Harbor freight media blaster

[BryanH]

I need to either pay someone to blast my Ideal55 body or buy a blaster... I'm predisposed to buying my own but have no idea what to get.  So remembering that this is "just a hobby", I was wondering if anyone had any first hand experience with the Harbor Freight blaster.  It's on sale for < $50.  

Oh yeah - given that my shop is the side yard, how messy are these things?  Will I end up coating my place (or my neighbors) with dust and pellets?

[sodaworks]

Hello BryanH,
  I couldn't get by without a sandblaster. They do make a mess but clean up isn't so bad. What size compressor are you using? The reason I ask is I would get the 40# unit from Harbor Frieght if your compressor will handle it. These are worth every penny. Be sure to buy extra tips. I have found that 30 grit sand works the best for me. '>

[BryanH]

Thanks Terry.  Is the 40lb recommendation to save time filling the hopper?  

I only have a 6HP / 150 PSI / 6.4 - 9.1 CFM compressor.  The specs for both the 20lb and 40lb units are the same (60-125 PSI, 6 - 25 CFM, 2 - 4 HP).  So I'm guessing that I could get by with my compressor but may run into problems trying to run continuously. For a $100 it sounds like it's worth a shot.

[sodaworks]

Go for the bigger one. Loading the tank is a pain in the  '>

[bubba]

I have the 40lb unit at work. We haven't used it in awhile, but it worked. The gun broke shortly after we started using it.. I think its white metal instead of cast aluminum and did not take a fall to the ground. Picked up a gun at McMasters (kinda like Graingers) and all is good. We have a 5hp 120gal compressor, and we had to stop once in awhile.

[Lulu]

I've got the 20 lb. one from Harbor Freight except my gun looks a little different.  The only problem I had was that the valve at the bottom of the tank would plug with moisture.  The unit itself has a moisture/dryer on it, however, it wouldn't get it all.  Other than that, it worked great for me.  I did two machines and about 10 piece of iron furniture. (Outside on the gravel so there wasn't any clean up)

[jasmine64]

Ive been looking at those too, 'till my hubby took the cataloge back to the farm.
Think he kinda got scared I'd buy one.

Ive never had luck with HF shipping. Things would be missing from poor packing or boxes arrive opened/damaged
things missing. Example I ordered 3 stamping sets all different in size it was mailed in a manilla envelope so you can imagine most of it was missing from the tear in the paper.

So go to the nearest store if possible. If they dont have it in stock let them order it and check it out before leaving.

[BryanH]

Bought the 40#'er and some kind of replacement gun/nozzle with tips (just in case).  Hope to test drive it this weekend.  Thanks for the input.

[Pat Pixley]

BryanH, I have the 20#er from Harbor Freight and it works
 good , But I'm going to jump up to a 40#er ,There right filling the darn thing is a pain in the  '>  
 you have to fill all of them anyway's so go bigger.  '>

 Pat

[sodaworks]

LuLu,
  Upgrade to a better water trap and your condensation problem should improve. '>