Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[PILOON]

I thought I posted a thread specific to HF blast cabinet mod but I can't seem to find it. Maybe I didn't and probably should start a thread if I didn't...

I have heavily modded my cabinet but one of the items that didn't get an upgrade until now were the gloves. They do suck! They split pretty early in the use cycle and I have been using duct tape with not great luck to hold them together. Replaced the originals with new ones from the Tacoma Company. Highly recommend them if you want to turn your HF cabinet into a first class machine.

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As I said, lots of mods but I learned pretty quick that it is nice to have quick access to the whole insides of the cabinet so I got so I modified a socket... View attachment 545926 View attachment 545925

New gloves installed and a peek at some other sweet upgrades from Tacoma Company...

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Thought I had another spare pane of glass. But I guess not. :smiley_aafz: So another trip to HD before I button this up.

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To extend the life of the glass try black window bug screen spaced about 1/4" from the glass. The media will bounce off of the screen but you still have a decent view of your work and it will save the glass.

 

[dragoneggs]

To extend the life of the glass try black window bug screen spaced about 1/4" from the glass. The media will bounce off of the screen but you still have a decent view of your work and it will save the glass.

Thanks for the tip! I go through single weight glass far more than I had hoped.

 

[thepumpguysc]

the screen tip IS a good one.. I'll hafta give it a try..
I don't know what a replacement glass costs from HF, but my HF is about 50 miles from me..{100 r/t}
.. & I just went to the hardware store w/ my old glass & they used it as a template to cut me a new piece for a few dollars..{cheap}
Lasts the same amount of time.. IMO

 

[prichard]

Thanks, Piloon

 

[PhysAssist]

Thanks for the tip! I go through single weight glass far more than I had hoped.

I neither have a sand blast cabinet, nor need one, but I wondered if [given its increased hardness] tempered glass would last longer than the lexan or window glass, plus I guess I'm just curious by nature- anyway, this thread:Protective film for your sandblast cabinet. What do you use? - The Garage Journal Board has a lot of work-arounds for prolonging glass life-

One of them that stood out to me was using a cell-screen or tablet-sized screen protector of one of the gorilla-glass knock-offs to get a more durable view port in the bigger window.

Also here's another supply place for SB components- including tempered glass [? what sizes you need tho...]
Sandblast Cabinet Parts & Supplies for Abrasive Blasting Cabinets - TP Tools & Equipment

and

Sandblasting Cabinet Window Protector - All Clear Products
YMMV.

 

[Ford850]

Or you could sell the used glass on Craigslist for a premium...
"Frosted glass pane. Only one left to sell."

 

[lostcreekranch]

Or you could sell the used glass on Craigslist for a premium...
"Frosted glass pane. Only one left to sell."

. All clouds have a silver Lining!

 

[Code54]

I personally use the film on my glass and it works very well. I have a Skat Blast cabinet and been using the film for years with great success. The other thing is add a filter system - it makes a huge difference in visibility and filters the dust out of the cabinet.

 

[PhysAssist]

I personally use the film on my glass and it works very well. I have a Skat Blast cabinet and been using the film for years with great success. The other thing is add a filter system - it makes a huge difference in visibility and filters the dust out of the cabinet.

That's another one of the things I gleaned while looking into the question [dust avoidance], from here:
Clearwater Glass Studio

 

[dragoneggs]

I personally use the film on my glass and it works very well. I have a Skat Blast cabinet and been using the film for years with great success. The other thing is add a filter system - it makes a huge difference in visibility and filters the dust out of the cabinet.

I do have a first class filtering system. I suppose I should get off my arse and post a thread on my HF blast cabinet mods. Wait... that means more arse time! :confused2:

There are a few youtube vids on mods... I went to school on most all of them before I invested.