Parts cleaning/blasting tool

[dan filipi]

In my work I have a need for a parts cleaning/blasting rig so I'm looking for something on a budget but not cheap quality.

Usually I need to clean a fan blade or motor, stuff like that ready for a shot of paint.
Maybe a mild sand blaster, a rig I could also use on bike parts to clean off the grunge.

Any ideas?
It needs to be small because garage space is limited.

 

[AApple]

cleek fo link

Desk-top model, reasonably priced. :Egyptian:

 

[slabghost]

I have a little sandblaster no bigger than a paint gun with about a qt capacity for sand. Unfortunately I don't recall where I got it. I'll look around to see if I can find one like it.

 

[vtxcandyred]

Maybe here??????https://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=sand+blaster

 

[Winger 82]

so what would be the best all around media ??
1 Sand ?
2 Glass ?
3 Shells ?

 

[vtxcandyred]

so what would be the best all around media ??
1 Sand ?
2 Glass ?
3 Shells ?

SODA!!!!!!!!! They use that a lot where I work and have seen the results. I believe its better for a finer blast than some other material. Its not as course.

 

[AApple]

Soda works well, but it is caustic, and needs to be neutralized after blasting, or paint will not stick, and the part(s) will corrode.
I used to have one of those small hand-held blasters, too. Mine came from Crap-On. Hard to find blasting sand around here, so I went to the Home Depot and got a bag of play sand, and filtered it thru a screen to get the big chunks out. Worked pretty well, but was quite messy.
A blast cabinet is the cat's meow, imo. :mrgreen:

 

[mike in idaho]

Sandblasting is good for rust removal and paint prep but the silica sand,from the builder's supply, is pretty aggressive and leaves a finish that takes a lot more primer/surfacer to get a glossy finish. I like to use well-sifted beach sand,from the riverbank. It's not so sharp-edged and leaves a smoother finish, more like glass beads.

 

[slabghost]

I use play sand or Black beauty or cheap detergent powder.

 

[mcgovern61]

I use play sand or Black beauty or cheap detergent powder.

Where did you come across black beauty? I thought that was only available commercial?

 

[slabghost]

Industrial supply here sells black beauty to anyone.

 

[slabghost]

Here ya go. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00267NZC0/ref ... B00267NZC0

 

[danf]

I use a my pressure washer for stuff like that..sometimes if I don't lock it down good it ends up in my neighbors yard... :smilie_happy: Probably not what your lookin for..Cleans the heck out of it though if done right.. Cleans' what Beave... I don't know Part's perhaps.. :smilie_happy: :shock:

 

[scdmarx]

Blasters are nice to have, but you gotta be careful what you use it on. I've seen where guys used it on engine parts, then the engine was trashed by the time for the next oil change.

A few places I've worked at had a big closet type cleaner that rotates as it sprays hot soapy water. Very much like a giant dish washer. These things work great. I wonder if a guy could pick up a used dishwasher somewhere and use it to clean parts?

 

[mcgovern61]

A few places I've worked at had a big closet type cleaner that rotates as it sprays hot soapy water. Very much like a giant dish washer. These things work great. I wonder if a guy could pick up a used dishwasher somewhere and use it to clean parts?

On a tugboat I was on, the engineer decided to clean a few parts in the dishwasher. Worked great for the parts.....ruined the dishwasher and a few good deckhands! :smilie_happy:

 

[danf]

Ok, you asked for ideas make a box made of lexan and wood or whatever like a sandblasters box but with a drain for the water now modify a pressure washer's handle so you can get into the box as you would a sandblaster and wash your parts..that's what I have for ya Dan..best I can do..

 

[Winger 82]

Here ya go. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00267NZC0/ref ... B00267NZC0

Does anyone have/use one of these cheaper ones ?? Do they hold up ?? do the tips clog up more than a better one ?? just wondering, been thinking about getting something like this would not use it alot but would like to have one when I need it
Winger 82 :hi:

 

[AApple]

The hand-held one I had was very similar to that one, but had a larger, rectangular media box/cup. It worked really well, for what it was. Was really good for doing small jobs like valve covers, or suspension parts.
One thing about any of the sand blasters...you do need an air compressor, preferably a compressor with a large tank. These things use a lot of air volume....

All of the trans shops have the "dishwasher" machines...that's really the best description of them. Fill them with water, turn the heat on, add the soap/cleaning solution, and push the button. 10 minutes later, yer stuff is CLEAN!
The one we have is similar to this one, but quite a bit larger.

Problem is....Dan needs something small enough to fit in the garage with all his other junk...er...stuff.... :mrgreen:

Then again, you can always fall back on the old standby....

:smilie_happy:

 

[slabghost]

Here ya go. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00267NZC0/ref ... B00267NZC0

Does anyone have/use one of these cheaper ones ?? Do they hold up ?? do the tips clog up more than a better one ?? just wondering, been thinking about getting something like this would not use it alot but would like to have one when I need it
Winger 82 :hi:

The one I have is mostly plastic and more resembles a yard fertilizer sprayer hooked to a garden hose. Ive had it about 20 years now and it still works fine.