Wonder what the facts are wrt sandblasting risk, at some point I need to do the research, perhaps someone has already done so? For example...
How do the health risk of sandblasting (with fine silica)without a proper respirator compare to health risk of painting without a proper respirator? If you tell me they are the same, and by using a respirator in both cases, health risk are still the same, then I'm good with sandblasting with Deve's fine silica with an appropriate respirator.
If sandblasting with fine silica, and an appropriate respirator, exposes me to a multiple (ie 1X, 2X ,etc) of health risk compared to folks that do not sandblast, then the conversation is over and there will be no more talk about sandblasting with fine silica!
It seems the flavor of the day (Deve aside) is soda blasting for body panel paint removal. I've not heard anyone discuss any health risk of soda blasting. It's not good for heavy rust/frames. If the health risk of soda blasting without a respirator is non existent, then I've found my process. If the health risk of sandblasting with fine silica and a respirator are the same as soda blasting without an respirator, then I'm indifferent and will use soda for body panels and sand for frames.
Sorry guys, I'm a numbers and facts guy...all this I think this, or an old restorer said that doesn't work. I will eventually do this research, as I'm almost at this stage, and will post my findings. Would be good if someone else does as well so we have multiple data points for this important topic.
If you tell me that automobile painting with a proper respirator exposes me to some multiple of health risk to folks that do not..then maybe I've picked the wrong hobby and need to spend more time with the horses.
HR John, I am intrigued w/Nickel slag, but it must be abundant in Colo...not so much here in Texas.
