Sandblast with sand?

[Bonnewagon]

You know I saw that and I forgot about it. Isn't it coal slag? I know coal dust is worse than free silica, but again, it should be contained by the cabinet. You say it doesn't break down, so it would last a long time? That may be what I need- thank's!

 

[ssn696]

I don't think it is coal slag. I believe it is the same abrasive used on sandpaper, just in bulk form. That's why the grain size is specified the same way - '70 grit'.

 

[Bonnewagon]

"Harsco, formerly Reed Minerals, is the largest U.S. manufacturer of coal slag abrasives for the surface preparation market" It is, but that doesn't mean anything if it doesn't dust as much as sand. And the dust has no silica- I'm thinking this is what I need.http://www.blackbeautyabrasives.com/products/black-beauty-original-abrasives.phphttp://www.blackbeautyabrasives.com/products/black-beauty-original-abrasives.php

 

[565bbchevy]

What I like about the lack of dusting is I don't need to use my shop vac to work, I seal the vacuum port and blast away.
With sand after a minute I can't see a thing if the shop vac is not on.
The one thing is you don't typically need to replace the media from breaking down but after a while debris from what you are blasting will start clogging your nozzle and for the price I pay it is not worth my time to attempt to strain it.

 

[Bonnewagon]

Outstanding.

 

[jeremyandthemonte]

Also a good link to read http://www.sandblasting-sandblaster...w-to-choose-the-right-sandblasting-media.html

 

[L92 OLDS]

FYI. you can also buy blast media at Menards. It doesn't cut as well as aluminum oxide but does a decent job. It's cheaper than Harbour Fright media

 

[Bonnewagon]

I found a deal on Craigslist, just need to find what grit it is. Research indicates clogging with wrong grit vs too small nozzles. Hobbyist blasters come with pretty small nozzles and I don't think HF is very good with accessories.

 

[Bonnewagon]

Looking good- he says it's 20/40 medium grit black diamond brand and he used a 1/4" nozzle, which I also use. I also found a problem with sand- with moisture it clots. This stuff in not suppose to.

 

[axisg]

A little off topic but I was turned on to using electrolysis for rust removal years ago as an alternative to sandblasting. Its a little time consuming but gets into places that even sandblasting has a hard time with. FWIW I use PH boost ( spa/hottub supplies ) instead of Washing Soda. Bunch of videos on youtube but the link below is a basic description. I also use a large plastic garbage can so I can dunk larger items and it comes with a lid to keep the critters out when not in use