sand blasting media

Atlas Knife Company

Atlas Knife Company

Joined
Feb 16, 2010
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Does "INDUSTRIAL SILICA" work as sand blasting media. It's $3.90 a bag and very fine crystals. Much smaller than the black blasting media that's $6 a bag. But, they are uneven, some larger and some smaller. Do I need consistency in the crystals?
 
zaph1 said:
Does "INDUSTRIAL SILICA" work as sand blasting media. It's $3.90 a bag and very fine crystals. Much smaller than the black blasting media that's $6 a bag. But, they are uneven, some larger and some smaller. Do I need consistency in the crystals?
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Silica is not healthy to be blasting with, the fine dust it creates will cause silicosis (think about what asbestos does to your lungs)

They sell silica blasting media that's resin coated to prevent the dust problem. At 2$ a bag difference, go with one that's designed as a blasting media.

If I may ask, where do you buy your blasting media? I havent found any good sources near me, and i've got a ton of blasting to do soon (see my thread in around the grinder)
 
For something a little easier on the steel that is not quite as aggressive as a mineral base blast medium, you might want to try ground walnut shell. You won't have the problem of dealing with the afteraffects of using a silica base material.
 
It all depends on what your trying to achieve. I use Aluminum oxide in 80 grit for heavy blasting operations, where I want that grey/texture look finish, and for cleaning up parts. For a softer/smoother look I like glass beads, especially on materials like G10 or micarta.

I still haven't gotten the ratio just right, but have had some very promising results by mixing medium glass beads and 80 grit AO media....it cuts quickly, and leaves a finish nearly as soft/smooth as straight glass beads.
 
I bought it at Menards in the bagged cement section right next to the play sand. I first tried using some sand from the yard, but it was way too aggressive. Black media it is, then.

BTW: I do have access to a blasting suit and 3M 7500 respirator.
 
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