Silica sand is not commonly used due to the possibility of developing silicosis, a lung disease caused by inhalation of the silica dust. Sand creates friction as it is released from the blaster and generates heat. If you have a delicate or heat-sensitive material, it may deform. Sand can be reused if it’s collected, but some of the sand will blow away if working outdoors.
Plastic beads are reusable if you use them in a blast cabinet.
Glass beads are a great choice for polishing metal, like cast iron, stainless steel, and aluminum. Glass beads can be reused if they’re collected or used in a cabinet blaster.
Walnut can only be used once since the shells break apart upon impact.
A cabinet blaster is perfect for smaller components or materials that you have removed from a larger piece.
The PSI you need will depend on what material you’re blasting. Start on a low setting and increase the pressure slowly until it fits your needs. Look up the material you’re blasting to determine what PSI you should be using. The size of your air compressor will depend on the size of the job you have. For larger projects, use a large industrial-sized compressor. For smaller jobs, a consumer grade air compressor will do.
Select a straight bore nozzle for a concentrated stream of abrasive. A Venturi nozzle will spread out the abrasive more, but it will give a more uniform particle distribution.
A wider interior diameter of the hose will reduce the friction of the abrasive inside.
The abrasive comes out of the hose at high speed. Avoid pointing the nozzle at anyone or any part of your body. Wear long sleeves and pants to lower the amount of exposed skin. Wear coveralls to keep dust off of your clothes. Compressors are very loud and blasting abrasive only increases the volume. Wear earplugs or earmuffs to prevent hearing loss. Cabinet blasters have built-in gloves, but you should still wear eye and ear protection as well as a respirator.
Confined spaces will grow thick with dust if the area is not properly ventilated. If you’re using a cabinet blaster, you do not need to lay out a tarp. The blasting material will stay inside the cabinet and be recycled.
Use a funnel to avoid spilling any medium.
The compressor provides pressurized air to the hopper and will propel the abrasive material at high speeds.
This can also be done on an inconspicuous section of the larger material. Place the material inside of a cabinet blaster before securing it closed. Place your hands in the gloves and grab the built-in nozzle to spray the material.
