Sand Blaster clogging - need help

[LFGENGLER]

I have had the same problem as everyone else that has reponded. I found that the culprit is moisture. I made a water trap using a whole house water filter with a spun cotton filter. I can't remember what the PSI rating was on this filter system but it was way over what I would run the sand blaster at. I have two filters one that is in use and the other sitting in the sun to dry. Between this set up and making sure the compressor tank is drained on a daily basis, my moisure problem & clogging has pretty well been taken care of

 

[evo803]

I have a cheap HF presure blaster and I only use fine black beauty that I sift into a large plastic container as soon as I get it and I hardly ever have a clog. I can refill 3-4 times before I might get a clog and it usually me opening the lower valve a little to much , I actually made a little reference mark for how far to open the valve. I personally like black beauty I think it cuts faster than play sand. I also wear my Air-Mate helmet for fresh air while blasting.

 

[Safetyman1020]

I realize this is an old thread.

If anyone wishes to use fine white sand, which usually has a high free silica content. Make sure you do it safely. There are newer media out there, such as soda media, which contain zero free silica. Black beauty/black diamond has less than 2% free silica, and is a fairly safe alternative to silica sand. Silica sand can KILL you even when you work safety with it, and invariably affects people when used improperly. Cartridge respirators, such as P100's, are not sufficient for silica dust. You must use a supplied air respirator that pumps in clean air into the mask. Such as SCBA used by firefighters, or breathing air masks used in the construction industry. There are documented cases of silicosis deaths in individuals who did use the proper supplied air respirators. As a result of these incidents and cases industry has gone to black beauty which is much safer, but still requires supplied air respirators for prolonged or chronic use. Regardless of how good silica sand works, it's rarely a good idea to use it for sandblasting.

 

[SpringHollow]

Thanks for posting.

What about sand blast cabinets with HEPA filters - is Black Beauty reasonably safe in those for hobbyist use?

When blasting outside, i use a full face remote air respirator but unless you take extrem caution, your clothes etc have the dust in them to some extent.

I just bought a setup to wet blast with a high pressure washer and i am interested to see how well that works. I have to wait a few months before it is warm enough to try it.

Ken

 

[allenr]

I just bought a setup to wet blast with a high pressure washer and i am interested to see how well that works. I have to wait a few months before it is warm enough to try it.

Ken

I have a wet blaster for my high pressure washer. Works OK but does clog up every five minutes or so where dry meets wet - but i am using drift sand.

And you have to wait for it to dry out before re-use.

 

[carmedic310]

Try using silica sand (white sand) its a lot finer, leaves a better finish also.Kids sandbox sand at walmart is the same thing.Black beaty has a lot of debri in it.Although it seems like a moisture problem.Do you use a water separator?Motor guard makes a fairly cheap priced one.can get it at any auto parts store