Sand Blasting

[Darren 72]

Can someone give some advice about sand blasting. I acquired a 40 lb sand blaster. No directions. I am going to run it at 80 psi to start and go from there. I am trying to clean the upper cowl, firewall and cowl brackets. I read that someone on here bought and used Home Depot sand. Its silica based and is very fine. I went HF and they sell medias at $30-$50 so the sand is appealing at $4.53. Can I use this to take off the paint and some light rust?

 

[oldmountainfarm]

Yes you can.

 

[FasTnNefariouS]

Yes you can.

But you shouldn't. Google and read up on the word "silicosis" associated with silica sand. I never use sand or silica based products when sandblasting. I use fine grain garnet on almost everything except aluminum. For aluminum I use walnut shells. Use the size grain that matches your sandblaster orifice.

 

[PAPPY HAROLD]

I HAVE TOO AGREE WITH BOTH OF THE PREVIOUS COMMENTS. AS THE OLD SAYING GOES, POOR MEN HAVE POOR WAYS.. I WOULD SAY WEAR PROTECTION, KIND OF LIKE SEX. I ALSO THINK THAT YOUR TIME OF EXPOSHER MIGHT HAVE AN EFFECT. I USE THE SILICA SAND AS I SAID POOR MEN, BUT FOR SURE GET A RESPORATOR OR SOMETHING AND A HOOD IS GOOD FOR THE EYES. THAT **** IN THE EYE IS NASTY. BUT IM NO DOCTOR SO DONT TAKE MY WORD.

THE BAG WILL SAY ( DO NOT USE FOR SAND BLASTING )

 

[don29163]

Your neighbors don't need to breathe that dust either.

 

[Darren 72]

Your neighbors don't need to breathe that dust either.

Make sense. I knew it was a health issue but the neighbor thing is a good point!

Yes you can.

But you shouldn't. Google and read up on the word "silicosis" associated with silica sand. I never use sand or silica based products when sandblasting. I use fine grain garnet on almost everything except aluminum. For aluminum I use walnut shells. Use the size grain that matches your sandblaster orifice.

Where do you get the garnet? Body shop store?

 

[Darren 72]

Your neighbors don't need to breathe that dust either.

Make sense. I knew it was a health issue but the neighbor thing is a good point!

Yes you can.

But you shouldn't. Google and read up on the word "silicosis" associated with silica sand. I never use sand or silica based products when sandblasting. I use fine grain garnet on almost everything except aluminum. For aluminum I use walnut shells. Use the size grain that matches your sandblaster orifice.

I found 80 grit garnet from Tractor Supply. They only stock 1 can typically so I had to go to 3 stores to find it. Not sure how far it will go ..it's 50 lbs. The sand makes me nervous. It was $24.00 for the can of garnet.

Where do you get the garnet? Body shop store?

 

[69 Rustang]

I have been using silica but wearing a respirator. Interested in other options as I don't really want to take additional health chances.

 

[73vertproject]

As a former Navy occupational medicine specialist, I say stay away from silica sand. Silicosis is in the same realm as lung cancer, and if you smoke, it's even worse. Why risk your health/life in order to remove some rust or paint from a piece of metal?

My 2 cents,

Doc

 

[Darren 72]

As a former Navy occupational medicine specialist, I say stay away from silica sand. Silicosis is in the same realm as lung cancer, and if you smoke, it's even worse. Why risk your health/life in order to remove some rust or paint from a piece of metal?

My 2 cents,

Doc

I ended up using the garnet from Tractor Supply