Re: Media Blasting versus Sand Blasting

Posted by HH56 On 2013/1/28 19:34:56

I think the choice of media is the key and sand or some of the hard grits might not be the best choice on many of the older or more delicate metal items.

I was told that while sand will quickly remove almost everything (except undercoat), it was not a good idea for the amateur on sheet metal because it is so hard. Unless the operator really knows his business and has the pressure and speed action just right, it's like a gazillion tiny hammers. If concentrated in a spot a fraction too long, it can warp a panel in seconds.

In your case with the treadle vac I'd stick with the soda -- or maybe ground walnut shells. Unless it was another soft media, I'd be concerned that the can or shell metal might be thin enough to distort slightly for the piston to slide smoothly. You might also roughen a surface that needs to stay smooth or someplace that needs to seal well..