Sandblasting

[Fred]

Just aquired a 40 gal sandblaster from Harbor Frieght, but need to know what kind of sand to use.  I will be blasting wheels, rearend, springs, etc.

Can I just go to a hardware store and buy bags of sand? :dontknow:

[4Cruizn]

Yes you can go and buy sand at the hardware store!!   :thumbs:    Silica Sand is what you want.  Just a few bucks a bag!     

[rnsykes]

You can also buy it from a concrete place.  00 is the size of the sand you want to use.

[DJVCuda]

i get mine from the local  lumber yard, play sand is all i get - if ya get that dont get the fancy crap with additives to help dry the sand out...

i sift it first to get  rid of larger stones that will clog the gun

[rnsykes]

You definately want the sand dry becasue it will clog up the tip.

[Fred]

Thanks for the tips guys!!  Guess I'll use some screen to sift with.

Will be starting with some rally wheels first.  Any tips on primer or paint/color/supplier?

:beer:

[rusty dodge]

Menards, Black Magnum, 4 bucks a bag. Over by the play sand. Sift it before each use, even the first use. U can reuse it about 4 times.

[Wrencher]

I learned the hard way that even sealed bags of sand need to be dried first.  Poured mine in a wheelbarrow and let sit in the sun about a half day before I used it.

[Fishy68]

Fred I don't know what state your in but here in Illinois it's now illegal to use silica sand for sand blasting. Apparently the EPA says it's haremful to your health and outlawed it. I just found this out when I went to the local lumber yard to get some a few months ago. They now want you to buy some black crap that is made from something else (forgot what). The stuff's nasty. If you weren't black before you use it you will be when your done. Even if you dress to the hilt.

They still sell the silica sand for landscaping though so that's what I tell them I want.

[BlueStreak_Johnnie]

Wear a good mask.

[Steve]

 

I wear a respirator. You DON"T want that silica getting into your lungs!

I spread my sand out on the driveway to dry it. I use screen (as in porch screen) drawn tight over a bucket for sifting. If you don't have an in-line drier for your air supply, get one.

Oh, and don't let your neighbor call code enforcement on you!   :spank:

[fastcc]

Boy didnt know they are starting to outlaw silica I will stock have to stock up if there is time left here. I know its bad stuff but I use a resperater when I sandblast, which is not very often so I never worry about it.

[Plum6Pak]

I just have my son do all of mine, he has a professional setup and it works great. He had me get the glass beads, it's made up of crushed glass and feels and looks like sand, it works great! I used it on all of my heavy parts, steering, suspension etc. As stated before, wear all your safety gear, you'll not be comfortable and it may seem like you don't need it but if you don't, you'll wish you did!    One more thing, you can actually warp sheet metal with a sand blaster with the wrong media, if you hit large flat areas, don't leave it in one place too long. Use aluminum oxide, it won't harm the sheet metal. Here's a link, it has some good information in it.
http://www.kramerindustriesonline.com/blasting-media.htm

[ChallengerVert]

I bought the same one from harbor freight.  I used some "thicker" green diamond media stuff and it ate up the harbor freight nozzle.  I had to spend $200 on a good nozzle and still use the green Diamond media.  Recommend that you use very very fine media with the Harbor Freight nozzle or plan on getting a better nozzle.