Sand blasting
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 61
Likes: 6
From: Jacksonville, Florida
Sand blasting
Does anyone use sand for sand Blasting? On my sand blaster I just purchased it says do not use sand. It says use blasting media instead which cost a lot more than sand. I have over 40 years in the paint and body repair field although it has been many years since I sand blasted we used to use silca sand to blast with. It worked great. I am thinking it says not to use sand to try and force you to buy their expensive blast media.
Lead Gopher
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 10,066
Likes: 1,620
From: Seattle
Sand is OK but it often contains Crystalline Silica which is made up quartz and cristobalite which are both carcinogens and are both in Asbestos. Use good respiratory protection when using it. Silicosis is a real thing. Just know that there are safer forms of blasting media like glass bead, soda, etc.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 94
From: Stanton, Michigan, USA
There are other, safer blasting medias to use other than sand. Cost and how fast it cuts are decision factors as well as different mesh sizes. Silica sand works, but it can be dusty which can cause Silicosis. The last items I had blasted were a set of wheels, which were blasted with black slag, 'Black Beauty' media. It worked well. Wallnut shells, baking soda, aluminum oxide, are other medias to decide between. Some claim to not be as aggressive with glass, rubber moulding, etc. than silica. Issues to watch for are contaminants, lumps, and moisture. Be sure to screen your choice of media when you load your blaster. Eastwood Automotive Group has a good selection of blasting gear & accessories.
BarnieTrk
BarnieTrk
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,474
Likes: 973
From: Tri Cities, TN
Lately I've been using re-cycled ground glass. I get it at Northern Tool. Or you can get different grades of sand at any large rental place that rents sandblasting equipment.
And if you have 40 years breathing body filler dust I wouldn't worry about a little sandblasting.
And if you have 40 years breathing body filler dust I wouldn't worry about a little sandblasting.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,188
Likes: 4,795
From: Burbank, WA
None of this stuff is good for you and all will cause lung damage, so take care of yourself. To say that one is better for you or choose a type of media over another because it's safer is a fools game. Wear full body protection whatever you use.
When sandblasting automotive body parts in restoration shops, we used 70 silica sand as it was fine enough not to leave pits and surface damage, but harsh enough to do the job. Just still be mindful of heat and panel warpage.
When sandblasting automotive body parts in restoration shops, we used 70 silica sand as it was fine enough not to leave pits and surface damage, but harsh enough to do the job. Just still be mindful of heat and panel warpage.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 152
Likes: 159
Trending Topics
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 178
Likes: 44
I blasted my whole truck with black beauty. We tried sand and black beauty but we had the best luck with the black beauty. Had to get the finer grade to get it to sift into the blaster. I had the luxury to have a concrete apron outside of the garage and I also threw a lumber tarp out and swept and sifted each blaster full back up and sifted back into it. Usually got 2 sometimes 3 uses out of the hopper before it turns to dust. I had the blasting hood that I used and wish I had worn respirator also. I was a teenager then and I was young and dumb.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
FTE Community Team
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 8,857
Likes: 4,266
From: sussex county, nj
DITO . but it's now $12.99 a bag and worth every penny . the fine leaves the metal smooth the course you going to be laying down several coats of primer
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 152
Likes: 159
Great point. I should have mentioned that… I used the fine as well. The coarse stuff absolutely cut too deep and left a rough texture and clogged up the blaster pretty quickly. The fine grit worked really well with no clogging.
BC
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 771
Likes: 309
Sand will permanently ruin your lungs in a hurry, the warning label is not just to get you to buy something else. Use coal slag or crushed glass, and a respirator style filter that seals to your face 100%. The dust is not something to play around with.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post