Author Topic: is it possible to start "small"?  (Read 734 times)

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human39

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is it possible to start "small"?
« on: December 27, 2011, 11:22:08 PM »
good evening all.

We've been etching glass with etch cream and we're looking to get into sandblasting.  After research and reading about other setups, the start-up might be too much.

It seems like the biggest expense will be the compressor.

I'm curious of your setup and if you don't mind, approximate cost.


Mr Peabody

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Re: is it possible to start "small"?
« Reply #1 on: December 28, 2011, 11:59:55 AM »
Here are the links to what I started with. Yes it can be a little expensive, but how much is the cream and I beleive that once you use it it goes down the drain. To me that $$ down the drain.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/jobsmart-reg-1-1-2-hp-running-26-gallon-oil-lubricated-vertical-air-compressor-1129132

http://www.tractorsupply.com/jobsmart-reg-benchtop-abrasive-blast-cabinet-32-lb-capacity-3951103
Personally, I would like a bigger cabinet, eventually. But then I'll need a bigger compressor....  :D

http://www.tractorsupply.com/shoppro-trade-premium-air-hose-1-2-in-x-50-ft--3990393
Not sure if this is the hose I got or not, you can find em cheaper.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/sperian-safety-wear-trade-premier-reg-multi-contaminant-p100-respirator-4025955
Don't be cheap on this item.

I couldn't find a link for the water trap you'll want for the compressor and you'll need a 3" nipple to install the water trap. Also, you'll need to factor in the sandblasting media. I have a shop vac hooked up to the cabinet. I found this on sale at Home Depot. The one I had just crapped out.

You can look at Harbor freight to compare prices, I just like Tractor Supply and they're a lot closer to me than Harbor Freight. Customer service is better to.

With a setup like this or similar you'll be able to do more and do it faster, IMO. As far as the cost, my Graphtec cost more than this setup. That, at the time was a big expense for me. Got any Home Depot gift cards around?   ???

I'm sure there are some other folks who have a different setup. Home made cabinets and such. They'll work just as good. Here's a link to one from just doing a google search.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-ShotGrit-Blasting-Cabinet/?ALLSTEPS

Hope this helps & Good luck.  :cheers:
Never argue with an idiot. They'll bring you down to their level and beat you with experience every time.

human39

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Re: is it possible to start "small"?
« Reply #2 on: December 28, 2011, 02:13:33 PM »
Mr Peabody this helps tremendously, thanks!

Would this be something that you would do in your basement or does sand still get through the house?  I have three pets that I'd like to not annoy  :-)



 

Mr Peabody

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Re: is it possible to start "small"?
« Reply #3 on: December 28, 2011, 05:38:02 PM »
No problem, always glad to help out.

Mine is setup in the garage. With winter setting in I plan to move the compressor to the basement, they don't like freezing temps, and run an air line to the garage. I'll probably get a space heater for now.

As for setting it up in the basement - You can but you will end up with some media around the place. A good vacuum system, IMO, is a must if you do it inside. Others may have a different opinion. I always wear a respirator when I'm doing this, open the cabinet, respirator's on. I would suggest keeping the pets out of the area. They sniff the floor and the crap can get into their noses and lungs. I keep my dog away from that part of the garage and use the leaf blower to clean with. It's not the perfect solution, perhaps I should use the shop vac and vacuum instead.
One thing to consider is noise - Compressor running, vacuum on, it can get pretty loud. You can make your spouse and or kids pretty mad if you're running at 10:00 PM.  :D But there's ways around that if you're handy. Bottom line is it could make kind of a mess if your not careful. Is there a Furnace near by? Hot water heater? Just some thing to consider.

BTW - You said "sand". Do not use play sand, not good at all. I suggest you go here for good information.

http://www.sandcarver.org/contents.htm
Never argue with an idiot. They'll bring you down to their level and beat you with experience every time.

crshirts

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Re: is it possible to start "small"?
« Reply #4 on: December 28, 2011, 08:22:02 PM »
Harbor Freight is a good place to start.
You can get filter bags for your shop vac
that do a good job(I've used them before)
Water separator is a must.
Check craigs list for a compressor.
Just a guess but you can get set up
for less than 300.
I made my cabinet from 2 sheets of particle
board and 6 2x4s. Pictures on here somewhere.
Carl
Graphtec ce-5000, 16x20 mighty press, Illy and Corel.

knucklehead

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Re: is it possible to start "small"?
« Reply #5 on: December 29, 2011, 06:29:59 PM »
Air eraser, small compressor. If you want to go silent, get a 20 lb. CO/2 tank instead of compressor.

human39

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Re: is it possible to start "small"?
« Reply #6 on: December 29, 2011, 08:13:25 PM »
Small compressors work?  I thought those would never keep up with sandblasting. 

choate

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Re: is it possible to start "small"?
« Reply #7 on: December 30, 2011, 12:35:39 AM »
i use my local machine shop they all have sand blasters ,i have 3 within a 1/2 mile of me 1 auto machine and 2 regular machane shops ,if they dont know you they might want to blast them for you but my guys showed me how and left me to it ,you will never go back to cream,just get every thing ready and go find a shop.

crshirts

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Re: is it possible to start "small"?
« Reply #8 on: December 30, 2011, 05:06:41 PM »
here is a setup I have used before.
Less than 75.00 for all of it
Graphtec ce-5000, 16x20 mighty press, Illy and Corel.

human39

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Re: is it possible to start "small"?
« Reply #9 on: December 30, 2011, 05:17:45 PM »
I just got done watching some air eraser vids on youtube.  This seems like it would work.  What compressor would it take to run this thing?  I'd like to do continuous blasting if possible.  I usually do 5-6 glasses at once.


human39

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Re: is it possible to start "small"?
« Reply #10 on: December 30, 2011, 06:59:52 PM »
here is a setup I have used before.
Less than 75.00 for all of it

how big of an air compressor is that?

crshirts

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Re: is it possible to start "small"?
« Reply #11 on: December 31, 2011, 05:40:03 AM »
1/2 hp  have to wait sometimes for pressure to build
but if you want to start small it works
Graphtec ce-5000, 16x20 mighty press, Illy and Corel.

Freebird1963

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Re: is it possible to start "small"?
« Reply #12 on: January 09, 2012, 11:56:07 AM »
whats the water trap for ?

Mr Peabody

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Re: is it possible to start "small"?
« Reply #13 on: January 09, 2012, 04:01:53 PM »
Quote
whats the water trap for ?

It catches the moisture from the compressed air.
Never argue with an idiot. They'll bring you down to their level and beat you with experience every time.

knucklehead

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Re: is it possible to start "small"?
« Reply #14 on: January 09, 2012, 05:44:59 PM »
CO/2 tank doesn't require any moisture trap, filter, etc. Instant start, absolutely silent. And portable. Only speaking of using an air eraser.