What sieve size, glass bead media
 

What sieve size glass bead media is recommended for light cleanup of aluminum, light cast iron, steel sheet and forgings. I see Grainger has bunch of different ones, so I want get the right the 1st time. Thank you Fordbarners.

Re: What sieve size, glass bead media
 

At work here I use the Ballotini 70-140 grit Grainger #2w580. It seems to be a good all around grit. Doesn't seem to hurt aluminum either. I will switch to the 60-120 grit Grainger #2w765 if I am working with heavily rusty or corroded steel. Hope this helps. Bill

Re: What sieve size, glass bead media
 

For aluminum and semi-delicate items I use 320 from MSC. It works on iron and steel but slower and not for major rust.

Re: What sieve size, glass bead media
 

I use ultra fine glass media and air pressure set at 40 psi. Cleans and leaves a nice finish.
For metal and steel I would use a medium glass media or iron sledge depending on how dirty the material is.

Vic

Re: What sieve size, glass bead media
 

Thank you all for your responses. Now I am on the right track.

Re: What sieve size, glass bead media
 

Glass is softer than sand so it's easier on your metal. The glass breaks up and gets finer as you use it. I agree with the previous posts about usage. The only time I ever had problems with glass bead was on thin aluminum sheet. I don't think you can hurt sheet steel with glass unless it is extremely thin. Aluminum is soft so it likes the fine stuff or something like walnut shell. The walnut shell does good for internal engine parts where there is seldom corrosion.

Re: What sieve size, glass bead media
 

I get mine at Harbor Freight. Their price for the media and shipping is much cheaper than anyone else I have found.
Harbor Freight # 61870

Re: What sieve size, glass bead media
 

I went to a floral design shop, they sold me a bag of very fine glass beads used in their business, they work great on aluminum.

Re: What sieve size, glass bead media
 

Russcc, Binkman34 suggested Harbor Freight and it is probably the cheapest around but I found another suggestion on other automotive - body work forums. I have been purchasing "coal slag" from White Cap Industrial Supply for the past few years and it works great for the price. I use it in my glass bead cabinet and hardly any wear on the nozzle and tip. I have used it on engine parts, misc. sheet metal and body parts.