DIY Sandblasting cabinet?

[Fiat88]

I finally got fed up with using sandpaper to strip parts, so I decided to give sandblasting a go, should of did this 2 years ago. I bought this sandblasting gun siphon kithttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007D ... ss_product to get me started, but still gotta pick up an air compressor, btw can anyone recommend a compressor for for general use(paint,sandblasting) something under $300?

I was thinking of making my own sandblasting cabinet similiar to this. I figure it wouldn't cost more then $100 to make one from various materials from homedepot, the gloves though do look expensive. I want something that would hold bigger/longer parts.Any suggestions or ideas to make my own? Thanks.
http://lumenlab.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=28044

[Foster48x]

I sourced the gloves for mine from harbor freight. I think they were around $7.

Rick

[Zippy]

I would hate to make a recommendation on an air compressor these days. WIth everything inexpensive coming from China they are not built to last. The most important thing is that they put out enough air for the tools you use.

Here is a link to a hot rodders forum with some ideas for building a cabinet out of steel drums. If you need it longer just add a drum to each end. Ah, the miracle of duct tape.
http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/sandbla ... 79837.html

Here is a link to Make Magazine with a picture of a cabinet made from a laundry tub. Pretty nice looking.
http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2006/0 ... blast.html

[Fiat88]

Thanks for the ideas guys!

[EddieJames]

Great thread !

I just had to reply so it would let me know when a new post happens -

[biil9]

try searching craigslist. companies that are upgrading sell the older industrial models which will give you plenty of air. sandblastrs require alot of air so don't get a tank with any less than 60 gallon or you will be standing around waiting for it to refill. i had a barrel cabinet and it worked great.' tip' online has plans for building your own out of wood. i built one that you could sandblast doors in. worked great and cheap to build. if you want a serious blaster lookup badboyblasters.com.

[azygoustoyou]

I have a 33 gal craftsman air compressor that was brand new. I wore it out blasting. I bought a 80 gal compressor and it just keeps up. SO you will need at least an 80 gal comp. if you don't want to ruin the smaller one.

[Foster48x]

Here's another DIY blast cabinet to give you a few more ideas.

Rick

[azygoustoyou]

I think you forgot the pic Rick.

[Fiat88]

I have a 33 gal craftsman air compressor that was brand new. I wore it out blasting. I bought a 80 gal compressor and it just keeps up. SO you will need at least an 80 gal comp. if you don't want to ruin the smaller one.

Good to know but 80 gallon is way out of my budget,though. Just want something I could use once and awhile. I'll see what my college student budget can afford.

[Fiat88]

try searching craigslist. companies that are upgrading sell the older industrial models which will give you plenty of air. sandblastrs require alot of air so don't get a tank with any less than 60 gallon or you will be standing around waiting for it to refill. i had a barrel cabinet and it worked great.' tip' online has plans for building your own out of wood. i built one that you could sandblast doors in. worked great and cheap to build. if you want a serious blaster lookup badboyblasters.com.

Would a used compressor be safe to buy, though?

[azygoustoyou]

Before purchasing a used one from someone. Put it to use. Put an air tool on it and see how long it takes to build pressure. If it's worn out, it will take longer to build. My 33 gal takes forever now. I'm just impatient too.

[Foster48x]

I think you forgot the pic Rick.

Ha! My bad.

Here's the site for a DIY cabinet.
http://www.customfighters.com/forums/sh ... hp?t=23694

Personally I wouldn't buy a used compressor. You may find some good deals on used ones but without a warranty your taking a big chance. You may get lucky and find a good one or you may get someones POS that they've abused over the years and it's just waiting for you to get it home to kick the bucket. If you do buy a used one make sure you test thoroughly before you take it home.

I picked up a 60 gal Husky Pro for under $400 from Home Depot and it does a great job maintaining air flow. If your going to be using a blasting pot like Brady your going to need allot bigger compressor though, a blasting pots requires a high CFM to keep it running efficiently. A blast cabinet gun will require less CFM to run so it may be a better option if your on a budget.

Rick

[Fiat88]

I think you forgot the pic Rick.

Ha! My bad.

Here's the site for a DIY cabinet.
http://www.customfighters.com/forums/sh ... hp?t=23694

Personally I wouldn't buy a used compressor. You may find some good deals on used ones but without a warranty your taking a big chance. You may get lucky and find a good one or you may get someones POS that they've abused over the years and it's just waiting for you to get it home to kick the bucket. If you do buy a used one make sure you test thoroughly before you take it home.

I picked up a 60 gal Husky Pro for under $400 from Home Depot and it does a great job maintaining air flow. If your going to be using a blasting pot like Brady your going to need allot bigger compressor though, a blasting pots requires a high CFM to keep it running efficiently. A blast cabinet gun will require less CFM to run so it may be a better option if your on a budget.

Rick

That husky pro sure looks like a good price. I'm gonna buy new.