Gunsmithing Hobby blasting equipment help

[pklin1297]

Hello all,

Wondering for those who do occasional blasting and coating on firearms, what kind of equipment do you use for the blasting portion? If you can let me know the model of the blasting cabinet and compressor I'd greatly appreciate it.

Sometimes trying to learn and decide which compressor has enough HP and/or PSI to run the cabinet, which nozzle to use for which blasting media can get overwhelming.

Thanks much!

 

[USMCj]

Re: Hobby blasting equipment help

harborfreight.com should have blasting equipment at low prices.

 

[The Mechanic]

Re: Hobby blasting equipment help

Anodizing looks like fun as a hobby. It does not look very expensive to start off or use.

 

[pklin1297]

Re: Hobby blasting equipment help

Thanks USMCj! Harbor Freight is one of my favorite "cheap" tool stores, though I always have to watch what I buy otherwise I get a tool that would only last for one use...

The Mechanic, Anodizing does look interesting as well, although I'm not doing much with Aluminum right now and anodizing anything else gets tricky. I have done chrome, nickel, gold type hobby plating and those can be started very cheaply with good results.

Anyone else with blasting equipment suggestions? Very interested in the model and specs of the compressor you are using!

 

[lvcatfish]

Re: Hobby blasting equipment help

The answer for compressors is simple. You either need a honkin gigundo compressor with high cfm output (I would say min 10scfm at 100psi) or you need to be very patient while letting the compressor cycle and catch up. If you have more time than money then compressor size (within reason) does not matter. If time is of the essence then you must have a high output compressor.

I learned how to blast things with my dad's old craftsman compressor and only needed to layoff blasting every few minutes so the compressor could catch up. Dad would have had my ass if I had burned up the compressor. I now have Quincy and U.S. Falcon compressors of my own and they can continuously run the blaster.

Look on craig's list for used compressors and blast equipment. I imagine they are readily available at this time. I have been seeing alot of them here in vegas.

 

[pklin1297]

Re: Hobby blasting equipment help

Thanks lvcatfish!

 

[stillbuster]

Re: Hobby blasting equipment help

I do about 6-10 projects a year that need blasting.
I use this:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=30979

I made my own blast cabinet out of a rubbermaid storage container from wal mart a piece of plexi glass and some long kitchen gloves..
The portable blaster can be a little aggravating but if you take your time it works fine just keep the container about level with the nozzle for consistant spray.

I want to try one of these and see if it performs better it looks to give a little more control at the nozzle:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=37025