How to Pick a Sandblaster
A sandblaster cleans and restores metal, concrete or stone. It contains water and/or sand particles that are blasted at high pressure to remove paint or graffiti, polish stone or simply clean and restore a surface. Because they are fairly expensive, a sandblaster can be a substantial investment for many buyers. To find the best unit for your needs, consider factors such as feed type, medium, operating requirements and capacity before making your purchase. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Determine the feed system for each type of sandblaster you are considering. The most basic is a gravity-fed system, where sand and other mediums are funneled into the unit due to gravity. Pressurized units contain mechanical feeders, which automatically force more sand into the sandblaster to replace the material that has been used. Pressurized units tend to be more expensive but are also much more efficient.
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Check to see what type of medium each uses. A sandblaster may actually use mediums ranging from crushed glass to silica in place of traditional sand. Check environmental laws in your area, as some products like slag or silica can be hazardous. Determine what applications you'll use your sandblaster for to find the best medium to meet your needs.
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Compare wet and dry sandblasters. Wet units spray water and sand, while dry units only spray dry materials. According to "Rental Management" magazine, wet blasters are slower to use but can help minimize dust, especially in enclosed spaces. Dry blasters create a lot of dust but can be used more quickly and efficiently.
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Decide on your pressure requirements. The pressure of a sandblaster is rated in terms of psi, or pounds per square inch. According to "Rental Management," most users require 3,000 to 3,500 psi for tasks like paint removal and cleaning.
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Review the power requirements for each unit. Most sandblasters are powered using an air compressor and will only work if the compressor can provide enough power for the sandblaster. Check the pressure requirements for each unit and determine if your air compressor will be sufficient. You may have to choose a less powerful sandblaster or buy a more powerful air compressor to make these two units work together.
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Check the capacity of each unit. A unit that can hold 100 pounds of medium can be used for much longer than a 20-pound unit without requiring reloading. Consider the type of projects you'll be working on and the amount of medium required for each to help you figure the required capacity.
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Consider size, weight and portability. If you need to work in tight areas, you'll need a small sandblaster, while those planning to blast large walls may need a larger unit. Consider whether you want a backpack-style blaster for maximum portability or a ground-level blaster with higher power and capacity.
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