Im looking for one just to do random parts like valve covers wheels etc. Is any of the harbor freight ones any good? If some one can post a link of a decent one I would appreciate it
thanks

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=30979

I have that one. I used it to clean a rusty axle, and it worked perfectly. It's very cheap and works pretty good, but it uses more air than HF claims and it makes a huge mess out of your space. Make sure you cover up well and use it outside.

One very important thing is the type of media you use. Most media cause serious health problems, including cancer. Use a good respirator; a dust mask is not enough! I use play sand in my blaster. It's very cheap and works great, but it contains silica which causes cancer. Like I said, use it outside with a good respirator to avoid health complications.

Good luck!

 

I have two different HF media blasting cabinets and I am happy with both of them. I recommend calk or some other sealant on the seams of the smaller one if you are going to use a fine media. It needs no additional work with standard abrasives.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93608

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=42202

 

What kind of air compressors do you guys use? I'm looking to get the 40lb standing cabinet for my dad and his air compressor definitely needs to be replaced. I assume a $150-200 compressors are typically inefficient/ineffective.

 

Get a compressor with the right volume (CFM) not just the right pressure. If you are going to run a media blasting cabinet, it is critical you move enough air. Many medium sized compressors are fine for small air tools but can't move enough air to properly run a blasting cabinet. It doesn't have to be huge, 15-20 CFM for a medium cabinet and 6-10 CFM for the small ones. Obviously, if you only use it intermittently, you can get by with a smaller compressor.

 

Since Silca is nasty stuff have you tried the walnut shells? Is that strong enough to knock paint and rust off?

 

Walnut shell is typically used for finishing and polishing metal surfaces. Not so much for removing paint and rust. It'll just take longer.

 

Did you have to "seal up" the larger one too?

 

Walnut shell is too fine to remove rust and paint effectively. Most of the low grit media are going to be toxic one way or another. I used play sand because it was $4 for 50 lbs. You'll be fine as long as you're using a sealed cabinet or are doing it outside with a good respirator.

 

I have used some walnut blasting media before. It does work well and it is supposed to be more gentle on the parts being blasted. I know some restoration shops use walnut media on classic car chassis's.

 

Do you buy play sand at walmart??

 

home depot and lowes sell play sand

 

No. Like it was mentioned by turtleman321, Home Depot or Lowes sell play sand.