Convert to Soda Blasting

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Hello,I have a small pressure sandblaster and considering a retrofit for Soda. I understand a proportioning valve is needed to prevent the Soda from coming out too much. My Question is has anyone had success convertng to Soda?  If so are there other options besides a $134.00 ball valve from Eastwood?  Thanks in advance,.GeezerPower Mig 255C185 TIGBlue 175 MIGRanger 8 Kohler 20HP1974 5K Lincoln/Wisconsin Powered (Cherry)Victor/Harris O/AK 487 Spool Gun
Reply:you are probably correct about the ball valve on the bottom of your tank. you would probably have to limit the amount but still keep the pressure, if that is the answer i would think you will need to go to a bell reducer then a smaller ball valve. my only concern then would be the nozzle size. ball valves are cheap. you can probably find a smaller one at any hardware store along with a bell reducer,  Mcmaster Carr has bronze ones that are a bit less prone to abrasion than brass for less than 15 bucks.
Reply:I have thought about doing this to mine, keep us updated.
Reply:With soda blasting you need a verty small amount of soda and a good amount of air flow. The Eastwood setup is nothing more then a couple of ball valves like you mentioned. You want a nice high velocity stream of air with a small amount of soda in it.My neighbors very large setup with tow behind diesel compressor only uses an orifice about 1/8" diameter with a nozzle size of around 3/4" for the air to come out of. So keep it small. -DanOwnerDW Metalworks LLCMiller Trailblazer 302Miller 8RC FeederMiller Passport PlusMiller Dynasty 200 DX W/Coolmate 1Hobart Handler 135Hypertherm PowerMAX 30Smith O/A Torch SetPlus much much more
Reply:Originally Posted by loughnutyou are probably correct about the ball valve on the bottom of your tank. you would probably have to limit the amount but still keep the pressure, if that is the answer i would think you will need to go to a bell reducer then a smaller ball valve. my only concern then would be the nozzle size. ball valves are cheap. you can probably find a smaller one at any hardware store along with a bell reducer,  Mcmaster Carr has bronze ones that are a bit less prone to abrasion than brass for less than 15 bucks.
Reply:It appears converting to soda is achievable as I imagined but a restrictor valve is necessary to meter the material.  Not sure when exactly I will purchase the valve, but will try and post results later.  ThanksGeezerPower Mig 255C185 TIGBlue 175 MIGRanger 8 Kohler 20HP1974 5K Lincoln/Wisconsin Powered (Cherry)Victor/Harris O/AK 487 Spool Gun
Reply:Brother inlaw just brought me a HF 10lbs soda blaster, he said that HF has them for $34 in the store on closeout. normal $99