Gunsmithing Abrasive blast finishing

[BsChoy]

I recently found out that a department at my work has blast cabinets and I have wanting to glass bead finish some of my guns for a while. My question is, how hard is it to do and is it really easy to destroy a firearm with it? LOL

Thanks for your input guys

 

[308sako]

Re: Abrasive blast finishing

Practice on some scrap metal and you will see how easy this is. Any area you do not want to have beaded can be masked with tape an will leave a clean edge if the tape holds.

 

[bhoges]

Re: Abrasive blast finishing

Easy to do put the only thing is the media has been used on steel or rusty metal in can embed that on your stainless and cause rust. I use #10 blass beads and you dont need much pressure 40-50psi. It wont harm the surface at all. For my finishes I use 80 or 100 grit alum oxide.

 

[glocksig40]

Re: Abrasive blast finishing

Dont use glass beads for your rifle....If you are blasting to "rough it up" for paint, the glass will remove the old finish but polish the metal which you dont want. As the previous poster said, use the aluminum oxide media.

 

[In2b8u]

Re: Abrasive blast finishing

I blasted my first firearm last week. Sweating all the way to the blast cabinet. Practiced on a few extra ar parts that were laying around. In all honesty it was not hard. Low pressure (40-60 lbs) a small nozzle, al oxide 100 grit, and a bit of patience. In no time my 220 looked good. Take your time, if you are careful you should not wreck your firearm. Good luck

 

[bhoges]

Re: Abrasive blast finishing

Glass beads is for stainless for a matt finish. Yes painting is alum oxide.

 

[younggun22]

Re: Abrasive blast finishing

turn down the PSI, use glass bead and go to town but make sure if your blasting something with moving internal parts make sure you disassemble completely, the beads will cause binding.