Bead Blaster

[A13Dart]

Thinking about getting a bead blaster cabinet. Anyone have any advice on a good one? What abrasive is best for cleaning cast parts like intake manifolds and water pumps? How about sheet metal parts like valve covers?


mike.

[Colt1911]

   I got mine a couple years ago from Harbor Freight. Needed to stiffen up the legs a bit, but a good cabinet for the money. As for abrasives, I use aluminum oxide, it cuts good and lasts a long time. Stay away from silica sand, it may be cheep but it aint worth the health risks.

[Ciscodog]

I got the Harbor Freight bench top one (it's big).  I don't have enough floor space for a free standing one, so I put it on top of my Harbor Freight parts washer.  If I want to use the washer I just move the blaster.  Works out okay if you have limited space.

[bOb shingler]

aluminum oxide for iron and glass beads for aluminum. i use a portable sand blaster to use out side in the yard and have a glass bead cabinet in the garage.

[A13Dart]

I have a craftsman 3 hp compressor, it puts out 9.3 scfm at 40 psi. Is that enough to power a blaster?


mike.

[bOb shingler]

i'll say yes but you'll need a water seperator as it will run alot and build up heat then water vapor.

[crankshaftkid]

I have a craftsman 3 hp compressor, it puts out 9.3 scfm at 40 psi. Is that enough to power a blaster?


mike.

I have to say no to that. Most air tools are rated at 90psi and I'm betting that you will be way low on the scfm at 90. Check the air requirements on the cabinet before buying or do like I did...upgrade to a larger compressor a ton and don't worry about air requirements .