Dave Williams wrote:
>
> I abrasive blast parts prior to applying Tech Line's do-it-yourself
> thermal barrier and moly coatings. Tech Line recommended one of the
> little airbrush style blasters and 220 to 280 grit silicon carbide
> media. I found the blaster and media for sale in JC Whitney.
>
> The problem I'm having is that I lose a lot of the abrasive while
> working. Some sticks to the parts, some escapes from the cabinet, etc.
> Whitney wants $6 for a small bottle of abrasive - about a good-sized
> coffee cup of the stuff. So I've been looking for a cheaper source.
>
> Tech Line said to check an industrial supply house. Grainger carries
> glass beads in various sizes. Tech Line says not to use the beads.
> Grainger has "ground glass", but it's very coarse. They don't list
> anything even approximately close to 220 grit silicon carbide.
>
> Eastwood has walnut shells, glass beads, silicon carbide, and aluminum
> oxide listed, but they only carry 60 grit. Slightly too coarse.
>
> Anyone have a good source for this kind of stuff?
>
Dave,
I have a TIP pressure blaster that I use mostly for rust removal and
cleaning the stone work around my house (Arizona Flagstone and LA
smog--sheesh!). So I guess it is pretty crude compared to what you are
doing, but I have never heard of blasting with that fine of an abrasive.
Typically it runs from 20 grit up to 80 grit. I looked in the TIP
catalogue, and the finest silicon carbide they list is 80 grit, list
price at $24.50 for 15 lbs. ($22.50 for two pounds, and they say to call
or write for discounts on 200 lb and up quantities 800-321-9260). This
is a very expensive abrasive.
You can get 50 pounds of Skat Magic or US Fast Cut for the same price.
Again, I generally am a rust removal type of blaster, but if I am
working on my precious BSA aluminum pieces, I will use glass or walnut,
either of which you can get 50 pounds of 80 grit for about $30. I have
read that the silicon carbide stays sharper and lasts longer than other
abrasives, and I know it is used for glass etching, but it still seems
very expensive, and I have not seen any listing for it in grit finer
than 80. 80 grit is rather fine, and I have difficulty imagining
blasting with 280 grit.
As I said, I don't know much about blasting, but would be interested in
what you find out regarding this abrasive.
thank you,
shook
B50SS advocate
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