Sand blasting start-up kit..... For Motorcycle engine.

[tedmagnum]

Hi all.

I'm restoring a couple of bikes and I want to clean up the engines before painting.

Can anyone recommend a start up kit for me ???

I need it to have a fair bit of power but nothing industrial. I've been told by some to just got a gun with a pick up hose and a bucket of sand. However some people tell me that won't shift powder coats or modern paints.

I've got a large compressor so that's not a problem.

Also, what kind of sand ??

Thanks in advance.

Ted

 

[madkayaker]

Well you don't use sand! Due to the silicon content and a nasty condition called silicosis. Malcolm's has a nice tutorial on sandblasting in paint section

 

[brightspark]

if your doing ally engines with a coating on it u need a pressuirised blast pot using sand . the correct type of course nothing 2 abrasive

 

[tedmagnum]

I've got my eye on this one.... Seems to be well received on this forum

http://www.kmsdirect.co.uk/magento/index.php/20-gallon-sandblaster-auto-parts-cleaning-sandblasting

 

[rtbcomp]

Some paints are harder than aluminium, you will ruin the surface trying to blast them. Use Methylene Chloride on paint or Atlas-T on paint or powder coat to shift the coating first, then blast with a mild grit and a fairly low pressure.

 

[tedmagnum]

Thanks for the advice

 

[rich the mechanic]

If you want a really nice finish use a glass bead like BOL 23 it gives a nice peined finish thats fairly glossy or you can go a little finer but make sure you mask very well if it's something not coming apart, I blast motorbike hubs and it's quicker to remove and refit the bearings than to mask them up fully.

 

[brightspark]

if its getting painted again fine sand. if not bead blast after removing the paint heres the diffrence

 

[tedmagnum]

Yeah.. I think I'm going to bead blast the engine just have the cases and rocker cover powder coated.

 

[marc.w]

Can anyone recommend a good supplier of blasting media? Thanks

 

[brightspark]

Can anyone recommend a good supplier of blasting media? Thanks

hoge clemco -wolverhampton abrasives and scangrit

 

[tedmagnum]

So specifically talking about the engine and grits..

What grade or size material should I use to get the paint off and what "bead" do I use to bring up a nice finish that WON'T need painting.

I do like bare aluminium. Especially when contrasted with nicely painted or coated cases and rocker cover.

Thanks in advance, Ted

 

[Mr shiney]

I use sodalime on motorcycle engines. It does not damage the base metal and it washes away when done.