Sandblasting cabinet
Discussion
First time in this section so please be gentle. I only discovered it's existence through searching for something similar to what I'm about to ask.
These little CABINETS on ebay.
Would they be any good for cleaning old wheels up? Up to about 16" maximum I'd think. Just that I seem to have a surplus of them, and I'm thinking that this would be a quicker way to get them tidied up than wire brushing and sanding down.
Another question is would they physically fit in it? According to the measurements given on the ad they would, but would it still be possible to operate the thing? Obviously rim only, no tyre.
Finally, what would be the best medium to use? Don't fancy sand, so would a fine shot/grit or walnut shells be OK?
If the above idea is totally useless, any other suggestions would be welcomed.
These little CABINETS on ebay.
Would they be any good for cleaning old wheels up? Up to about 16" maximum I'd think. Just that I seem to have a surplus of them, and I'm thinking that this would be a quicker way to get them tidied up than wire brushing and sanding down.
Another question is would they physically fit in it? According to the measurements given on the ad they would, but would it still be possible to operate the thing? Obviously rim only, no tyre.
Finally, what would be the best medium to use? Don't fancy sand, so would a fine shot/grit or walnut shells be OK?
If the above idea is totally useless, any other suggestions would be welcomed.
First thing to consider is how big is your compressor? The ad says this requires a compressor that can deliver 5cfm Free Air and sustain that at 40-80psi - although I don't think the lower end is going do much.
Don't fall into the trap with many small compressors where they quote the air displacement, which is usually around half the Free Air Delivery & its the latter that is the important one.
Don't fall into the trap with many small compressors where they quote the air displacement, which is usually around half the Free Air Delivery & its the latter that is the important one.
Free air delivery is, according to the supplier 9.8 CFM so, even taking a bit away for over ambition, it should be fine for what I need.
Compressor is one of those Wolf 3hp 90 Litre things from UK Home Shopping.
It's not like it'll be a constant stream of air required, more "on and off" due to the messing with the size of the things.
Compressor is one of those Wolf 3hp 90 Litre things from UK Home Shopping.
It's not like it'll be a constant stream of air required, more "on and off" due to the messing with the size of the things.
longshot said:
It's a smashing looking thing but I would imagine that once your hands are in there with the blast nozzle, there won't be much room for anything other than small components.
That's what I'm concerned about really. I'm thinking that, even if it is feasible it could be a challenge. (Sat in front of mock-up box as I type)I think it would have to be a one-handed operation for something the size of a rim, with the spare glove shoved out of the way somewhere or turned inside out at least.
I have one of those and I can safely say there is no way you would get anything like a 16" wheel in it and be able to do any work, your hands take up most of the useable space so as said above its only good for small components. Even if a wheel did fit, it would take hours to do as the cabinet soon fills up with dust leaving zero visibility, so you have to keep stopping to let the dust settle and to shift the grit back to the gun suction.
I have a similar cabinet, see the pictures below. I would not dream of doing a wheel in it, its too big, and with the surface area of a wheel would take FAR to long.
However, it is extremely useful bit of kit, I have been using mine this morning to recondition an air con compressor, its come out like new. I also used to recondition Weber carbs, and these come out really well, but you have to be sure to VERY carefully mask any intricate parts before you blast them.
The other problem is the dust if you use it indoors. I now have an extraction system on mine, made out of a plastic container that uses the centrifugal method of getting the dust out of the air. As the outlet now vents outside, there is no restriction to the air leaving the cabinet, so zero dust from it in the workshop.
I use aluminium oxide in mine, and if needed change it for glass bead. your compressor should be OK at 3HP
However, it is extremely useful bit of kit, I have been using mine this morning to recondition an air con compressor, its come out like new. I also used to recondition Weber carbs, and these come out really well, but you have to be sure to VERY carefully mask any intricate parts before you blast them.
The other problem is the dust if you use it indoors. I now have an extraction system on mine, made out of a plastic container that uses the centrifugal method of getting the dust out of the air. As the outlet now vents outside, there is no restriction to the air leaving the cabinet, so zero dust from it in the workshop.
I use aluminium oxide in mine, and if needed change it for glass bead. your compressor should be OK at 3HP
buzzer said:
I have a similar cabinet, see the pictures below. I would not dream of doing a wheel in it, its too big, and with the surface area of a wheel would take FAR to long.
However, it is extremely useful bit of kit, I have been using mine this morning to recondition an air con compressor, its come out like new. I also used to recondition Weber carbs, and these come out really well, but you have to be sure to VERY carefully mask any intricate parts before you blast them.
The other problem is the dust if you use it indoors. I now have an extraction system on mine, made out of a plastic container that uses the centrifugal method of getting the dust out of the air. As the outlet now vents outside, there is no restriction to the air leaving the cabinet, so zero dust from it in the workshop.
I use aluminium oxide in mine, and if needed change it for glass bead. your compressor should be OK at 3HP
<pics snipped>However, it is extremely useful bit of kit, I have been using mine this morning to recondition an air con compressor, its come out like new. I also used to recondition Weber carbs, and these come out really well, but you have to be sure to VERY carefully mask any intricate parts before you blast them.
The other problem is the dust if you use it indoors. I now have an extraction system on mine, made out of a plastic container that uses the centrifugal method of getting the dust out of the air. As the outlet now vents outside, there is no restriction to the air leaving the cabinet, so zero dust from it in the workshop.
I use aluminium oxide in mine, and if needed change it for glass bead. your compressor should be OK at 3HP
A nice set up there my friend and, unfortunately, made me even more determined to get one of these cabinets, even if it's just for playing with stuff like those carbs.
Looks lovely but I can appreciate what you mean with regard to masking...That extraction system looks like a sensible solution too, may want to pick your brains again regarding that.
Just found a slightly bigger cabinet but will wait and see what else turns up first.
Supposed to be slowing down in my old age but I just seem to be getting worse.
ETA: Where do you buy your media? Online or someone local?
the dust extraction is easy, it relies on the principle of when you force air to turn fast, any suspended particles are centrifuged out, and in this set up, fall to the bottom of the box. Its VERY effective and no media get outside on the drive... I have to empty the box now and then...
I get my media from a local company that does shot blasting. They let me have some for a few quid. Glass bead is expensive though, but lasts quite a while. machine mart sell the cabinets and the media.
For any sort of restoration work its brilliant... In the past few months I have done brake callipers, valve covers, loads of stuff. I have also done some switch gear off an Allard. By turning the air pressure down with bead, you can make a switch look like new!
some more stuff on my web site.
http://jtccc.wordpress.com/2014/02/04/home-page/#m...
I get my media from a local company that does shot blasting. They let me have some for a few quid. Glass bead is expensive though, but lasts quite a while. machine mart sell the cabinets and the media.
For any sort of restoration work its brilliant... In the past few months I have done brake callipers, valve covers, loads of stuff. I have also done some switch gear off an Allard. By turning the air pressure down with bead, you can make a switch look like new!
some more stuff on my web site.
http://jtccc.wordpress.com/2014/02/04/home-page/#m...
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