Topic: media blaster (sand blaster)

[meanmachine]

hey i just picked up a cabinet style media blaster, what media should a guy use to clean up engine parts? what are you guys using?  thanks in advance

[Burwell555]

What engine parts are you cleanin? Steel or aluminum?? Silica sand is the best thing we have used for steel. Play sand is ok but breaks down very quickly so ya spend more money than if you were to just buy the silica sand. If your doing aluminum, sand is ok I guess but it doesn't look that great. You would be better off using glass beads. They aren't as hard on the aluminum as the sand is. Using beads also makes the aluminum look 'cleaner' when your done

[meanmachine]

metal and aluminum, has any one tryed in think they are walnut shell broken down, says they work good for engine parts

[Burwell555]

I never have nor have I looked into it. I HEARD, not sure how true it is, that the stuff is expensive to buy. And I have only ever heard of it used on sheetmetal like car bodies

[Toadworks]

Blasting media comes in many forms.

Here is a site that has some good info about the different types.

http://www.kramerindustriesonline.com/blasting-media.htm

You have to be careful about the dust created with any blasting media. Wear a mask capable of filtering the dust from the media you choose.

[Burwell555]

He is using a cabinet blaster. There shouldn't be a need to wear a mask as a vaccuum pulls the dust from the cabinet while you work through gloves from the outside.

[Lambo]

The walnuts work great. That's what the shop used on my mower.

Lambo

[Toadworks]

He is using a cabinet blaster. There shouldn't be a need to wear a mask as a vaccuum pulls the dust from the cabinet while you work through gloves from the outside.

My older cabinet doesn't have a provision for a vacuum.............. maybe his does, maybe it doesn't. Point is; ALWAYS wear a mask. Silica particles in your lungs (especially if you are using play ground sand) will kill you off early for sure.

[Burwell555]

Sorry toad I didn't realize cabinets actually came without vacuum provsions. That seems like a waste for only 30 seconds of fun lol

[meanmachine]

there is a port to hook up a vac this should help kept the unit safe thanks for your concerns though, wouldn't that be cute, what he died from, his media blaster kill him, what a way to go

[swbeebe]

I have also heard soda blasting is safer too. Don't know anyone around me that has tried one yet, so I don't know how well they work.

[GTX21]

I have also heard soda blasting is safer too. Don't know anyone around me that has tried one yet, so I don't know how well they work.

Yea, baking soda is great for carbs and such

[mowinmachine]

 To add to this, if you're going to do anything like sand blasting, welding, or other stuff that causes you to breath in particulate matter- bite the bullet and get a GOOD respirator. Those flimsy paper masks are pretty worthless. I've had a respirator for awhile now and whenever I change the canisters you would not believe all the crap that's collected in there- stuff that would have otherwise gone in my lungs.

[BIG AL 202]

IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE WELDING ALUINUM YOU SHOULD ONLY USE GLASS BEAD. CONTANINATES THE ALU WITH ANYTHING ELSE.

[gtpuller]

To add to this, if you're going to do anything like sand blasting, welding, or other stuff that causes you to breath in particulate matter- bite the bullet and get a GOOD respirator. Those flimsy paper masks are pretty worthless. I've had a respirator for awhile now and whenever I change the canisters you would not believe all the crap that's collected in there- stuff that would have otherwise gone in my lungs.

yes nothing else will do