Air Compressors Options Reviewed

A generic phrase for the process of smoothing, shaping and cleaning a hard surface by forcing solid particles across the surface at high speeds.

Historically the material used for sandblasting was sand that had been sieved to a uniform size, that's why it is commonly known "sandblasting".

Nowadays many other better materials have been developed to sandblast, such glass beads or metal pellets.

Squeegee
There are two different systems for sandblasting; the siphon system and the pressure-pot system. The latter is faster, easier to control and adjust.

The siphon system uses the same principle as conventional paint-spraying equipment. Sand is stored in a pot, sucked up through a connecting hose, mixed with air in the nozzle and projected onto the object being blasted. The siphon system requires a large volume of air to draw the abrasives. It needs pressures between 80 to 100 psi (pound per square inch) which requires a 10 HP (Horse Power) compressor.

Alternatively, in the pressure-pot system, air not only flows through the sand-delivery hose; it's actually introduced into the sand pot itself. This helps to push the sand trough the hose which makes it more efficient and up to 4 times faster than the siphoning system. Air flow and abrasives can be easily adjusted as required. The air pressure needed is between 20 to 40 psi and requires a 2 to 5 HP compressor.

- Abrasives -
There are a few different types of abrasives available in many different grits. Depending on what substrate you are going to use and the effect you are attempting to achieve.
Sand still used by some DIY'er but nowadays is the worst of the options. Aluminium Oxide and Silicon Carbide are the best choices.
* Silicone Carbide does not dull as it brakes down and can be used many times producing little static electricity it is more expensive.
* Aluminium Oxide also can be used many times, it generates more static which makes it worse to work with but it is cheaper than Silicon Carbides.

- Sandblasting Area -
Basically, you have three options: a sandblaster cabinet, your backyard and a sandblasting booth, however this latter one probably isn't an option unless you are thinking of setting up a sandblasting business.
* A sandblaster cabinet is basically a large box with a front window and two holes with built-in gloves. You place your object in the cabinet, insert your hands into the gloves, look through the window at your project, and blast away.
Cabinet sandblasters will keep the bulk of your sandblast mess inside the cabinet. The downside is that the size of the object you can blast is obviously limited by the size of your cabinet.
* By sandblasting outdoors, you're not limited with space and this is practical for bigger projects. You can also use your sandblasting equipment to work different projects like removing rust from garden furniture.
Blasting in the open air is messy and hazardous. Because of these hazards you should limit yourself to doing it indoors whenever possible. However you're absolutely restricted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.
- REMEMBER - Research outdoor sandblasting restrictions in your area before starting up a backyard job.
* A sandblasting booth is just a room set up only for sandblasting. A good compromise between the other options, a booth allows you to sandblast both large and small objects while keeping your mess contained.

- Do It Yourself Sandblasting -
Setting a sandblasting workshop isn't cheap. If you are considering this option, think about the cost before making any decisions. Does the amount of sandblasting work justify the equipment expense?
If you are just a DoItYourSelfer the answer is probably not. In this case you can do all the preparation & design and send out the blast work to a professional.
You'll probably find an industrial sandblasting workshop not far from you. Try a Google search for - sandblasting workshop - at http://local.google.com . (or any other local search engine).
Without the right equipment, it could take the sandblasting DIY'er hours to do a job that can be done in only a few minutes by a properly equipped professional sandblaster.

- SAFETY NOTES -
Measures like ventilation, protective gear and a system to supply you with fresh supply of breathing air are a MUST.

*** WARNING *** Prolonged inhalation of the dust produced in the sandblasting process causes silicosis, you should only perform it in a controlled environment with the right safety measures in place.

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