Jeff-
Tip Sandblasting would be a good place to start,( Address
forgotten...) they make pressurized sandblasters and blast cabinets within
reasonable $$$. Another company I've talked to is Mac Blast, my dealer is
Surface Matics, Cinnaminson, NJ. These are a bit more pricey, but nice.
(NFI, of course.... )
The difference between a bead blaster and a sand blaster is that
typically a bead blaster is a cabinet style unit, capable of reusing the
blast media. (little glass balls) A sandblaster ( aka Pressure Pot) can use
any number of different blast media, from crushed walnut shell to blast
furnace slag to aluminum oxide, usually in an open air environment. It is a
really nasty tool, but produces great results. The biggest drawback is the
need for lots of air. Some of the Home shop units can run a smaller nozzle
with about 10 cfm at 80 psi, while the big units can consume 20-40 cfm or
more at 100 psi. The more air you have, the faster the progress. Care must
be taken on sheet metal panels, as the more abrasive mixes can expand the
surface of the metal, causing waviness ( ripples and the dreaded oil can
effect). But as a tool to make some serious progress on a rusty car, there
is no better choice.
You could probably make a decent blast cabinet for a minimal amount
of $, but the real problem is the compressor $$$$!
Good luck
B Westerdale
-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff McNeal [mailto:jmcneal@ohms.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2000 5:10 PM
To: Spitfire List
Cc: Triumph List
Subject: Can I afford a bead blaster?
The more of these cruddy old parts I take off the car and scrub with a wire
brush, the more I'm thinking I need to invest in a bead blaster. Where,
pray tell, can I find one, how much do they cost and what's the diff between
a bead blaster and a sand blaster? Inquiring minds want to know!
Thanks!
Best wishes,
Jeff in San Diego
67 RHD Triumph Spitfire Mk3
http://www.ohms.com/spitfire/spitfire.shtml
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