Sandblasting

[broderp]

Does anyone have any decent advise on pros and cons of sandblasting car parts?

I want to buy a small portable sandblaster to clean up such things like calipers and other misc harware before painting or powdercoating them.

Heres a few ideas I was considering. (I have a 250psi craftsman aircompressor already)

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00918027000P?keyword=sand+blaster
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00916706000P?keyword=sand+blaster
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00988618000P?keyword=sand+blaster

My goal is to be able to mask areas such as the wheel well and clean up the rotors, calipers and piston assemblies then repaint ON THE CAR. Smaller things like engine bolts and other misc harware and bracket in the engine area or under the car I'd remove, blast and then paint or powdercoat.

Is my idea sound?

Thanks

[Race4Life]

I have repainted tons of calipers and drums for my friends' cars with sandblasting as prep work. It is a great way to really make the paint stick. I have seen brakes that were painted with identical paint, same process, both acid etched, but one without sandblasting, and the sandblasted ones look far superior as far as not flaking and chipping, smoother first coats leading to smoother finishing coats, etc.
Bottom line: Do it. Works wonderfully.
As far as a con, just be careful with stray sand hitting painted areas and whatnot. And be careful to clean the parts very well after sandblasting, obviously don't want to paint over it. Worse yet to have the sand interfere with the performance of a given part.
Hope I didn't miss anything....
Other than that, you are good to go. If you have any questions, shoot me a PM

[Blue Bomber]

Wear a mask. Tiny particles from blasting can mess up your lungs, especially if you're using actual sand (super toxic). Without using a cabinet to reclaim the sand/media, it can get a bit expensive.

[broderp]

Wear a mask. Tiny particles from blasting can mess up your lungs, especially if you're using actual sand (super toxic). Without using a cabinet to reclaim the sand/media, it can get a bit expensive.

Good point about the mask. I was actually thinking of draping clear plastic making a seudo cabinet to hopefully reclaim SOME of the sand.

A very good mask is a must. I already use "the little purple" inhaler due to lung issues.

[ymboc]

Keep the sand away from the windshield... or you'll put scratches in it the next time you cycle the wipers.

Alot of the hardware is zinc (or sometimes cadmium) coated... blasting will remove the corrosion preventive coating. Probably not recommended unless the hardware is already rusting.

[Iroke17]

**** hurts your skin lol its messy as hell the sand goes everywhere do it out side if possible other wise youll find sand all over the garage the sanb can bounce as far as 20 feet if not stoped get a box for the smaller things i went to harbor friaght if you have those and got a sand blaster thats the size of an airbrush shoots baking soda havent tryed it key but it seams like it would be great for small things tiny cracks more directed.

[broderp]

**** hurts your skin lol its messy as hell the sand goes everywhere do it out side if possible other wise youll find sand all over the garage the sanb can bounce as far as 20 feet if not stoped get a box for the smaller things i went to harbor friaght if you have those and got a sand blaster thats the size of an airbrush shoots baking soda havent tryed it key but it seams like it would be great for small things tiny cracks more directed.

Definately outside if I do it. Baking soda huh? never heard of that.:gap:

I just dont want to have to bleed the brakes if I don't have to, but I suppose it's probably time I do anyways..:confused:

[Iroke17]

yea they have removed the sand and put baking soda now its more common when buying new blasters. want a pic for proof lol? do you have a harbor fright where you live i dont know if there everywhere best place ever great deals. well if there is get you a little blaster its only 20 bucks.