I don't know if this is the right section for this but I need a sandblaster. My frame on my truck is going to need some attention. I am pulling my bed off this winter to do nesscessary repairs to the bed floor. So with the bed off, it'll beeasier to sandblast the frame. Anyways, I am looking for a decent sandblaster. Not really looking to spend more than $200. I just basically need it for the truck. Any help is appreciated.

 

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

this is the one i'm going to buy as soon as funds allow... looks like a good set up for the price. may have to reload often, but if your not using it all the time who cares?

 

Purchased 110 lb. pressure blaster off ebay, and appears same or simular to HP's. Suggest purchase the larger unit, equipment occasionally loses its prime and can take sufficient amount of media to reprime. It's not like a siphon setup, the media goes thru the system at a fairly fast rate, can regulate to certain extent using the valves. Initially disappointed with the setup, found I was using too large a media, believe it was called 'black beauty', now very pleased. Subsequently purchchased the blasting cabinet, HP had sale on the double door, drilled an extra hole and occasionally hook up the pressure blaster, oh yea. Suggest check around and see if there is a sand blast media supplier in your area, happen to come across one fairly close to my house and able to save a hell of a lot of money on shipping cost. Purchased alum. oxide 50-80, and glass bead 120-180, but depends on what you intend blasting, supplier made recommendations. Blasted interier of vehicle, suspension components, seat frames, etc. on a rusted vintage vehicle and pleased with results, but what a mess. Surprised how fine media would clean up rusted parts.

Suggest couple accessories.

Pick up couple extra Deadman Valves when HP has a sale, comes w/ extra nozzles but it's the rubber stopper valve that goes first, have not found replacement.

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

Filler is on the top of my pressure blaster and found a round screen that sets on top and makes recyling the media simple. Posted link just as an example, may find cheaper.

Abrasive Sifter Screen - TP Tools & Equipment

Will find the abrasive material will get into every oriface known to the human body and can't take enough precautions. A good sand blast hood, Purchsed mine thru Eastwood where I can change the lenses. Suggestion include face mask, or respirator, and although it looks foolish, may want to pick up cheap cap and coveralls. The less body exposed to the media the less miserable you will be, takes couple showers to get relief.

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

I happen to have outstanding neighbors, can be messy. That being said, may want to check around see if able to outsource, may find cost out weights the headache. Anyhow, had an urge to chime in and add my $.02.

 

going to use the sand blaster mostly in and around the spring hangers. has suface rust but would like to get the job done right and dont have to worry about things rusting out. what grade of sand should i use?

 

Not an authority, understand if intend blasting sheet metal want media that will minimize warping, supplier rec. a medium to fine glass bead, or alum oxide, perhaps more knowledgeable member can advise. Posting link to TP media chart, but found it can be totally different from another vendors chart. Purchased few bags online and found shipping far too expensive, as noted, I would check for distributor that's within reasonable distance; in my case, found supplier by accident, not listed in director and it's approx. 80 mi's round trip, no special trips, rather, when in area and in need pick up a bag(s), or happen to have neighbors who work in general area and will pick it up for me. It's been few months since last purchase, seem to recall $26 per 50lbs. Further, size pressure blaster may limit size of the media.

http://www.tptools.com/eccStoreImage...ive-basics.pdf