Go a head and try it yourself. I'd recommend getting a junked panel from another vehicle to practice on before you hit your tractor. Be aware that sandblasting improperly CAN cause warpage to your steel, so take your time and don't over-concentrate in any one area or the heat and pressure can warp your parts.
I don't recommend recycling your sand unless you send it through a sieve first to ensure that rocks, screws, or anything else that may be swept off your shop floor doesn't get blasted into your tractor the second round.
Also: You have to be extremely careful regarding inhalation of silicates. Sandblasting results in the breaking of the sand into fine pieces - those fine pieces contain silica.
Silica, if inhaled, causes irreversible damage to the lungs. It lodges permanently in lung tissue, which scars - reducing lung capacity. Many professional sandblasters have died slow painful deaths from silicosis.
Don't be afraid to do the work, but DO see to it that you are taking all necessary precautions against silicosis. Check out OSHAs website. They have a number of fine articles on silicosis and how to prevent it. In our manufacturing plant, we took this VERY seriously. Don't buy a disposable face mask and think you're good. Spend the money on a real respirator with canisters.
Not trying to scare you, just telling you to take the time to protect yourself. You aren't going to die of silicosis from a day or two of sloppy safety, but you can cause permanent damage. Each subsequent exposure causes more, so it is never too late to be safe. Have fun with your project!
