Sandblasting Aluminum Wheels

I have some Torq-Thrust style aluminum wheels with painted spokes. I want to blast the spokes and have the outer rim polished. I found a place who will polish 'em for $35 a piece, but I have access to a blaster and can blast them myself. Any blasting media recomendations? Will sand be too harsh?

 

Baking soda will give you best finish.

 

Can I use it in any machine? Where might I find it in bulk (Houston area)?

 

Clemtex her is a link.http://clemtex.com/html/index.htm If I remember right it's northeast 610 loop area.

 

TRy bakery supply or chemical supply houses.

 

The larger the grit, the deeper the pits.

I use a fine sand on mine, because I like the look of blasted aluminum.

Soda would give you the smoothest finish and you should be able to find it locally.

 

Thanks fellas.

 

Clemtex doesn't carry baking soda, I wonder how walnut shell would work? They have it in stock.

 

Glass beads with garnnet (spelling?) or aluminum oxide will work too.

 

I'm seeing Black Diamond, only 7 bucks for 50 lbs. and they have it at Northern Tool. Any experience with this media?

I wonder if this blaster is worth buying for fifty bucks or should I pop for a good one? It won't be getting much use, 2 or 3 times a year.
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_33184_33184

 

Black Diamond is great for getting heavy rust off. It would probably tear-up your aluminum.

 

I like to see old wheels brought back to life! I've done several sets for myself. I'll spend about 8 hours per wheel to blast, paint, file dings and polish. I've used glass beads and I've had good luck with plain ol' silica sand from the local hardware store. The spokes look good natural but I prefer Ford Medium Argent paint for the look and for ease of cleaning, but to each, his own, I have a buddy that paints his spoke black. $35 each for polishing is cheap!

 

Walnut shells are really kind to the metal and won't make your polisher madd

I use shells all the time for real mag parts

For motor stuff it's just great too

 

...how about cemical striper?? and a garden hose...(only to painted surfaces)...

 

Soda Blasting is definatly the best method for blasting your aluminum wheels. It wont hurt em at all. Im a mobile media blaster outa new braunfels if ya got any questions pm or call me 210-421-5049

 

The amount of air pressure, the distance from the nozzle to the work, and the speed that you move the nozzle all have a big effect on the finish you get.

If you haven't already seen them, I've written some articles about old wheels that might help you:

http://www.roadsters.com/wheels/
http://www.roadsters.com/mag/

Dave
http://www.roadsters.com/

 

I went and re-read your article and will heed your advice; you did some really nice polishing work!