Hey RC356, I think I can help Ya!
I have a larger blaster, (90 pound) that I bought from HF years ago and have used quite a bit on small projects.
My school of hard knocks has taught me the following:
Always sift and screen the media before putting it in the blaster. Even if it is new media. I made a screen out of material used for screen doors / windows. I stretch this over a funnel and pour the media through it. The better you screen and sift the less clogging you will have.
Use a good moisture eliminater filter. This is much more important if you live in a humid climate or if it is humid the day you blast.
Never fill the blaster more than half full with media.
If it clogs and stops working, turn off the valves, relieve the pressure.
Lay the blaster on its side, remove the fill cap.
Open the valve on the handle and using an air nozzle with a rubber tip blow air back through the sandblaster nozzle (in the opposite direction of the normal flow) to remove any clogs.
Use a 20 ft square plastic tarp on the ground and blast above it. I reuse the media (3) times using the screen and sift method discussed above.
This works, sure it takes some patience and attention to detail, but it works.
i wish i had a cabinet, but i am to tight to lay down the money for it.
I hope this helps and good luck!
