Bead Blasted Blades

Brent Fry

Brent Fry

Joined
Oct 24, 2003
Messages
275
Instead of asking a lot of questions. I would just like to ask that if there is anyone that bead blasts their own blades to let me know what kind of set up they have. I want to create a satin finish on stainless. Ruogh the surface so coatings can be applied. I've been shopping around and realize that I could be getting into some money with a large conpressor and cabinet. Any help on this matter is much appreciated .
Thanks , Brent
 
Last edited:
I know a few makers that use the cabinets from Harbor Freight. Might look into that, but I am sure others will chime in.

Best of luck to you.

45
 
Hey , thanks 45. My main area of concern is the compressor and gun. I have a cabinet. The only setup that I have found requires at least 10cfm @ 40-80 psi. A compressor of that size will be at leaset 60 gallons or larger with a 5 horse motor and require an electrician to install a plug. Really want to know if anyone is getting away with less but still getting a good finnish in their blades. Quality of the finish is my main concern but I didn't want to make getting an air compressor for my little bitty shop a construction project either. I may have to though.:)
Thanks again , Brent
 
I use a small sandblasting gun from harbor freight, no cabinet. It has small hopper on top. It works with my "standard " compressor of 20 gal 5hp 120v. You can use sifted sand or other media. Wear goggles and respirator, and shower needed afterwards.
Only about 20 bucks and maybe an option until you get your big blaster setup. Dan
 
:thumbup: that sounds great Dan. What's the finish like? Does it make a nice satin finish on hardened stainless? Thanks again , Brent
 
Brent, I would call it a tad rougher than satin. It is matte, flat, period. Works good before an etch, and leaves the finish a dull gray.
Using glass beads, it should be more of a smooth satin finish. You'll have to experiment for yourself.
Good as a cabinet--NO. But inexpensive and works--yes.
Using sifted sand, I can do a normal 4" knife blade with 2 hoppers full, or about a quart of sand or so. Cheap. And takes only a few minutes.
Dan
 
I went through the same thing... yes, you need 10 cfm to work continuously.

I started with a 5 cfm compressor; I got about 30 seconds of blast time before I had to let the compressor catch up (5 mins).

You could always gang small compressors together to get your desired output.
 
That sounds like a great idea Patrick. Do you mean to have two lines spliced then running ti a single line . Then run that line to my gun? Sounds like I can eleminate the electrician by doing that. I already had to hane one out to put in a plug for my BM3.
Thanks again , Brent
 
Last edited:
Yeah, connect the compressor outputs into one line, like a manifold in reverse.

You'll need to plug them into their own circuits.

The pipe size of your airlines will influence blaster performance. Use pipe (1/2 or 3/4) and female fittings instead of airline and barbs wherever possible.
 
Keep in mind , glass bead is not going to hide any flaws , like alum oxide would.

I have two of the HF cabinets set up , the small grey cabinet with al ox , and the big floor standing one with glass. Compressor I use is 7HP , for long sessions , like blasting the headlights buckets on a 37 Pontiac , even that compressor with 60 gal tank can't keep up.
 
You can do the same quality of work with a smaller compressor as long as it is capable of putting out the pressure you need. The length of time required is the problem. Blast a minute or two and wait on the compressor. :thumbdn: It's also hard on the compressor. Most smaller units have a 75% duty cycle. They need to rest 15 minutes for every 45 minutes they run. Ambiant temperature that the compressor is operating at also affects duty cycle. The capacity of your air tank also affects your run time. Bigger tank equals a longer run time of course as does shut off pressure of your compressor. If you are going to do quite a bit of blasting you would be better off with a compressor with enough output to handle the job without depending on tank sizeand also with the capability to run continully. The drawback is the cost. Another thing is moisture control as compressed air contains moisture. The humidity of the area you live in will determine just how much of a problem it will be.

A blast cabinet is the way to go if you are doing more blasting than just a tiny bit. It cuts down on the mess and away down on the cost of the abrasive of course. If you are changing grit of abrasive then that can slow down things unless you have multiple cabinets.
 
Ok folks !! :D First of all , thanks to everyone for their reply. I think I found a set up. The cabinet set up requires a minimum of 5hp motor and 5 cfm @40 psi. The compressor I found has a 5hp motor 5.5 cfm @ 90 psi. It only has a 20 gallon tank. That may be a drawback but I think I may have enough hp and pressure to do a good job . I may not be able to run continuously for very long but I do have a lot of patience. I mean after all it has taken 2 years to get my little bitty shop to where it is now. LOL . Thanks again every one for your advice. Anyone else that would like to chime in on my new find is much appreciated.
Brent:thumbup:
 
Does anyone think that if I ganged two of these together that I could run pretty continuous?
Thanks again , Brent
 
Yes. 10 cfm should be plenty.

I started with a 6 cfm (@ 200 psi) dewalt and it got me about 60 seconds of blast time.

Remember, its the gun, not the cabinet, that consumes the air.


Now, I just pay a shop to bead blast for $0.75 per piece... my compressor and cabinet are collecting dust.
 
If you hook 2 compressors together set the bigger one with about 5 or 10 higher pressure. Then the little one will kick in as soon as there is a pressure drop. I run 2 5hp compressors, one has a 20 gal tank and the other a 30. The bigger tank is set highest and kicks on and off as I use air for normal stuff. When it falls behind the other kicks in and helps out. If I blast much they both run when actually shooting.
 
Thanks a ton guys. I think I know enough now to go and spend the money. Patrick , I was tryin to figure ouit why the cabinet had anything to do with the compressor but I cleared that up quickly.
Thanks again , Brent
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top