Anyone use a "Spot"-Blaster?

Hey Guys:

I'm considering buying a spot-blaster and am interested in hearing from those of you who have used these.
- How well do they work?
- How quickly does the 20 ounce hopper get emptied?
- Can you use different types of media in these or are you stuck with glass beads?
- Where have you found the best deals on media?

Thanks, - EM

 

I should clarify that this topic refers to the media or "sand" blasters that have a small gravity feed hopper integrated into an air gun. The gun/hopper simply hook to your shop air hose and allow you to take the gun to the "spot" you want to blast.

- EM

 

there are 2 kinds.. one shoots the sand all over and would prolly empty in about 5 seconds, the other comes with assorted rubber tips that you press against what you are blasting and the sand gets recycled back into the bag.

I got the recycled one and it works great for its intended purpose

 

I've used mine with several kinds of media. It only works good for small jobs though. To put it in perspective, I blasted a dipstick handle recently. It was very convenient but that little jobs used most of the hopper.

 

Thanks for your replies fellas. 49ratfink, yours sounds more in-line with what I want. What brand and model is yours and what is a going price?

 

I have one called the "vacula" Works sweet, the rubber tip keeps the sand recycling through the system so it lasts a while. Good for spot-blasting rust on a body, like if you had a rust spot a couple inches around. Don't plan on blasting individual parts with it though, or a whole car unless you have years to spend doing it.

 

I'm pretty sure I got my blaster from eastwood, either that or TP tools. if you are not getting these 2 companies catalogs already google them and order one. I get one every year automatically from both since I have spent a few bucks with these companies.

 

I just made one from a harbor freight blast gun, a big piece of rubber with a hole in it,and a small bag to put the media in.