The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest Bead Blaster

What would be a good middle of the road bead blaster to purchase for cleaning small parts? Lots of rust removal.
http://community.webshots.com/user/53jimmy

There are lots of different brands out there. I have one of these http://formula.guyson.net/home.php I am very pleased with it. I don't like anything made in Asia.

53Jimmy, what ever you buy you will always wonder why you didn't get one bigger....right when a part you need blasted will not fit into the cabinet.

It depends on what you want to spend. I personally bought a 46"X 28"X28" cabinet from TPtool with the Vac-35 attachment. I shelled out about $1100 in 2001 but it has been a really nice investment. It has held up extremely well to my almost commercial use of it. This size has the bigger window and two lights inside. The price has stayed about the same and sometimes they run them on sale.

I buy my plastic stuff to protect the inside of the window from a bulk supplier of mylar. Get it in a roll for cheap. I use glass, sand and plastic in the cabinet. No problems.
The size may also depend on your air compressor. I blast at 90 psi and it does a good job.
They have other sizes available so compare them ALL before purchasing.
Some guys make their own and they do a good job.

I own a similar model from TP, i believe they are called Skat Blast Cabinants. Made in the USA and TP can get all of the parts. Plus, at least for me, they are only about a 2 hour drive away.

I agree with Achipmunk about getting a large one . It's a great piece of equipment.
TP Tools

Hey, check these guys out. www.badboyblasters.com Got some nice lookin stuff. I think thier brother owns Eaton commpressor. Best in the biz.

Before investing in a blasting cabinet be aware that you will need some sort of vacuum device to go along with it and if you think you can get off cheap, think again. A good, dependable, LONG LASTING, vacuum is a must.

Blasting cabinets generate large volumes of mico-fine dust that clogs conventional filters (like shop vacs) very quickly and it's extremely frustrating to have to stop work to clean an inadequate filter only to have to do it again soon after.

Another less critical but important feature is a hopper at the bottom for emptying the abrasive so you can change blasting media quickly.

BadBoy has a what appears to be a nice unit for $800 and it includes a vac.

Of course, you will have parts that are too big for whatever you buy so find a tombstone company that will blast those for you.

make sure you have a full loading door, front loading would be prefered. side limites access on the larger/longer models.
as nice as snap-on tools are my 356 porsche shop owner wished he had NOT bought his. the beads do not fall and fill the bottom hopper well.
the compressor is the key to a good blaster.

check the local auction houses. I helped a friend load up a hotsy and a blast cabinet with vac filter and a small welder he got an an auction for the grand total of $500. Missed out on a few other things. As small shops and companies downsize or close their doors, there are good deals to be had.

If you have a bit to invest, and want to get a bead blaster that is durable (and doesn't leak blast media like a sieve), we use this blast cabinet from Raptor Blaster at our own shop. Cleans rust right off of smaller parts in a jiffy.