Media Question

[jeremy0203]

okay been looking through the threads and have found some good info but just wanted to get a second opinion from you pros. mainly what i will be doing is valve covers and probably other little brackets on cars and what not. found a media supplier down the road from me, what do you guys think would be the best media to get from them for those jobs. they have Aluminum Oxide, Garnet, Glass Bead, Plastic Bead, Sodium Bi-Carbonate, Steel Shot & Grit

[Harleydad]

I'd go with the 60/80 grit Aluminum Oxide. Prepare for a hit to the wallet.

[PCT17522]

We have several cabinets. We use glass beads and lower pressure in one for softer metals like thin wall alluminum tubing, 36 aluminum oxide in another for a rougher texture usually on steel or SS parts. We also have 36 silicone carbide in our tumble-blaster because it seems to work faster than the aluminum oxide and our tumble blaster has a pretty good dust collection system to handle the media breakdown.
I have read where some of you warn against using glass beads. Why? Am I missing something? We don't do a lot of high end work like I've seen on some threads, but I've never noticed any problems.

[JeffL]

If you go with AO. Make sure your gun has a carbide tip.AO will eat the ceramic tip in no time.

[JTW37]

Glass bead embeds itself in aluminum and when PC'd it out gases into your finish.

[jeremy0203]

you guys think i should just find a place to get sand from

[PCT17522]

Originally Posted by JTW37

Glass bead embeds itself in aluminum and when PC'd it out gases into your finish.

You believe that this is specific to the media? Do you think that air pressure has anything to do with it? You've never experienced this with other media? I'm not trying to be an ass. I'd like to learn the advantages and/or disadvantages of various media.

[JTW37]

Being an a$$ is not an issue, at least I didn't take it that way.

I suppose if you would turn down the air pressure it may make a difference, never tried it. But after my first experience with it, I swore off of it for PCing totally. It only took me twice to learn. I use only Black Magnum. Never an issue with it on any substrate. I do use glass bead, but never for powder coating. Secondly, you could use Aluminum Oxide although it's a bit pricey compared. But works well, from what I understand. There's my thoughts and experience for what it's worth. I'm no Pro, just a good learner.

[PCT17522]

Thanks! I'm always curious to hear about other people's experience. Hopefully I can learn from it and not have to screw so much up myself.

[dreadhed]

Originally Posted by jeremy0203

you guys think i should just find a place to get sand from

NO don't use sand. It can mess your lungs up BAD,unless you have a freash air hood or suit.