Sandblasting advice - alternate method?

[64 f100]

The water sand blasting sounds good in one way and sounds like a major PITA in another. You will be trying to siphon sand out of something that has to be fairly close to what you are blasting. You certainly won't be able to recycle wet sand, or at least I don't see how. It does answere some imediate dust problem questions but what about making sure everything is dried right away and treated to prevent rust?
One thing I know for certain, be sure you get a pressure feed sandpot. Syphon feeds just don't cut it . A big problem with sand blasting, is the mess you make. I too suggest tarps and possibly some kind of containment area. Build cardboard walls so you can recycle more easily. Just remmember that this stuff will bounce back at you. I also agree with some other statements that have been made. Clogging is of major concern. This is caused by water forming from the overheating of the compressor. One solution is to run a fan directly on the compressor to help keep it cooler. This does some good, but won't stop the problem but helps. I am done using sand as of now. The last of mine is gone, and I will be using the black stuff from now on. I do wonder if anyone has used this stuff in their blasting cabinet? How did that turn out?
I would offer one suggestion in refference to the primer removal problem. Aircraft paint remover. Sandblasting is way overkill I think on this.

Rich

[PFM-64f100]

this is what I used on many parts. can't recyle the media but it does work. Really good for smaller parts, when I blasted the frame I should of taken it somewhere to be done. It would of been cheaper and easier but I got it done with a little help.

I have done lots of parts with this blaster and there is no dust. I have the media in a 5 gal bucket with a lid on it. Keeps the media dry plus it is behind me or at least I do my best to keep it behind me. The static shock does happen but it aint that bad. Just a little smarts every once in a while. Hope this helps answer some of the questions about the waterblaster.. I do have it connected to a 3000 psi pressure washer.

http://www.ultimatewasher.com/sandblaster.htm

some pictures of blasting the frame:

Brain T was helping me. I decided to try some play sand from HD and that wasn't the best cause it clogged up because of the big parts. Brian was sifting that sand glad he was there to help. Using the blasting media makes it a lot better/simpler.



Just a little kick back or water/media..


It does a decent job just takes time...



Before blasting:

[BigMike]

I'm going to do my rear (rear of cab back) frame and underside of the bed this Spring to complete my driver quality restoration. Will most likely do it like the front part of the frame with a pressure washing and wire wheels. Same for the underside of the bed. It will get rust encapsulator and John Deere Blitz Black just like the front.

If I was taking body panels down to bare metal, I would use paint stripper. Be careful sandblasting body panels because if you use the wrong medium, it can warp the panels.