Harbor Freight blast pot

[siteunseen]

$48 plus $32 for media that I'm reusing. Gotta get it dialed in mo betta but it's going to work good for my minimum use.

 

EDIT: Sorry for the sideways pics, couldn't get my Bluetooth to transfer pics from my phone to my PC.  That's a problem for another day.   

 

Intakes and balance tube tomorrow.

Edited June 5, 2015 by siteunseen

[Patcon]

What media are you using?

[siteunseen]

It says glass beads but it's more like pulverized glass, 80 grit.  

 

  http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/black-bulltrade%3B-no-80-grit-abrasive-glass-beads

 

I did it in a big plastic tub and only lost a few pounds.  Did it on top of a tarp too, folded it up and poured that into the tub then filtered it back into the pot.  I think there's a pound in my eyes and hair.  I'll wear the hood tomorrow for sure.

Edited June 6, 2015 by siteunseen

[RyanT67]

Looks like you got some pretty great results!  I am looking at buying the same thing for blasting my carbs and a few other parts - I was thinking about using baking soda instead of glass bead though.  I'll probably try to build some sort of makeshift cabinet with cheap wood and sheets of plastic - keep things at least a little tidy

[rossiz]

quick/cheap media blasting booth:

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-ft-x-8-ft-greenhouse-47712.html

 

and when you're done, you can pick it up and move it back into the yard for your tomato plants and orchids...

you might even get some buy-in from swmbo 

[siteunseen]

I was going to buy a small igloo styled tent, $25 from Academy Sports, and sit inside to keep the mess down but to be honest it's not as bad as I thought.  I'm okay losing a little.

 

I put the parts inside the biggest plastic storage tub I had and put that in the middle of a 10x12 tarp, fold the tarp and poured that inside the tub.  Scooped it out and put it back into the sandblaster.  The blaster sprays my particular media for about 1 minute, then you just shake it back and forth and it starts right back up.  It doesn't make any kind of "floating" dust, to my surprise.  The heavier stuff like coal slag and sand will wear it out and make a bigger mess.  This one is for parts that'll fit inside the plastic tub. 

 

I'm using 1 lb Cool-Whip bowls for scooping and figure I lost between 1 and 2 pounds (very little).  So the results minus the PITA, plus I'll have to replace the valves sooner or later, I'll say 4 out 5 stars for the money.  It requires some patience but beer helps. 

[Captain Obvious]

I've got a local buddy with one of those pots and he says it's way easier to use with two people.

 

One to blast and one to shake the pot.

 

He and I have discussed mechanized ways to vibrate the pot but haven't implemented anything yet.

[siteunseen]

That's funnier than hell!

I put one foot on top and sit on a milk crate. Thought about using some rope.

Like I said, it takes patience!

Back to it.

[Mark Maras]

 

"He and I have discussed mechanized ways to vibrate the pot but haven't implemented anything yet."

Suggestions anyone?

[siteunseen]

 

"He and I have discussed mechanized ways to vibrate the pot but haven't implemented anything yet."

Suggestions anyone?

All you have to do is kick it when it gets low and it'll spray for about another minute, repeat.  Mine is new so I can't say what'll it'll do next time but from my experience the last 2 days is that if you fill it half way it'll spray heavy for a few minutes then it starts pulsing for a few more minutes then it's just air, that's when a gentle kick gets it spraying again.  I'd say it's about a fourth full or less when you need to start shaking or kicking.  Next time I'll tie a rope around my knee and the top handles, sorta like a one man band will do.  Mine only needs shaking when it's low on media, but for the price it's not perfect, although I didn't have any "crisis" moments. 

 

Results:

 

This is what's left,

[Patcon]

Site,

Just remember it is probably a good idea to wear a respirator or at least a dust mask. It will make it hotter but it saves your lungs. The glass is not good for breathing or the stuff coming off the aluminum. You don't really think you are breathing in that much until you blow your nose.

[siteunseen]

It comes with a hood. I chose not to wear it while I was dialing in the settings for the first time.

Yesterday I wore the hood and a lightweight pair of summer pajamas. Pretty damn funny looking but it was so much better than the day before. I've still got crusty eyes in the mornings.

I've found an eastwood product for raw aluminum, Diamond Clear satin for $40 per quart. 300 degrees. I'm gonna coat everything I blast, claims to be fuel and oil resistant.

Thanks for the warnings, silica sand is the worst, I've read about.

Cliff