Gunsmithing Aluminum oxide
- Thread starter KeithR41
- Start date
Re: Aluminum oxide
I buy mine locally in 50lb bags/boxes. It's pretty dense stuff and therefore probably not a great candidate for shipping. I'd recommend checking locally to see where you might be able to pick some up locally.
I buy mine locally in 50lb bags/boxes. It's pretty dense stuff and therefore probably not a great candidate for shipping. I'd recommend checking locally to see where you might be able to pick some up locally.
Re: Aluminum oxide
Have you looked into coal slag abrasives? Its WAY cheaper than aluminum oxide. Our blast cabinet is in storage 1300 miles away so we have been renting time in a boat shop. They use coal slag in their cabinet and its something like $10 for a 50lb bag. But obviously you would need to be using a cabinet with a vac/filter system.
Have you looked into coal slag abrasives? Its WAY cheaper than aluminum oxide. Our blast cabinet is in storage 1300 miles away so we have been renting time in a boat shop. They use coal slag in their cabinet and its something like $10 for a 50lb bag. But obviously you would need to be using a cabinet with a vac/filter system.
Re: Aluminum oxide
locally is best. shipping charges suck for 50lbs!
locally is best. shipping charges suck for 50lbs!
Re: Aluminum oxide
the finer the abrasive the smoother the finish usually turns out.
the finer the abrasive the smoother the finish usually turns out.
Re: Aluminum oxide
I found it locally at a supply place for swimming pools.. maybe check your local one?
I found it locally at a supply place for swimming pools.. maybe check your local one?
Re: Aluminum oxide
I use glass beads if I want a smoother, more glossy finish. I use 120 grit aluminum oxide if I want a little more "texture" to the finish. I used some 90 grit skat blast for my IDPA pistol's slide and it gave it a nice rough texture, great for a competition gun.
I use glass beads if I want a smoother, more glossy finish. I use 120 grit aluminum oxide if I want a little more "texture" to the finish. I used some 90 grit skat blast for my IDPA pistol's slide and it gave it a nice rough texture, great for a competition gun.
Re: Aluminum oxide
The surface profile created specified grit size is crucial to the durability of the finished product. 100-120 aluminum oxide is the range that yields the best durability. Too coarse of media and the finish will not cover the peaks sufficiently and minimal abrasion will scratch/wear through your coating. Too fine and the finish will not get enough tooth to hang onto and will chip off real easy. If you venture outside the manufacturers recommendations do not blame the product when the results do not meet your expectations. It's all about the surface prep.
The surface profile created specified grit size is crucial to the durability of the finished product. 100-120 aluminum oxide is the range that yields the best durability. Too coarse of media and the finish will not cover the peaks sufficiently and minimal abrasion will scratch/wear through your coating. Too fine and the finish will not get enough tooth to hang onto and will chip off real easy. If you venture outside the manufacturers recommendations do not blame the product when the results do not meet your expectations. It's all about the surface prep.
Re: Aluminum oxide
I will be banned for this one, but it is like $35 for 50 lbs at Harbor Freight.
I will be banned for this one, but it is like $35 for 50 lbs at Harbor Freight.
Re: Aluminum oxide
That's good to know because I got hammered something like $1.22 a pound for 200 pounds of 120 grit aluminum oxide from the industrial media supply outfit in Portland Oregon. They quoted me .70 cents a pound over the phone and when my driver arrived 4 hours later the receipt said $244. I certainly wasn't going to pay another $100+ fuel to take it back so I just bent over and took it dry. It will be awhile before I ever break even on my Cerakote operation!
That's good to know because I got hammered something like $1.22 a pound for 200 pounds of 120 grit aluminum oxide from the industrial media supply outfit in Portland Oregon. They quoted me .70 cents a pound over the phone and when my driver arrived 4 hours later the receipt said $244. I certainly wasn't going to pay another $100+ fuel to take it back so I just bent over and took it dry. It will be awhile before I ever break even on my Cerakote operation!
Re: Aluminum oxide
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: keydiverfla</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I will be banned for this one, but it is like $35 for 50 lbs at Harbor Freight. </div></div>
I did the Harbor Freight thing myself. Money saved is money saved.
More to spend on powder..
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: keydiverfla</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I will be banned for this one, but it is like $35 for 50 lbs at Harbor Freight. </div></div>
I did the Harbor Freight thing myself. Money saved is money saved.
More to spend on powder..
Re: Aluminum oxide
My harbor freight only had 80 and 200 grit. I bought a 50lb box at Grainger for $75.
My harbor freight only had 80 and 200 grit. I bought a 50lb box at Grainger for $75.
