Denny, I got basically the same set up as you did except mine came from Tractor Supply. ($125) The first day was as you describe but on the second day I actually could blast a 100lb bag before stopping. I think I now understand why this cranky old fellow up the road from me will NOT blast unless the weather/humidity is just right. Call him cranky but even with all his "dryers" he still will not do on some days and he is one of the best around.
Needless to say, the next time I used the blaster it was like the first day....clog, unclog, clog,unclog. But I finally got it. The sad thing is that I used SEVEN bags of blasting sand. My chassis was B-A-D. I'm now ready to tackle the sheet metal but in my earlier "test" that will be a piece of cake compared to my chassis!!
I did find out that "all sand" is not equal. I am buying my blasting sand from the local Metromont Conrete folks that I bought concrete from when I was building houses. Seems to work better than playsand or any other sand I got from Lowe's etc. I will however not blast in the 102 degree heat anymore.
Oh, I did buy a good blasting helmet from Eastwood for $79 and threw the cheapo in the trash. With the Eastwood and a good pair of coveralls its not bad...just HOT.
Well, at least the chassis is done and now its coated with POR15 and looking good...finally.
Keep at it Denny. You can do it.
