New here, startup questions.

[Grumple]

Hi, I am new here. I am about ready to get my Powder Coating set up soon. Just a hobby size with an electric oven for now but need some help choosing a reliable low priced gun. I also wondered now that I bought a used sandblaster with "blasting sand" in it if that is the same as "playground sand" or "sandbox sand"? Should I be safe and get some other medium and if so, what is the best to use?? I also looked into the RedLine EZ35 but seems they are not selling in US?
Thanks,
Grumple

[GCPJohn]

Only judging from what I've read...the redline gun isn't the best of quality. I use a Harbor Freight hobby gun, works fine, but I don't have the ability to adjust the voltage...which can come in handy.

If you're just starting out, I would say go with the Caswell adjustable voltage hobby gun. Alot of guys on this forum use it with awesome results and the price wont break your bank.

As for the sandblaster...DO NOT USE PLAY SAND!!!!!!!!!!! It can really hurt you. I use aluminum oxide, with awesome results. Glass bead tends to embed itself into some of the softer metals, causing imperfections when baking. You can buy either at your local Harbor Freight for about $25 for 25lbs.

Hope that helped a bit, John

[Grumple]

Thanks for the info. Does the aluminum oxide come in different grit sizes? If so, which size for best all around use? I read about black oxide. Is this better or is it all black? We have a Harbor Freight about an hour from here... I know about the sand issue as I read it once on a bag of play sand when I was going to blast some parts with an open air blaster. I prefer to be safe.
Grumple

[FigureLLC]

yeah, go with one of the caswell starter guns. they'll pay for themselves many times over and you'll learn a lot while saving up for a semi-pro or pro system.

caswell has aluminum oxide in different grits. go with 60 or 80. if you're compressor/blast cabinet is a little low on power, maybe try the 60 first?

[Grumple]

Originally Posted by FigureLLC

yeah, go with one of the caswell starter guns. they'll pay for themselves many times over and you'll learn a lot while saving up for a semi-pro or pro system.

caswell has aluminum oxide in different grits. go with 60 or 80. if you're compressor/blast cabinet is a little low on power, maybe try the 60 first?

Ok, good. I guess the starter one you speak of is the $230 one? 50kv adjustable? Thats the one I had my eye one anyway...
Thanks,
Grumple

[jdown12]

i use the other guys "pro gun" and it works great , but for blasting i use black diamond i get it from the local tractor supply store its like 7.00 for a 50lb bag

[GCPJohn]

Originally Posted by jdown12

i use the other guys "pro gun" and it works great , but for blasting i use black diamond i get it from the local tractor supply store its like 7.00 for a 50lb bag

How does this compare to aluminum oxide?

[jdown12]

from my personal experience , aluminum oxide last a bit longer , the black diamond last about 4 cycles . maybe a bit more . i use a pressure blaster in a cabinet and it works great . and leave a heck of an "etch" or the coating to adhere to .

when i was buying aluminum oxide it was like 40.00 for 50lb , the black diamond is like 7.00 a 50lb bag ., kinda a no brainer if you live close to a tractor supply .

or go to there website ATI - Black Diamond i think they may sell whole sale but did not try yet

[JTW37]

I get my Black Magnum (Called Black Beauty some places) from Menard's, for just over $5.00. You might want to look into Lowe's, they may have it as well. If none of the names ring any of the store peoples bell, just tell them it's coal slag. Maybe then they will know what you want.

[holeshot87]

i have a redline ez35 for over a year now. this gun works great. i have shot alot of powder with this gun.