What size Sand Blaster?

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I want to get a pressurized sand blaster. I see HF sells 20#, 40# and 100# sizes. What is the smallest practical size to get? Is 20# too small?
Reply:I have the HF 20# size. Works great but (as all abrasive blasters do) uses alot of air. Anyway, back to your question, 20# of media will get you pretty far. The bigger units just offer more media holding capacity. By the time you use 20# you will not mind stopping to fill the hopper and give the compressor a break.PROTECT YOUR LUNGS!!!!! And other body parts too of course.MillerMatic 175Thermal Dynamics Drag-Gun PlasmaAirco Bumblebee AC/DC SMAWVictor Super-Range II oxy/act
Reply:Thanks Malibu! That's the feedback I needed. I'm not planning on doing a whole trailer or anything that large. I think 10 minutes of blasting at a time would probably do. Plus I can change medium more often and more easily.
Reply:I bought a 100lb from Northern Tools and it works great but sure goes thru the sand and air.  I have a 7.5 hp compressor with 100 gallons of air but it huffs and puffs when I use the blaster and I have to let it catch up periodically.  Something I have noticed on most of the designs is that line pressure to the gun and tank pressure are the same.  I put a regulator in front of the tank so I can have 120 lbs of air at the gun and only 40 lbs at the tank.  I now have more control over sand flow.
Reply:You will get more than 10 minutes of time out of the 20#. You will also get the pluses you mentioned plus have a smaller tool to store in the shop  Investigate the various size nozzles that can be used. Common sense that the larger nozzle size blows more media and uses more air. The more sand you blow does not equal faster/better stripping. You'll see how varing air pressure and media flowrate affects performance. Not unlike dialing in a welder. The "kit" comes with I believe 3 diffrent nozzle sizes. HF sells replacement nozzles as well. Wait till you see what nozzles cost. IIRC about $15 for 10, but they do last pretty long. My $.02 is you will be well satisfied with this. This is one of those tools that is so simple in design that the HF version is as good as a higher dollar machine.Just remember also DRY, DRY, DRY air and media or you will spend more time clearing clogs than blasting.I don't know if you have any experiance with a sandblaster, but, your blasting area will turn into a beach in short order.Last edited by malibu101; 06-08-2004 at 11:27 AM.MillerMatic 175Thermal Dynamics Drag-Gun PlasmaAirco Bumblebee AC/DC SMAWVictor Super-Range II oxy/act
Reply:How about this puppy, I use 1/8 XH pipe nipples cut in half for nozzels.  I put a ft long wand on too. Attached Imageswww.urkafarms.com
Reply:You pull a plug to close the pot, made fron a Ford pickup radius arm bushing. Attached Imageswww.urkafarms.com
Reply:Very nice unit! Man, good thing that air is free! I really like the wand, keeps you out of the dust storm.  Picture me slapping my head saying "Why didn't I think of that!"MillerMatic 175Thermal Dynamics Drag-Gun PlasmaAirco Bumblebee AC/DC SMAWVictor Super-Range II oxy/act
Reply:It holds about 250# of sand but takes about 35 cfm to run it steady although I run it in short bursts with 2 comps making about 26 to 28 or so.  I hook my service truck on when I want to blast steady and with all 3 comps I can make about 65. The hose is an old pressure washer hose and the sand reg valve was just an old 1 inch HP valve. I tried to use a valve for a deadman,, but it didnt work.  I use welding gloves to blast so I just put my thumb over the end and let some press build. Even in the winter I just drag the hose ou the back door for small jobs.  Was built from 100# lp tank.  There is a bulk sand plant near me, I take pallet boxes and get graded dried sand,, 20$ a ton,, ha Attached Imageswww.urkafarms.com
Reply:I have a 100 pound blaster and if I am not careful I can empty it in about 5 min or so.  This is the one I have  http://www.toolrealm.com/s/Sand_Blas...B0000224IT.htm
Reply:how do the ones that draw sand straight from the bag perform??, i wouldn't have anything big to use it for, i never have much to paint.....StangnetShop Full Of Stuff. Joey
Reply:Originally posted by vipermanz how do the ones that draw sand straight from the bag perform??, i wouldn't have anything big to use it for, i never have much to paint.....
Reply:I will dig up a siphon suction sand blast head I made from common pipe fittings and take a picture of it. It works rather well compared to store bought ones.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:thanks S, i always like to build it before i end up buying it.lolStangnetShop Full Of Stuff. Joey
Reply:I built mine out of a compressor tank and I blast every piece of sculpture I do.  I do have a 29cfm compressor though and for constant use, I need it.