Gunsmithing Bead Blasting

[packratt]

Anyone near Richmond VA or Kingsport, TN set up to bead blast. Haven't upgraded my compressor to pull my blast cabinet and have a couple to prep for finish.

 

[Sniperhandle]

Re: Bead Blasting

Ask your local machine shop or engine rebuilder. they may do it for a small fee.

 

[Straight Shooter]

Re: Bead Blasting

Don't use glass beads as surface prep for any coating. It burnishes the surface and the coating will chip off easily. For spray coatings you are looking for 100-120 aluminum oxide. It needs to be clean and never used on rusty or greasy parts. The stuff cost me over $1 a pound.

 

[stiletto raggio]

Re: Bead Blasting

What blasting media do you recommend for blasting if you intend to leave it un-coated? I am thinking of doing a bead-blasted finish on the barrel for my next build.

 

[Straight Shooter]

Re: Bead Blasting

Glass beads would be fine for that.

 

[SELPHB]

Re: Bead Blasting

I would suggest using 120 grit Aluminum oxide at 80 psi for metal.