blasting medium

[cadetchris]

what are the alternatives to using sand in my blaster? and what are the pros and cons of such things?

i have heard that salt was usable, as well as glass beads (tried and failed with these)

[Alec]

Hello Chris,

sand is not recommended as it is a health hazard. Common blasting abrasives are aluminium oxide, copper slag, soda, glass beads and crushed walnut shells (for fine work). I'm sure thare are many others? Abrasives are available in varying grit sizes, so a coarse grit for faster cleaning but a coarsers finish. The other factor is how much air quantity you have and the size of nozzle. Abrasive blasting with home compressors is pretty slow work.

Alec

[bmcecosse]

You must NOT use sand......... Glass beads are best - but even with these you need good dust extraction with HEPA final filter to ensure a negative pressure in the booth.

[cadetchris]

Soda? As in soda crystals you can buy in the supermarket?

I haven't used sand before as I know it causes problems for both blaster and anyone in the vicinity.

[Alec]

Hello Chris,

yes, it's a fairly new thing for classics, as it doesn't harm rubber or glass (I think?) Have a look on Google for companies advertising the service. I don't think it's very aggresive, but it depends what you want to do?

Alec

[cadetchris]

humm, ill have a look.
all i want to do is remove paint on my motorbike frame and wheels. rust i can remove with the old wire brush

[Alec]

Hello Chris,

unless you have a large compressor or a lot of spare time, you'll be better off taking it to a blasting company. Wire brushes do not remove rust, it will get the looser stuff off but not all the way back to bright steel. Strip and clean discs will remove both paint and rust but will not get into the nooks and cranies of a motorbike frame.

Alec

[cadetchris]

Well it looks like the frame is going to the a blasters as will the wheels, everything else I can do at home