Sandblasting

T

tim37a

Joined
May 18, 2010
Messages
1,057
I just got a Harbor Freight sandblast cabinet set up and tried it out. Well, that didn't work. I'm trying to put a matt finish on hardened S35VN. It is Rc 60. Tried 175/300 grit glass beads and they didn't touch it. Tried 80 grit glass beads - they didn't touch it either. What should I be using. I'm using a 5 HP compressor at 85 psi.

Tim
 
+1

Glass beads "peen" and smooth surfaces because they are rounded. Against harder materials they do little to nothing. Fine grit aluminum oxide "cuts" and will leave a non-reflective finish.
 
Can I mix AlO2 and glass beads? The AlO2 would cut and the glass beads would close the cuts.

Tim
 
In my experience, 85psi would not be enough pressure. I always run mine around 100-110psi.
 
A distributor of blasting sand talked to his factory rep about what grit AlO2 to use on hardened stainless. His suggestion was 220 grit at 100 psi. I'm going to try 220 mixed with 80 grit glass beads. Will let you all know what the results are. If I can get a good picture will post it.

Tim
 
Hey rjfm,
Went to you site - nice knives. You have a finish exactly like what I'm trying to get. Did you use the media from McMaster-Carr? If so, what is the Part No. Thanks in advance for the info.

Tim
 
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