Blast media

[russcc]

I have used glass bead in my machine in the past, and black beauty in another blaster that I tend to use outside. I just tried out aluminum oxide, (black), I believe it was 70 grit, from H Frt. What I found is, that is was very dusty, but it worked well on some light rust. Also, I found it was magnetic, which if it's non-ferrous, how could that be. Anyone have experience with different Almn. oxide media they can share.
I was experimenting with it because that's how the plating shop preps fasteners for Parkerizeing. Someone here mentioned that the Parkerizing they use rusted. The secret to a good durable finish is to heat Parkerized items in liquid grease or other lubricants which get's embedded in the finish. Thank you Fordbarners.

[Kurt in NJ]

Try crushed glass, also limit the pressure to under 50lbs pressure

[RalphM]

I use the crushed gas, used to use the black stuff, but as you said dusty, I couldn’t see what I was cleaning very well, and I have a vacuum.

[cas3]

i cant imagine 50lbs doing anything! i stop blasting when the compressor come on at 110 or so. glass beads, dusty as hell

[39portlander]

Check with TP tools in Ohio, I got my cabinet through them with Skat magic that is quick but dustier than others due to content of the media.

This spring I will be switching to their newer abrasive, Fast-Cut max that claims to have a reduced dust level and works good on paint, rust and scale.

They have another media I may try, Speed bead abrasive that leaves a more sating smooth finish, good luck and let us know how you make out.

[35fordtn]

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I have four media blasters and use different in Each. Coal slag is cheapest ($6) for 50lbs but is dusty and doesnt last very long. I use it in my automatic blaster...

Glass beads are my go to for generic blasting I buy it from Zoro Tools as I like it better than what TP Tools sells and its free shipping.. I buy A LOT of it in a years time.

My automatic blaster I run at 40LBS and my cabinets I run at 95LBS and My outdoor blaster I run at 120

https://www.zoro.com/ballotini-blast...40/i/G3365415/

[swedishsteel]

i use generic silica sand that Menards handles--about $5 for 50 lbs. Have tried glass beads, and that black stuff. Glass beads worked good on aluminum with lower pressure as it isn't quite as aggressive as sand. Have a bench top cabinet, 100 lb pressure pot and small siphon feed. When it gets too dusty in the bench top, I use that outside in the pressure pot to save a few dollars. Only time you have to be careful with pressure on steel/iron is on sheet metal, as it will warp. I have a 60 and 80 gallon compressor that work together when I'm blasting a lot--can hold 120 lbs, they shut off at 140. Nothing like a sand blasted surface for good paint job.

[russcc]

Thank you all for your comments and ideas. I use glass bead in my cabinet machine at 90-125#s, and it work fine for light steel and alum. blasting. The black beauty I use outside in a portable machine. Nothing is a dusty as that crap I got from HF, Just wondering if that is typical from Alum. oxide.

[Ziggster]

I've used some kind of black oxide (slag?) in the past on a neighbours boat trailer. It was dusty for sure, but we are out in the country so no issues. I really didn't like it either for mild rust, and have been using glass bead now for several years. Still very dusty, but I find it gets rid of rust (heavy pitted type) very well. It also leaves a nice surface finish depending on the size. I do mine outside in a "tempo" (temporary) garage, and recycle it.

[john in illinois]

I have tried a lot of different media in my Trinco blast cabinet. Walnut shells are good for aluminum motorcycle engine parts.

I now use Trin Mix which is glass beads with aluminum oxide. It works fast and leaves a glass bead satin finish. It leaves a nice finish for parkerizing.


https://trinco.com/abrasives-media/

John

[Peterooster]

Carbide lasts forever. Pete

[Peterooster]

https://www.mcmaster.com/blasting-media
not cheap, but lasts. Pete

[outlaw]

This is what I use at home & at work.

[deuce_roadster]

For paint and rust I use 80 grit garnet at 90 lbs. For aluminum I use glass beads at 40 lbs, things like armatures walnut shells at low pressure. This is an old Scat Blast cabinet I have used for over 20 years, have worn out 2 vacuums.

[grumppyoldman]

I've used several blast media's in my cabinet machine. Glass bead just disappeared into the vacuum and didn't do a good job. The best I found was aluminum Oxide ( Starblast XL ) the only place it's available is Victoria Gas in Victoria Tx. they keep a supply for Dow Chem. there, but I don't know if it would be too expensive to ship elsewhere. It puts a good tooth in the metal and would probably warp it is used to aggressive. Al