Sand/ Pellet/shot blasting cabinet

[Patty Hann]

I'm thinking of getting a sand (Shot/pellet) blasting cabinet.
I do small metalworking projects and sometimes need to clean things up.
"Things" are usually smaller than the proverbial Breadbox, but they are typically a lot smaller... could easily fit in the "breadbox" with room to spare.

1) Absolutely not interested in a gun used with a compressor.
2) I know this probably belongs in the metalworking forum, but as someone noted: that forum is moribund (no surprise... the aim of the SMC forum is woodworking, not metalworking)
I thought I might get more responses here.

Anyone have one? Used one? any recommendations or advice?

Thanks -patty

[John Ziebron]

Patty, I used to have a Craftsman setup with a container and gun that was used outside so I think that's what you're talking about. My brother has a large cabinet model that I use once in a while. The cabinet models are nice because everything is enclosed and you don't need to wear any PPE. There are 2 rubber gloves that go inside the cabinet and, of course, there is a gun inside that you use. They come in all different sizes and one like this might be well suited for you.
https://www.harborfreight.com/bencht...net-62454.html

[Patty Hann]

Patty, I used to have a Craftsman setup with a container and gun that was used outside so I think that's what you're talking about. My brother has a large cabinet model that I use once in a while. The cabinet models are nice because everything is enclosed and you don't need to wear any PPE. There are 2 rubber gloves that go inside the cabinet and, of course, there is a gun inside that you use. They come in all different sizes and one like this might be well suited for you.
https://www.harborfreight.com/bencht...net-62454.html

Thank you John....
The reason for not wanting the gun... several people have said it makes a mess, even outside. Even tho' a I live in the land of dust storm mess (lol see video below...first few minutes) I prefer not to be in it.
After posting I did a more detailed search. Jewellery makers use them... some are benchtop models.
I'd like to find one that I can use with my current compressor (120 psi and 4 CFM ... not very powerful, I know)

[Lisa Starr]

We have an older TIP blast cabinet that has worked very well over the years. We've managed to stick everything from a Motorcycle Rim to tiny little machined parts in it. It does require quite of bit of air volume to operate well though. (Think 5 HP, 2 stage Compressor, though a 1 stage did manage when that's what was available to us)

[Patty Hann]

We have an older TIP blast cabinet that has worked very well over the years. We've managed to stick everything from a Motorcycle Rim to tiny little machined parts in it. It does require quite of bit of air volume to operate well though. (Think 5 HP, 2 stage Compressor, though a 1 stage did manage when that's what was available to us)

Thank you Lisa... I may try my 120psi 4CFM compressor on whatever small cabinet I get... it might work OK for my needs.

[Tom M King]

Harbor freight sells a small one. Lots of YouTube videos about mods to them. I have no experience with those, but it looks like they get the job done.

[George Yetka]

Harbor freight sells a small one. Lots of YouTube videos about mods to them. I have no experience with those, but it looks like they get the job done.

I have one of these modded. It is great for the money but is compressor driven. and needs a lot of dry air. I through this together the other day to dry the air20231108_160422.jpg

If you stop every 20 minutes and open the valves you can blow out a significant amount of water. Beats buying a chiller

[George Yetka]

I'm thinking of getting a sand (Shot/pellet) blasting cabinet.
I do small metalworking projects and sometimes need to clean things up.
"Things" are usually smaller than the proverbial Breadbox, but they are typically a lot smaller... could easily fit in the "breadbox" with room to spare.

1) Absolutely not interested in a gun used with a compressor.
2) I know this probably belongs in the metalworking forum, but as someone noted: that forum is moribund (no surprise... the aim of the SMC forum is woodworking, not metalworking)
I thought I might get more responses here.

Anyone have one? Used one? any recommendations or advice?

Thanks -patty

https://www.amazon.com/Rdutuok-Press...ps%2C80&sr=8-3

This may be an option. but its wet

[Patty Hann]

https://www.amazon.com/Rdutuok-Press...ps%2C80&sr=8-3

This may be an option. but its wet

It's also not contained.... I'm looking for a cabinet version.

[Bill Dufour]

Only thing with no air is a wheelabrator type. Very expensive, fairly loud. I would just use an air powered sand blaster. Probably cheaper to upgrade to a 5hp compressor then to get a spin blaster.
Would a tumbler work for you?
Bill D

[Patty Hann]

Only thing with no air is a wheelabrator type. Very expensive, fairly loud. I would just use an air powered sand blaster. Probably cheaper to upgrade to a 5hp compressor then to get a spin blaster.
Would a tumbler work for you?
Bill D

It might.... parts are pretty small .... I'll have to look into that....

[Alex Zeller]

The company I use to work for had one tat you could easily place a large microwave inside it (to give you an idea on it's size. It had a foot operated valve to start and stop the grit. It had a light inside so you could see what you were doing. But what it didn't have was an air filter to control the dust inside. We dealt with painted parts with a little rust. After 5 or so minutes the dust inside would get too bad to see. It also would coat the inside of the window. I think they are a case of you get what you pay for. As for compressor, they have a 15hp compressor so air wasn't a problem.

I think with a small compressor it'll run non stop. That causes wear and tear on the compressor. Some of the smaller ones just aren't made to run at high duty cycles.

[Bill Dufour]

Vibratory tumbler not the rotary rock polishing kind. The media has more choices then blasting.
Bill D.

[John C Bush]

Ideally you need a vac system to manage dust inside cabinet for visibilty and creating a negative pressure to keep dust from escaping.

[Patty Hann]

Vibratory tumbler not the rotary rock polishing kind. The media has more choices then blasting.
Bill D.

I've decided on the vibratory tumbler. Thanks Bill.