Hot Rods What to use in a sand blaster?

I just bought one of those small what I thought to be a small sandblaster that hooks up to my air line at Harbor freight to do my door jams and door frames on my Olds station wagon. Then I read the instructions and it says not to use sand.So being a simple guy. What do I use? Thanks Bruce.

 

What does it say to use? I'd use blasting sand, which I buy at my local big-box home improvement store.

I'd think the only reason they say to not use sand is due to silicosis issues. They don't want to be sued. Maybe you could use blackjack slag, also sold at the same store right next to the sandblast sand.

Whatever you use, make sure you have a really nice mask on to keep all that dust out of your lungs. This is in addition to the large hood you'll wear to keep the stuff out of your eyes.

 

Play sand or coal slag^^^^^^^with appropriate respirator.

 

HF sells tubs of aluminum oxide, walnut shells and plastic blast media. I use aluminum oxide in my cabinet and only blast at 70psi. If you blast a lot consider a skatblast gun and carbide tip. If you only use it a little you can probably get away with the ceramic tips HF sells.

X2 on the cartridge respirator, otherwise you'll be hacking for two weeks afterwards to get that stuff out of your lungs.

 

post pic of model that you have, and what you are going to blast - can also get mild grade sand at some cement supply companies

 

First you definitely want a good respirator and hood. I would use one of the types of media that Harbor Freight has depending on the amount of grit you need to satisfactorily clean up your jambs. First one is Black Aluminum Oxide 70 grit, second is glass bead 80 grit, I have bought them all at Harbor Freight along with Silica Sand that I don't think they handle any longer. Joe

 

I've also seen the bags of crushed walnut shells, but have never tried them. Any good for paint or rust?

 

Walnuts are not for rust.

 

The walnut shells. plastic beads (glass bead) and aluminum oxide are easier on sheet metal. Black beauty (finest grit) does an excellent job quicker but leaves a rougher finish, ideal on chassis. Sand is in between depending on what grit you get. All of them you should use a GOOD respirator. For doing your door jambs only the walnut shell or glass beads would be a good choice because it leave a good finish with little or no sanding afterwards, downside it's more expensive but you are only doing a small area.

Pat

 

If you go the silica sand route,try 70 grit ,as opposed to 30 grit which is coarser.The 70 grit is sharper and cuts better than 30 which is more round and bounces off.As others have said wear the good dust masks.3m makes a heavy duty one with with a button in the middle,that won't fog your safety glasses as easy.

 

Bruce,whatever you use buy a quality respirator,your lungs not designed to breath the dust.

I have used the inexpensive sand blasters in the past and used sand,most of the businesses that sell concrete and concrete blocks usually carry several different abrasive grits of sand,with the syphon type system. HRP

 

i use the fine sand from quik cement at ace hardware. but MAKE SURE to use a good respirator

 

I've used the play sand with fair success. X2 on a good mask/respirator to keep from breathing the dust, a good windy day to blow the dust away from you helps too if you are blasting out in the yard , which you should be unless you want dust all over the shop!

 

Any time I've used play sand, I have to strain it first, too many big pieces plugging up the nozzle.

 

Using sand in a Harbor Freight hand held blaster will wear it out...some of the internal passages are in the plastic handle.... I have worn out at least one a year for the last five years.

 

used washed sand as it doesn't clump from the clay in it . I am lucky as I am near wendron sand ( white sand ) and can get it cheap and its washed as they use it for pool filters

 

I use black magic that I buy at the local Menards store

 

Everyone should run with their top down at least once in their life.

 

Definitely a good respirator no matter what media you are using. I have a couple of NIOSH-rated ones with the replaceable cartridges and prefilters that I've used for years on a variety of tasks.

 

I use play sand from Lowes. $4.00 for 50 pounds and it is dry.

 

Alchemy, I think your right. I bought some play sand because its very fine. Now at the bottom of the bag it says it can cause canser, And they are selling it as play sand for kids????Bruce.

 

Timwhit, that's what I bought. I also have the respirator, long sleeve shirt and the googles. Thanks Bruce.

 

Jalopy Joker.I always had old station wagons but this one I sold 12 years ago and found it just sitting in a garage for the last 10 years. I had to have her back.She road worth now but needs paint due to all the bird poop stains on her and the knuckle head that had her shot black matted paint on all the door jams and door frames and its peeling. I want to go back to the original light blue paint and get rid of the dark blue paint I painted 12 years ago.It looks like crap when I open the doors .The only thing this one isn't H.A.M.B . friendly so the picture may get deleted. I will post a pictures of the door jam later today. Thanks Bruce.

 

Oldsjoe.That's the sand I bought at Loews for the job. Bruce.

 

Pat I plan to prime the door s heavy before painting. Thanks Bruce.

 

Rick, that's ok.Its just for the door jams , door frames and tail gate section, but thanks.Bruce.

 

JYPSEA, that what I bought from Lowes. Thanks Bruce.

 

I just want to thank you all for your comments on this thread and you all have a HAPPY EASTER. Bruce.

 

HAPPY EASTER Bruce! Good luck on the door jamb clean up hope it all turns out well for ya! Joe

 

Heres a picture of the rear door on the Olds wagon and lower inside of the rocker..Bruce.