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Post by philmill on May 5, 2021 9:24:06 GMT 1
I'm thinking about buying one of the small table top sandblasting cabinets, I knows its not going to be that good but I need it for little bits like bolts and spindles etc prior to plating. My question is, what's a realistic size compressor needed to run it and what media is best for these small jobs. I've got a compressor I bought from Aldi a while back, not the small one so maybe it will be enough.
In some ways I regret moving to the middle of Wales, I had everything on my doorstep before, I'm now having to get more creative....
Phil
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Post by Robbieben on May 5, 2021 10:40:08 GMT 1
The small cabinets still use a lot of air flow to propel the sand/shot etc, you will need a compressor that will maintain at least 9 CFM airflow but ideally 12 CFM at 90 Psi. Use aluminium oxide medium shot as its the most economical to use, it lasts fairly well, recycled glass and soda are a one shot pony and turn to useless dust once it has been through the gun and hit something. You'll also need a dust extractor on your cabinet or you will not be able to see what you are doing after 30 seconds. I have my own cabinet, medium sized floor standing one, I can fit larger objects, swing arms, fuel tanks etc in mine, I have made many mistakes setting the system up but now have a good usable system for my restoration jobs. Have a look at the below products to give you some idea, Benchtop Cabinet, alright for small parts. www.sandblasters.co.uk/sbc150-workshop-sand-blast-cabinet-269-p.aspFree Standing Cabinet, I have one almost identical. www.sandblasters.co.uk/sbc220--workshop-sand-blast-cabinet-435-p.aspDust Extractor, will fit either of the above cabinets. www.sandblasters.co.uk/mattis-bolt-on--dust-extractor-suits-bench-top-sand-blast-cabinet-dc15-156-p.aspMedia, there are many choices, I find Aluminium Oxide to be the best of everything available. I buy 60 Mesh Medium which breaks down slowly to a finer powder. www.sandblasters.co.uk/aluminium-oxide-22-c.aspAs for a compressor, something like below is what you will need. www.machinemart.co.uk/p/airmaster-tiger-161050-3hp-100-litre-air-compr/
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Post by philmill on May 5, 2021 11:23:48 GMT 1
Thanks Robbie, good info, the compressor looks like the same size as the one i have which is lucky, the dust extractor is something I hadn't thought about, definitely a must I'd say.
Phil
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Post by Robbieben on May 5, 2021 13:11:12 GMT 1
Thanks Robbie, good info, the compressor looks like the same size as the one i have which is lucky, the dust extractor is something I hadn't thought about, definitely a must I'd say. Phil Phil you will need a dust extractor, without one there are 2 pitfalls, you can't see the object you are working on and your workspace will become full of dust which is very nasty to your health, you are filling a cabinet with lots of compressed air, it has to come out either through the vents or through the filter, the filters shift more air than you are putting in so do keep the interior of the cabinet nice and clear and you aren't choking on dust.
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Post by steve63 on May 16, 2021 11:50:03 GMT 1
I have one of the orange ones off eBay. The compressor was a home made thing with a receiver that was part of a lorry air brake system and a pump that used to power a bank security screen. The compressor wouldn't keep up with the blaster so I would get five minutes or so and then have to take a break while it pumped back up. The cabinet used to pressurise itself and dust would leak out but I connected an old bagless vacuum cleaner to it and its ok now. I found glass bead to be the best for aluminium and even steel. I tried some crushed glass. It was effective, the finish was a bit rougher but it made a lot of dust. The bead gradually turns to dust and is removed by the vacuum cleaner. I just bought another tub of bead from Machine Mart locally. The postage on blast media is a killer.
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Post by steve63 on May 16, 2021 11:57:41 GMT 1
I've just upgraded to another home made set up. The compressor broke at work so they bought a new one and dropped the old one in the skip. I rescued the tank and I've rigged up two if the bank screen pumps to it. They work independently, each has its own power supply and pressure regulator. I've boxed it in with plywood and soundproofing now. It grinds you down after a bit when the compressors constantly on and I'm conscious of the neighbours when I'm in the garage at 9 in the evening. It'll do 110psi in 7 minutes now and I have about 140 Litres of air. It just about keeps up with the blaster now. That's a bit of front wheel done using the 200-300 micron bead from MM. The rims will polish in minutes using Solvol. I've seen some horror shows where people have had the wheels blasted with garnet and the rims are ruined.
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