Media for blasting suggestions.

[Ethanol]

I just got a new compressor and I want to try blasting some stuff. What's a good, cheap, or both media? Hopefully something I can get locally so I don't have to order it online.

Thanks

 

[ridesolo]

Don't know how cheap it is, but I've heard rave reviews from those who have used baking soda as a blasting media. Cuts well, flows well, and just cleans up w/ water.

 

[Ethanol]

Really? Huh. I'll give it a try. The thing I'm blasting is pretty damn small so it may just work. I'll post results (as long as you guys promise not to laugh about the... nature of my project).

 

[CanadaDan]

I was watching Holmes on Homes last week and they used Dry Ice blasting on mouldy framing and plywood... NO residue other than what comes off and no heat warping, no substrate damage... very cool... literally.

Not exactly pertinent to the thread but it reminded me of it.

 

[xdk_elfe]

Sand is the cheapest at $15-20 for a 100lb bag, glass bead will run $50 for a bag. Both are offered in fine, medium and coarse. Call around to hardware stores, no matter where you're at you should be able to find some locally.

Tim

 

[fugue]

I was watching Holmes on Homes last week and they used Dry Ice blasting on mouldy framing and plywood... NO residue other than what comes off and no heat warping, no substrate damage... very cool... literally.

Not exactly pertinent to the thread but it reminded me of it.

That stuff actually works amazing, Dan. I've used it at work in the past. The only problem is that it is very $$$$$$. Unless you have deep pockets like Druro, it's probably not a practical option.

 

[Mortikan]

lots of local shops use coco bean shells. we have a nestle processing plant local so the give the stuff away. I think it's $50 per ton. lots of people use it for mulch and the like but media blasting is one good use. I use sand for most of my stuff.

 

[boomshakalaka]

I know this is a bit OT, but I didnt want to start a new thread:

What should be tapped off on a motor when sandblasting? Im particularly curious about the mating surfaces, will they be ruined if they arent taped off? Also if I mask everything off, aobut how much should I expect to pay to have everything above the case blasted?

 

[IMOALE]

I tried walnut shell cheap 20 bucks a box at Harbr Frieght. I think it would have worked I tried it in a hand held blaster and my Wallymart compressor overheated and bit it. There both sitting on my back porch.

 

[JRK5892]

wallnut and sand is not what to use if you are powder coating... they will create outgassing issues... alum, soda, or Potassium Sulphate is what i would go with if you are going to powder... anything else will work if you are going to prime and paint... bear in mind... it is not really the material but more of the compressor... you will need a HUGE comressor to do frames and what not... i have a 150 PSI 26 gallon that does OK on small parts but just does not ahve the gull to do a frame... you will need at LEAST a 60 - 100 gallon that can regulate at 150 psi... if not you will not have enough balls behind the media