Sandblasting question

[nyto]

Any fine and "DRY" sand will do.A good chioce is "00" sand, it will leave a smooth surface,you can buy it at masonary supply store at 5$ to 7$ for a 55 lb bag.A few have suggested Black Beauty it works great if you are not looking for a smooth surface ( it leaves small dimples on the metal). A few other post I read had issues on how slow is to sandblast and all I can say is: controll of the flow of sand is the key to speed while sandblasting. If too much sand gets to the tip you will waste a heap of sand and no rust is removed. I used a sandblaster from SEARS and it has a simple ball valve at the bottom of it to controll the sand.Adjust it so that you don't see the sand but the rust is getting removed. It works like a charm. <font color="red"> </font> SAFETY: sandblasting will release silica in the air, breathe enough of it and silicosis is a good bet. A good respirator is a must (not a paper mask). Sand will also sting like fireants,long sleves, safety gogles and a face shield are a must. HAPPY SANDBLASTING /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[cdrkilr]

OkieG, Interesting observation you raise. I do not know what incidence rates for silicosis are for various areas, but I do know that there is more silica in the air in some places than others - just as there are a few areas in North America where there are higer concentrations of asbestos fibers in the air. Asbestos is a naturally occuring mineral too. So, to your point, just because it is "natural" doesn't mean it can't kill you.

 

[OkieG]

<font color="blue"> So, to your point, just because it is "natural" doesn't mean it can't kill you. </font>

Yes, many "natural", "organic" substances are very dangerous. My comments weren't intended to make a point, but to ask a question. Some friends were stationed in Saudi Arabia years ago with the military. They say it was impossible to seal their house from dust. It would collect noticeably every day. I imagine the air in desert areas is loaded with fine silica dust. I'm just curious if that's true or not...and if silicosis among the general population is more common.

OkieG

 

[mahlers]

Another option is to get a sand blasting attachment for a high powered pressure washer. If you're doing paint and rust removal on large areas, it works great. No dust, you don't need a giant air compressor, and the attachment is relatively cheap (about $100 from Karcher). I've put all kinds of different sand through mine, and it's much less finicky than an air powered sand blaster - I even use sifted river sand from my creek.

 

[OkieG]

<font color="blue"> get a sand blasting attachment for a high powered pressure washer. If you're doing paint and rust removal on large areas, it works great. No dust, </font>

I have a small conventional sand blaster and one like you describe. The reason I got the pressure washer (suction?) type was to eliminate airborne silica. You're right...there is no dust, but a thick mist is produced instead of a dust cloud. I suspect the mist is as heavily laden with silica particles as the dust is. Unless you know for sure it's safer, wear a mask or respirator either way!

By the way, you have a very interesting "bio". Good luck with your project!

OkieG