Sandblaster Help?

TomXY · 18-09-2006, 08:21 AM

Hey Everyone,

Im thinking of buying a sandblaster to clean up little bits and pieces in the engine bay.

-I would just like to know what size compressor i would need for it to work using a 10 gallon sandblaster? We have a 1/2 hp compressor, but would this be strong enough for removing all the paint off metal?

-Also i was thinking of using it WITHOUT a special sandblasting box, would it be ok to just spray it onto the ground? :ticking:
(Leave near the beach so no problem on how much sand we use)

Thanks to anyone who can answer either of those questions!

Tom

Bluefreak · 18-09-2006, 01:16 PM

Hey Tom, I don't think a 1/2 horse compressor will do the job... All the compressors I've seen capable of maintaining the 25 CFM minimum requirement for a 10 Gallon balster, are 3 phase... I'd hazard a guess that you'd need something around the 5+ HP motor to pump 25CFM.

rapidxr6 · 18-09-2006, 05:58 PM

Agrees with Bluefreak the 1/2 hp wont do the job. I have a 1+1/2hp 15cfm compressor it could NOT keep up to my small $35 sand blaster. But it did clean up parts extremely well. I ended up taking it and my parts to work 200+psi is the G>O. I didn't want to burn out my compressor. Plus the wife was constantly nagging me about sand blowing everywhere.
I used very fine "river washed" sand from an old creek bed out of town for medium. First i dried it right out on a bit of corrugated iron over shed fire place then screened it threw and old bit of fly wire. Damp sand would not suck threw the pipe and it was a very sharp medium.

niko · 18-09-2006, 06:04 PM

i think they come in a box with radiation style gloves for a reason lol

got a thermostat housing blasted just the other day, came up awesome!

XPcoupe · 18-09-2006, 10:20 PM

I have heard that sand blasting is to rough, it takes to much metal off. Beed blasting is the go. Is that right or just the beed blasting company wanting to make money.

Bluefreak · 19-09-2006, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XPcoupe

I have heard that sand blasting is to rough, it takes to much metal off. Beed blasting is the go. Is that right or just the beed blasting company wanting to make money.

Bead blasting is much gentler but more expensive... If you were to run your blaster at it's minimum nozzle pressure, allow a little more gap between the job and the nozzle and have some patience all should be OK... Guess it depends whether or not you want a mirror finish in the engine bay, beads would be the go then...

Edit: sorry XP, I confued you with the thread author...

fmc351 · 20-09-2006, 02:40 AM

I run a cheap sand blaster on a 13cfm Renegade compressor.

I use garnet as it seems fine enough to be picked up without being overly harsh.
Just got to wait for the compressor to fill, dont over work it and give it a break.

Seems to be fine.