what PSI to run sandblaster

So I have this great blaster for small jobs, however, my air compressor only goes to 135PSI, Its so old really it only holds 120PSI...running the blaster is slow going...here is the blaster...what PSI do ou gu's run

 

90psi.
Yea mines basicly the same as yours.

I run a 50gal oilless compressor, I gotta take breaks often and the compressor stays busy. But they get the job done

And of course, DO be carefull of spending too much time in one spot, to close, flat areas etc for warpage. Im sure you've heard it.

 

I was going to say in the 80-90 pis range was what we used to run our snadblaster at.

Your blasing media and type of nozzle can make blasting slow. If you are running a large nozzle and course sand you can clean some metal off real quick but if you are shooting a car body course sand is not what you want, it will also make sheet metal hot enough to warp.

 

I run that type of blaster at 70 to 80 psi. It may not seem to be a lot but it does't warp sheet metal at that pressure. You may want more for heavier items but it works okay on them too. Compressor size and cfm delivery makes quite a difference too. You have to have proper air delivery and there are different types of sand also, some cut better than others.

 

I usually set mine at 70 to 80 lbs.

I also have a air dryer to keep the sand dry. HRP

 

HotrodPrimer, Yes that is another issue, I'm continuing to clear the feeding tube from the unit itself...toda I'm going to install a moisture collector...But It seem's like the feed from the unit only lasts 30 to 50 sec...then sand stops exiting...I usuall have to turn the blaster upside down and stir up the sand...any advice???

 

CFM is just as important per given PSI than anything. The more CFM per pressure the better when trying to move media.

 

This sounds like you have wet sand to start with. Also you need to screen the sand before you load the tank. Get the rocks out that won't pass thru the nozzle.

I run 60-80 psi in my tank blaster.

Play sand is what I use, but now it comes in plastic bags that keep the moisture in. Used to be in paper bags that would let moisture out.

The last batch of sand I got was so wet I had to bake it in the oven on a cookie sheet to get it dry. took all day to do 100 pounds of sand. If it clumps together when you squeeze it in your hand it's too wet.

 

I use mine at 80psi, with glass bead media. An a air/water separator is a must.

 

I find 45 -50 psi is plenty for the rust and paint I have had to strip. 80 gal, 5 h compressor, green sand.

 

oke, i'll get the air/water separator...I live in Central Oregon, very dry climate...my sand is very dry, but I do get some moisture from the compressor...

 

The water separator will help,,doesn't take much moisture to be plugging up the nozzle. It takes large volume air,,,my compressor is 18cfm @90,,never runs out of air,,any less and you could find yourself taking lots of beer breaks..I usually run @ 120psi,,,tough northern rust!

 

Volume of air is the issue, yes. I have 14 cfm @90 psi and that is nowhere near enough. I get about 45-60 sec of blasting before air gives out. I turn off sand feed before stopping air blast otherwise hose clogs. Have to wait 3-5 min for compressor to catch up. Need way more volume of air.

That's what I use also. Dryer on hose line works fine, but you must screen sand.

 

What ever you use, make sure it's dry, strain it get all rocks/dirt out so it doesn't clog. Make sure you wear the right protective gear to. That stuff hurts as its flying around.

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They guys are right on with the volume of air is as important or more important than the pressure. Using a sand blaster is about as close to just cutting the air hose in two and letting it blow as you can get as far as the compressor is concerned. Even the big 80 gallon shop compressors have a hard time keeping up with sand blaster that is under extended use.

Having too much sand in the container can pack the sand down to where it doesn't want to flow to the siphon tube. I had that problem with the sand blast cabinet I had in the school shop.
along with experimenting with the air pressure experiment with the level you have the sand at in the container.

 

I run mine any where from 50 to 90 psi.... It really depends on how thick of metal, and how much rust, and the sand or shells I am useing....

 

I run at 120psi at the blasting tank not the compressor. I have a 7hp 80gal compressor and it runs the HF blaster fine. I have to screen the sand and have a home made air chiller with two water separators with automatic drains. Humidity around here*****s for blasting.
28

 

Really sounds like your compressor just can't keep up.

 

I run mine at 60-70 lbs, and use white silica sand from the hardware store. I put tarps down when I'm doing a big job, and recycle the sand about 4times before I lose enough to have to use more. If I made a backstop, I wouldn't lose any sand at all.

 

hey fellas, yes, to all, To much sand was compacking the pot...also, I hooked up the moisture catch and the blasting went sooo much smoother...thanks to all for your help...by the way yes my compressor is tired...

 

FWIW I run at 6 Bar - around 85psi.

Slightly O/T, but with health concerns around silica, has anyone used calcium carbonate (crushed marble/dolomite)? It isn't as hard, so may wear out quicker and might not be as effective on rust. But it is used as a filler in all kinds of industries, as well as a supplement in poultry feed - no long term health issues at all.

 

I used to have a sandblaster like that and I had my 60 Gallon compressor set at 90psi. Still, sandblasting is very time consuming and very, very messy. I got tried of that***** and threw it the trash. I started using a coarse sanding disc on my air grinder and for hard-to-get-to spots, a wire wheel.

 

Here's what Stefan T said in his shoebox thread about sandblasting, now this is a setup that works!

Amen, brother!

 

Around 80 to 90 is what we use, but if your compressor is not big enough you will do more waiting than blasting.

 

You should NOT use play sand. Use a blasting media designed for sand blasting.

 

Respectfully disagree. If you are a professional sandblaster and do it all the time, yes you are correct. If you are a hobbyist like most of us, do what is easy and cheap. I tried the metal shaving***** once and kept getting shocked through the Chevy body I was spraying. Glass you say? Too expensive, and besides, I'm with Mr. McCool (see below), sand allows you to sweep it up, re-screen and reuse, and when you're all done you sweep the remainder off the driveway into the grass.

Really, are you worried about getting silicosis from the occasional hobby blasting? Not me.

 

Here is a pic of my blow through pot. On frames, etc I use 90 psig; on body metal I go down to 50- 55 psig. I use DRIED silica sand only and a respirator. I built my pot ( a copy of several different ones available at the time). My compressor will put out about 17 cfm at 90 psi and I still have to rest it. I can use 1/8" nozzles but they are small and can clog frequently; most of the time I start with 5/32" and they bet bigger as you go. When they get to 1/4" I usually change to a new one. The pipe you see goiung to the bottom of the tank in the pic is an air bypass and it allows you to control the air/ sand mix. I also use a moisture trap on the supply air.