Picked up a sandblasting cabinet and looking for the best media to use for prepping metal for coating (cerekote, duracoat, KG etc...) Thanks.. I realize to takes more than just a cabinet to do good work. Just starting one step at a time and practicing on old take off barrels for starters.
Gunsmithing Sandblasting Media
- Thread starter 69icarus
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Re: Sandblasting Media
I'd buy a selection and play, there are reasons to use different types.
I like Soda for delicate stripping, or working on delicate parts.
Also get at least 3 sizes of nozzles and add a good high volume air dryer cartridge. water can screw up the oxides...
Dave
I'd buy a selection and play, there are reasons to use different types.
I like Soda for delicate stripping, or working on delicate parts.
Also get at least 3 sizes of nozzles and add a good high volume air dryer cartridge. water can screw up the oxides...
Dave
Re: Sandblasting Media
I think the pros use glass bead to prep for those coatings. Not sure what size though.
I think the pros use glass bead to prep for those coatings. Not sure what size though.
Re: Sandblasting Media
Agree with the 100 - 120 grit ALOX. If you are going to do any volume of blasting consider a carbide nozzle. I like to turn the nozzle in its socket about 30* before each use,this will help to make the wear uniform and increase the life and performance of the nozzzle like rotating your tires. I usually buy the small or med nozzle since they wear fairly quicky.
Agree with the 100 - 120 grit ALOX. If you are going to do any volume of blasting consider a carbide nozzle. I like to turn the nozzle in its socket about 30* before each use,this will help to make the wear uniform and increase the life and performance of the nozzzle like rotating your tires. I usually buy the small or med nozzle since they wear fairly quicky.
Re: Sandblasting Media
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Stu6X47</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Picked up a sandblasting cabinet and looking for the best media to use for prepping metal for coating (cerekote, duracoat, KG etc...) Thanks.. I realize to takes more than just a cabinet to do good work. Just starting one step at a time and practicing on old take off barrels for starters. </div></div>
You mentioned Cerakote so I'll tailor my comments accordingly.
Cerakote is funny stuff. It requires the surface to be etched quite heavily. That being said an abrasive with a "tooth" is required. Meaning something that will cut an inclusion into the material.
There's two abrasives that do this well. Aluminum Oxide and Garnet. AL oxide is almost $100 bucks for a 55lb bag. You can buy almost 5 bags of Garnet for the same price.
You'll see no difference in the durability or cosmetic appearance of your finished parts.
Glass beads should be avoided at all costs when cerakoting. It doesn't cut the material, it peens it and this prevents proper adhesion.
If your doubting/questioning, just go to YouTube and look up the cerakote videos produced by NIC Industries. They make the stuff.
Good luck.
C.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Stu6X47</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Picked up a sandblasting cabinet and looking for the best media to use for prepping metal for coating (cerekote, duracoat, KG etc...) Thanks.. I realize to takes more than just a cabinet to do good work. Just starting one step at a time and practicing on old take off barrels for starters. </div></div>
You mentioned Cerakote so I'll tailor my comments accordingly.
Cerakote is funny stuff. It requires the surface to be etched quite heavily. That being said an abrasive with a "tooth" is required. Meaning something that will cut an inclusion into the material.
There's two abrasives that do this well. Aluminum Oxide and Garnet. AL oxide is almost $100 bucks for a 55lb bag. You can buy almost 5 bags of Garnet for the same price.
You'll see no difference in the durability or cosmetic appearance of your finished parts.
Glass beads should be avoided at all costs when cerakoting. It doesn't cut the material, it peens it and this prevents proper adhesion.
If your doubting/questioning, just go to YouTube and look up the cerakote videos produced by NIC Industries. They make the stuff.
Good luck.
C.
Re: Sandblasting Media
Dang Chad, they are gigging you on the ALOX. I have a place down here that I get it from for about .80 cents a pound or about 45 for 50
Dang Chad, they are gigging you on the ALOX. I have a place down here that I get it from for about .80 cents a pound or about 45 for 50
Re: Sandblasting Media
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Deadly0311</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Dang Chad, they are gigging you on the ALOX. I have a place down here that I get it from for about .80 cents a pound or about 45 for 50 </div></div>
I agree, I buy it from Enco for about $50.00 per 50lbs bag, and wait for a free shipping coupon in my email to order it. Once you order from them once, and include your email, you will get 10 to 15% off coupons, and free shipping coupons all the time.
BTW, not at all saying the other stuff doesn't work. It does sound like a good option. Best of luck.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Deadly0311</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Dang Chad, they are gigging you on the ALOX. I have a place down here that I get it from for about .80 cents a pound or about 45 for 50 </div></div>
I agree, I buy it from Enco for about $50.00 per 50lbs bag, and wait for a free shipping coupon in my email to order it. Once you order from them once, and include your email, you will get 10 to 15% off coupons, and free shipping coupons all the time.
BTW, not at all saying the other stuff doesn't work. It does sound like a good option. Best of luck.
Re: Sandblasting Media
I got 150 lbs of 120 ALOX and 50 lbs of 100 grit glass bead for 154 dollars out the door.
I got 150 lbs of 120 ALOX and 50 lbs of 100 grit glass bead for 154 dollars out the door.
Re: Sandblasting Media
I was curious so I checked I paid 72 cents per pound for 100 grit alox earlier this year from a industrial supplier. I bought it at Tractor Supply once and it was very pricey
I was curious so I checked I paid 72 cents per pound for 100 grit alox earlier this year from a industrial supplier. I bought it at Tractor Supply once and it was very pricey
