nozzle size to the compressor CFM requirements


Nozzle H.P. Compressor

# 3- 3/16" 10 H.P. 45 CFM

# 4- 1/4" 20 H.P. 80 CFM

# 5- 5/16" 30 H.P. 140 CFM

# 6- 3/8" 50 H.P. 200 CFM

# 7- 7/16" 60 H.P. 255 CFM

# 8- 1/2" 75 H.P. 350 CFM

I use a portable system on lone from a family member but I have found this same system for aprox $250.00 . Larger models about $1800.00 My compressor is also a loner from family it is a 200 CFM unit

Black Beauty fine will take the paint right off. That soda is fine for Pro's but costly for the hobbist. but the soda is the the safest for you and you can hose it down the drain.