Blasting alloy wheels

[Vinny030]

Hi wondering if my 3hp compressor is big enough to blast alloys ? Was thinking about buying a grit blasting gun with the metal pot on it and using kiln dried sand any ideas ? Thanks Vinny

 

[brightspark]

as long as its a pressurised pot not a suction gun. it will be slow but u will get there eventualy

 

[rtbcomp]

Don't use kiln dried sand, there is a risk of silicosis, use a proper abrasive, I think aluminium oxide may be the best for alloy wheels.

If they're powder coated forget blasting, (with a 3hp compressor anyway!) they'll need to be chemically stripped first.

 

[M@tt]

you need to have about a 3mm nozzle as well, my "on the cheap" PCL airline fitting nozzle has wore out to about 5/6mm and my 3hp fails to maintain a high enough pressure to be useful once the tank had emptied.

I've therefore ordered one of these tungsten carbide ones instead
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/320875908989?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

I'm blasting the boot and wheel arches of my 205 using kiln dried sand (with appropriate facemask/breathing equipment & well ventilated area) and its getting good results(when the pressure is right)

 

[busastars]

How about wet blasting? I'm going to be giving it a shot very soon.

 

[Vinny030]

Looks good a take it the following gun will be no use ?
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/sb3-gritblast-gun

 

[brightspark]

Looks good a take it the following gun will be no use ?
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/sb3-gritblast-gun

suction gun dont waste a penny on one there usless

 

[rtbcomp]

+1 - the professional ones are OK, but still not as good as a blast pot.

 

[Vinny030]

Would a 10 gallon pot work with my 3hp comp if a added a 47kg propane bottle would that help run it ?

 

[brightspark]

Would a 10 gallon pot work with my 3hp comp if a added a 47kg propane bottle would that help run it ?

it would take longer to fill up so wouldnt realy help much . just on the 1st fill after that no use at all u would just have to wate till it re fills stopping and starting