SODA Blasting--Is it really that good?

[alice]

Baking soda not only removes the visual damage during the blasting process, but the natural deodorizing properties of baking soda work to eliminate the "smell" associated with the damage.

[Phred]

I use soda to blast/clean engine parts on a daily basis, both internal and external. We have a fairly expensive machine ($12K), which has been trouble free for five years. You learn how much pressure is required, and the grade of soda needed to aquire a desired finish. Afer soda, pressure wash, or just soap and water, and paint has never been an issue. And just for the record, I had a complete Z (prior disassembled) walnut shell stripped for $700, top bottom, inside & out. I really liked the resulting finish, and would never use aggresive media like sand or garnet, as I have seen too many panels warped, or the surface finish way too coarse for my taste. My 2 cents.

Phred

[d240zx2]

I am seriously considering blasting my 40mm Mikuni carbs. Over the years they have accumulated a bit of atmospheric corrosion and need to be spruced up. Is soda blasting a method that will do a satisfactory job?

If so, are small, portable blasters of viable use? What grade and type of soda would be recommended (Arm & Hammer, etc.)?

Thanks,

Frank

[Oiluj]

I too have heard that walnut shells are a good, non-corrosive media that is less prone to warping panels.

[d240zx2]

Thanks, Julio. But Mikuni carbs don't have much of a "panel" to warp. Just looking to clean 'em up a bit. Perhaps glass bead blasting will be the best bet, reckon'?

[Oiluj]

I was tagging onto a post above refrencing use of walnut shells.. But my guess is they would work on alum carbs too.

[Phred]

Glass will be the most aggressive, changing the surface texture to that of a cast look. For small detailed parts like carbs, plastic media will best retain the stock finish. Soda will clean good, and not harm any metal, but it will leave the smooth luster of carbs a dull flat aluminum apperance. Whatever you do, the carbs would REQIRE a complete disassembly, blast, and then a full detail cleaning and reassembly. My 2 cents, FWIW.

Phred

[Lazeum]

I've posted some pictures some days ago about how I blasted my aluminum parts. Glass bead to clean them up followed by glass balls. the last operation bring the shiny finish. Part looks really good.

Best Solution for Aluminum Parts

Glass-ball supplier adviced me to use plastic media for paint removal & aluminum oxides for non cosmetic areas.

Edited January 9, 2012 by Lazeum