Blast Cabinet Parts Cleaning

If you really get into it, there is several other blasting media from walnut shells, plastic, steel and sand that are great for specific tasks. However, most automotive restoration requirements can be fulfilled with glass beads or aluminum oxide media.


A couple of tips that will save money and provide better results is to keep line air pressure at 65-80 psi when blasting with glass beads and 80-100 pounds for aluminum oxide. More pressure will simply turn the glass beads into dust to be removed by the vacuum part of the blasting cabinet. Airflow is more important than pressure. Most siphon-type blast cabinets need as much airflow as they can get to pick up the media and blast it against the part. Any restriction such as 1/4-inch diameter air lines or trigger style blasting guns will impede the volume of air, and ultimately the volume of media picked up for blasting. Go for larger air lines and a low-restriction foot pedal actuation device, and make sure that your compressor is up to the rating in cfm and pressure for the blast cabinet you are using.

Tips



> Always remove grease and oils in a solvent tank before trying to clean a part in a blast cabinet.


> Use the right blast media for the job.