Sandblasters: for Rust and Paint Removal

Pressure-pot blasters are the most productive for large areas and heavy rust, while suction and gravity guns suit small parts and spot cleaning. A sandblast cabinet keeps abrasive and dust in an enclosed space, which matters when treating small parts in a workshop. See what pneumatic tools are and how they work.

Pressure pots usually hold 20–100 l: a small pot is lighter, while a large one lets you work longer between refills. Quartz sand is cheap but very dusty, garnet cleans faster with less dust, and glass beads are gentle and suit aluminium and delicate surfaces. The abrasive must be dry and sieved. See how to protect a tool from dust and moisture.

Nozzle diameter is usually 2.5–8 mm: a ceramic nozzle is cheaper, while a boron carbide nozzle lasts dozens of times longer. Each step up in nozzle size sharply increases air consumption, from 300 l/min for guns to 1000 l/min and more for pressure pots at 6–8 bar. Read how to calculate compressor air delivery and how to choose compressor working pressure.

A sandblaster is one of the most air-hungry pneumatic tools, so the real output of the compressor must exceed the nozzle consumption, with a tank of at least 100 l. With a weak compressor, pressure drops quickly, cleaning slows down and the motor overheats. See how to choose an air compressor and how to store and maintain an air compressor.

Moist air makes the abrasive clump, clogs the metering valve and nozzle, and quickly causes flash rust on cleaned metal. Fit a moisture separator or filter-regulator before the blaster and drain condensate regularly; no lubricator is needed. Read how to prepare compressed air: condensate, filters, regulators, and lubricators.

For pressure pots, the air hose should have an inner diameter of at least 10–13 mm, and the abrasive hose must be thick-walled and wear-resistant. Guns have a 1/4" inlet or a EURO, ORION or RAPID quick coupler, but a narrow fitting restricts flow. See how to choose an air hose and quick couplers.

Open blasting requires an air-fed blasting hood, or at least a face shield and respirator, plus heavy gloves and closed clothing. Quartz dust is harmful to the lungs, so never work without respiratory protection. Read how to choose a respirator and how to choose personal protective equipment.

Work outdoors or in a ventilated cabinet, fence off the area and keep bystanders away, as abrasive ricochets at high speed. Fully release pressure before opening the pot, and after work collect dust with a vacuum cleaner rather than blowing it with air. See how to use pneumatic tools safely and how to choose a construction vacuum cleaner.

The nozzle, metering valve, abrasive hose and the cabinet gloves and window are wear parts that are replaced regularly. Choose a model with replacement nozzles available in different diameters. See how to choose spare parts for pneumatic and hydraulic tools.