Bead Blasting

Dave,

I don't know the answer to your first question.

About getting your blades blasted...check around your town for a sandblasting service. You may also call a glass shop, they'd be able to tell you where to go for services. I did this and because it didn't take very long at all, they only charged me a couple bucks.

Spencer
 
Most machine shops or automotive will also have a blasting cabnet. The bead blasting can be done after heat treatment and the dull
grey color is usually a result of the blasting

goshawk

[This message has been edited by goshawk (edited 06 July 1999).]
 
First and foremost...be aware that there are a bunch of factors involved.....there is fine, super fine, coase...etc etc....glass, sand, plastic pellets....etc etc....then there is the air pressure in the tank...any where from 40 lbs to 200+....i would advise using fine glass beads...pressure around 125, like the guys said....almost any automotive supply or repair place has one, as well as any machinist...but find out what they are shooting out of it and how high the pressure is...most auto shops use coarse sand or glass...not good for a knife blade, in my opinion....

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http://www.mayoknives.com


 
Fresh bead blasting is almost white but picks up dirt like crazy so most makers oil the surface with WD 40 or something similar to prevent oily fingerprints etc showing up on the surface (bad for marketing at shows).
The net result is a medium grey finish.

Bead blasting is done after heat treating and after the name has been etched on the blade.
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george
www.tichbourneknives.com
sales@tichbourneknives.com



[This message has been edited by george tichbourne (edited 06 July 1999).]
 
as usual....not to be a smart alex....but ive blasted knives...before and after... easier when before....and then go over it after to get the heat treat tint off.... but the main thing you have to decide is what to use as a medium...unless you have no choice, theres...glass....plastic....sand...garnet.. aluminum oxide....etc...and all have different sizes and shapes...stick with fine glass beads is my suggestion....
 
Something else to consider,the texture will be different on different parts of a zone hardened blade. The softer areas will have a coarser texture while the hard areas will have a very fine one. I`ve found this to be a real pain. No problem if they`re not zone hardened though. Marcus
 
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