Harbor freight media blaster

[BryanH]

Ok - it's assembled.  Operating instructions are somewhat on the light side... So, I've got a couple questions:

- how do you select which nozzle to use?  Do you match it to the sand's grit level or do you pick one to match the area covered?  I bought 70 grit media and I used the second smallest nozzle (0.125"). Is that ok?

- there are 4 bloody valves on this thing.  I know what the valves on the ends (nozzle & air supply) are for but am not so sure about the other two (throttling & sand control).  Do you open these full or use them to control the pressure (throttling valve) and amount of media (sand valve) used?

- What PSI should I use to feed the blaster?  Says it can handle a max of 125 PSI but I'm assuming you don't run it at this level.

- When you're done, do you need to empty the extra sand in the hopper or can you leave it in there?

- Any other tips or techniques?

[Lulu]

Brian,

This is what I did with mine--Set the "throttling valve" to 125psi.  Make sure you have air flowing before you open the sand valve.  I ran mine with the valve all the way open.  When you're done, shut the sand off before you shut the air off.  I used the larger nozzle to cover more area.  Maybe someone with more experience can jump in...

Terry,
Thanks for the tip.

[firemun]

The nozzle size correlates with amount of flow (in cfm) of your supply...larger nozzles = more cfm.  Since these things are pressure blasters, they really only work well right around the recommended pressure.  

jeff

[sodaworks]

I run all the valves with wide open except the sand flow valve located below your tank, I set this valve to a desired setting and I leave it there. I use 30 grit sand, this works best for me. The tip and sand control valves have to be adjusted to the right flow everytime you change tips. If your getting too much sand pinch down on the sand control valve. Not enough open valve. I always leave the sand in the tank simply for easy storage. As LuLu, mentioned sometimes the pot will plug up just above the sand valve. Just turn the unit on its side and remove the hose and valve. using a screw driver clean out the moisture and reassemble. Remember to readjust the sand valve afterwards. Pratice on the backside of a machine, The most impotant tip I can offer is you have to determine your speed and distance from the machine. If you go too slow and are too close you WILL heat up the metal and warp it. If your compressor will not keep up you will just waste sand. I also screen my sand and reuse it once. After that it is pretty well broken up and just makes alot of dust. Be sure to get a good dust mask. I also kep peanty of spare lens for the hood on hand. I buy the clear face shields and cut out my own lens.
You'll be surprised how much use you'll get out of your sand blaster. '>

[sodaworks]

Next you gotta get one of these bad boys. I upgraded in Dec. to this bead blaster. It big enough for pretty much everything but main doors and cabinets. '>

[BryanH]

Thanks folks... I can't wait to start making a mess...

Quote (sodaworks @ Feb. 09 2006,11:25)

I also screen my sand and reuse it once. After that it is pretty well broken up and just makes alot of dust.

Terry do you just sweep it up and then screen it or are you talking about collecting it from a cabinet?
PS -between your new paint booth and spanking new cabinet your not allowed to post in the "Your shop is better than mine!," thread. '>

[sodaworks]

You noticed that I purposely haven't posted my resto. shop in there yet. As far as screening goes, sweep the area prior to sand blasting. This is to remove rocks, sticks,etc.. About half way through sand blasting sweep the sand into a pile and using a sqaure point shovel put it back into the funnel with a piece of screen mesh over it. This will alow less waste and costs. I only reuse the once because after that it's pretty much busted up. '>