Shop equip. advise

[DarrylD]

I'm looking at adding a sand blaster to my shop (Home use) and would appreciate any input. The two I'm looking at are Econoline no.3z850 and the Blast-It-All(little blaster)model LB 4024. Both full size floor models. Anyone have expreience with these or have another one they would recommend? Both of these are around $1000. The econoline seems to be a better bargin but the doors look a little small for some of the car parts I want to blast.

[micky69396]

I use a cabnet from TIP here in Ohio in my shop. Have had it for years with no problems.

[Belair62]

Ditto on the TIP blasting cabinet.They make many different sizes.Parts,etc. etc. They are in every Hemmings magazine.They also have a real nice vacuum to connect to the cabinet so you aren't in a cloud of dust when you work.

[Kurt S]

I too got a TIP. I looked at several and couldn't beat their price and features, though I did find some all carbide blast guns that were much cheaper (but happy with the TIP gun for now).
I got a show special and it was on sale too! Had to pick it up though.

Oh, and get the biggest cabinet you can.

[Edited by Kurt S (02-02-2001 at 11:20 AM).]

[bowtie3168]

I would like to contribute some info on your sandblaster purchase.These are just some feelings that I have developed after doing alot of blasting at my buddy's shop with some large machines. After handling the larger machines I have purchased some smaller machines for my own use. I also have a cabinet unit for doing small parts. Whenever a job requires the use of a large machine I now "farm out" the work. If it were a body panel or a body tub I have it "media blasted" (AKA: Soda Blasted)or "chemically dipped". I have found that sand-blasting any body panel(quarters, roof, fenders) opens you up to the chance to cause warping and distortion. If I have a subframe or large chassis parts to be stripped I have the "media-blaster" use his sand-blaster on them. Using a large machine often requires use of a large commercial compressor, and a large water seperator. The machine that I have used required the use of a portable gasoline powered unit that you usually see being towed behind a contractors truck. When you blast outside you also open yourself up to being exposed to the carcinogenic dust that sand-blasters make. I would understand if you don't take my advice but just think about it. You might agree in the long run.

Andrew

[DarrylD]

The reason I was considering the two I mentioned is because they are available here local. Andrew, you would not beleive what a pain in the "posi" it is to job something out in this area. The few sandblasters in this area cater to offshore(oil equip.) and generally lack the desire and finesse to do delicate car parts. Not to mention going out of buisnees every couple of years.
Anyway I'll be ordering a TIP, probably the 960. Micky, Belair and Kurt what size compressor do you use and is it adequate?

[bowtie3168]

DarrylD,
I understand. I will find out the compressor size that you need. What are the specifications?

Andrew

[Belair62]

I have a 5hp 2 STAGE compressor.This is probably minimum for a good job. You will need the 2 stage because you will be pushing a lot of air out of that nozzle.I dont think a small compressor will produce the results you want. If you are going to do any major blasting of frames or anything like that outside, MAKE SURE you get a respirator. Do not breathe any blasting dust.I use mostly plastic media now unless there is a lot of rust. Buy many extra plastic "lenses" which protect the glass. You will destroy the cabinet glass if you dont and you need a lot of them because they cloud up when you use abrasives.

[DarrylD]

I'm limited to single phase power so the 5HP,two stage is exactly what I'm looking at. I don't think cabinet size is as important as nozzle size. With a 5 HP they recommend a medium nozzle(15-20 CFM). The new portable oil-free two stage Craftsmen is intriging. Its only a 20 gal. tank but I hear they are changing it to a 25 gal. tank. I would prefer a 60 or 80 gal. tank, but this unit is really quite and seems powerful. I might get this one plus one with a larger tank for the shop.

[Kurt S]

I'm running an older oiled 4 hp Craftsman. Works fine if you're not continuously blasting. A bit bigger would be better. I also have a 960 cabinet.

I don't believe that 2 stage is important for volume, it's for pressure. Compare the rated CFM's a given pressure. (A 2 cylinder will crank out more volume. But in a 2 stage, the second piston is a smaller diameter to further compress the air from the first stage).