[ALS]

Just picked up a bench top blasting box that I found on C.L. Lucky for me it was never used (not bad for $100). But obviously didn't come with any media. I'll be blasting the engine cases, rear sprocket, and frame of an old Triumph basket case.

Looked up blast media on Egay and while its not expensive, there are so many different types (Glass Bead #5 medium coarse / Garnet #80 SJ Medium Fine / Aluminium Oxide #120, etc.).

I heard sand can be too abrasive for bearing recesses (I was under the impression you simply tape those off and keep the gun pointed in the other direction, but what do I know).

Any ideas guys?

 

[MODELA30]

SILICA BEADS IS WHAT I USE THAT STUFF WORKS GREAT AND ITS GENTLE ON ALUMINUM AND SUCH THAT IT WILL NOT EAT IT. THATS MY HUMBLE OPINION. Knuck From Indiana.

 

[dhallilama]

i use silica free glass bead or walnut in my home (cheap) blasting box.

i stay away from silica; that shits no good for your lungs, and a cheap ass home box likely won't have proper sealing/filtering to deal with it.

 

[Dr. Benway]

I like baking soda for that kind of thing. Just cleans, doesn't beat up your surfaces.

What's the word on glass beads in your motor, can you get all of it out? The idea kind of concerns me.

 

[FeHd]

I used silica free glass bead too, worked great. Soda works great too.

 

[dhallilama]

i did soda straight in my driveway in the open... blasted some stuff too big for my wee cabinet. works awesome. i've been cleaning baking soda up for the past 6 months, though

 

[Loffer]

I use glass bead also, doesnt alter the surface of anything .. soda is for fine or thin metal and stuff. the grit of the what you need to do engine cases and then take paint off will vary but 80 grit glass bead from harbour frieght is a pretty good all around grit for cases and will take paint off too just takes longer. I start with 60grit or above cause it gets beat down pretty quick.

 

[ALS]

Great advice guys, off to H.F. I go

 

[mhjimh]

I use walnut shells, They seem to leave a light oil coating on the aluminum that makes them shime for a few years.

 

[gasketscraper]

Wear a disposable dust mask when blasting. It keeps the glass from fogging up, and will add some extra protection for your lungs. The slightest leak can really mess your lungs up. Learned that the hard way. I use glass bead on engine parts. Parts to be blasted need to be clean clean clean. Never used the soda, how much does that cost? I would assume its pretty much a one and done deal?

 

[dhallilama]

i've used soda over and over... just scoop it off the ground, filter out the crap and its good to go another time or two.

i've got a wholesale acct with a food company and get food quality baking soda for 50 cents/lb. the industrial (non-food quality) stuff might be cheaper.