sand blaster

rpllr

Member
hey guys looking at buying a 100 lb sand blaster and wondering if you guys have any favorites or best pressure blasters for the money. I have used an alc 90lb but would like to have one that holds a little more and has a longer hose.
Thanks for help.
 
I have a TIP pressure blaster that I have used for many years. The hose is around 8' plus the gun. Works great for many different grades and types of media from sand to Black Beauty and fragmented glass as well. The only thing I have had to replace is the ceramic tip occasionally with the more abrasive grits. I run 175 # of line presure, adjust the pot presure down and set the media flow and we are in business.
 
Google Texas Blaster. I"ve never tried one, but one was recomended to me on this site, and I plan on getting one this summer.
Josh
 
I (very reluctantly) got the harbor freight 110lb pressurized blaster.

Tried a bag of 20/40 black diamond through it and it continuously clogged the nozzle using the largest end it came with. Unusuable for that size grit with the nozzle ends it comes with.

Switched over to 40/80 and it works just fine.

Very occassionally clogs up. When it's running low on sand, it starts getting clogged at the sand valve at the bottom of the tank - a quick open/close of the valve frees it up. But definitely a pain in the butt - especially since when you're at the end of 100lbs of sand, you're getting sick of blasting and the last thing you need is constant clogging.

The shutoff stopper on the deadman valve wore away, so now I have a steady stream of sandy air blasting out at a 90 degree angle at all times while not blasting.

But - other than that, it strips my parts down like I want it to.

If I weren't in the middle of several projects, i would have spent the money on a better blaster. I'm kind of a tool snob, and don't like to buy anything but the best.

But - in this case, I feel I've already gotten my $120 worth out of the unit, and it's still going strong.

I've never used a more expensive one, so I can't tell you what the differences are.

I'm sure there ARE differences, but all I'm saying is that if you're on a low budget, this one will get the job done.
 
I have a simlar one, I screen quality fine sand before using. Note the word "quality"; that sold by Home Depot, etc is not prescreened and contains all kinds of crud. It will handle a 5/32 inch tip, possibly 3/16, no larger or my 100 CFM air compressor won't handle it.
 
I have used both, and had good luck with the quickrete play sand from home depot. It costs about half as much as blasting sand, and it is dried. It has to be screened though, the sizing is uniform, but there are a few pebbles in every bag.
Josh
 
I bought some of that, tried one bag and took the rest back. Probably a difference in the size of the tips we are using.
 
I bought a Texas Blaster. A little pricey at $450 but works great. I told the guys at Texas Blaster that I wanted to use a 7.5hp/80 gallon compressor @ about 24cfm. They sent the correct nozzle. Works great with no plugging issue.

I went this route because a buddy bought a less expensive blaster from Northern Tool and he's not happy with it.
 
Have used a Northern Tool model for 20 yrs now.
Works great, and I have run it 8 hrs straight.

Some problems...I screen everything, even new bags of silica. Nothing more frustrating than a plug-up. Finding the sweet spot between air and media. Yeah, sometimes you have to clear a jam by diverting all air into tank to force media though mixer manifold. I hook up 2 or 3 compressors to get max output. Nozzles will clog, with any unit. Just be able to clear fast as possible or hose fills up with sand.
Deadman is OSHA ona jobsite, what you do at home may vary.
And wear a respirator, no one is Superman!
 
One concern worth mentioning here - if usuing 'sand' like play sand or other inexpensive equivelants - they contain silica.

Not saying don't use it, but at least Google sandblasting and silicosis to read up on the very real health risks!
 
Same as the iso's in hardener, only worse. Simple solution to both is to use supplied air.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top