What Blast Media?

[geoffsurf]

I have just ordered a blast pot from a seller on ebay. I have done a search on the forum here about blast media but I'm still not sure what I should be buying and where from?

I will be blasting with a 160ltr 3hp compressor, outside, and with a Draeger full face filter mask (non air fed).

 

[rtbcomp]

J-Blast Supafine. It's a trade name for iron silicate, AKA copper slag.

Loads of info here

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=15735

Try to do your blasting where you can sweep it up and reuse it. It's good for 3 or 4 times.

 

[geoffsurf]

thanks for the links. I will try and have a read through and understand it a bit more. Would there be a danger or silicosis when blasting with J-Blast supafine? I am a little worried even with a mask, so would like to use the safest even if it costs more.

 

[brightspark]

thanks for the links. I will try and have a read through and understand it a bit more. Would there be a danger or silicosis when blasting with J-Blast supafine? I am a little worried even with a mask, so would like to use the safest even if it costs more.

j blast is silica free just a good quality dust mask will be fine

 

[rtbcomp]

J-Blast and glass are both approved and safe to use.

Obviously you don't want to breathe it in but it won't cause silicosis.

Hodge Clemco do something called "Stonegrit" which is softer than J-Blast or glass and can be used on aluminium.

 

[stormin]

j blast is silica free just a good quality dust mask will be fine

If you don't mind getting the stuff in your eyes, ears and hair that is.
A full face helmet or at least one of the cheap blasting hoods is recommended!

 

[rtbcomp]

If you don't mind getting the stuff in your eyes, ears and hair that is.
A full face helmet or at least one of the cheap blasting hoods is recommended!

True - I was thinking from the breathing point of view alone.

 

[geoffsurf]

Ok brilliant. It was when I saw the words "iron silicate" that I thought it must have potential to cause silicosis.

I am trying to buy a full face mask at the moment, and I think the blaster comes with one of those hoods.

 

[rtbcomp]

The hood you get is useless, IIRC the clear bit is a curved bit of polycarbonate - cover this with clear film or a cut-up Coke bottle to protect it, they become obscure very quickly.

 

[geoffsurf]

Ok thanks I will do. The mask I am wearing beneath it will hopefully protect me. I was going for the Draeger mask they sell at screwfix, but the thing is so heavy I'm looking at the Moldex 9000 series as much lighter.

Do you know of a supplier in Dorset/Somerset for the J-blast supafine. I'm not sure how it works with these big companies supplying a small amount to the public?

 

[brightspark]

If you don't mind getting the stuff in your eyes, ears and hair that is.
A full face helmet or at least one of the cheap blasting hoods is recommended!

lol get the cheap blast hood and u will be gasping for air there sh ./te

 

[geoffsurf]

Just rang a few companies and there isn't really anything down south which is a shame. The courier costs more than the actually blast media


Anyone ever used the company Key Abrasives?

 

[brightspark]

Just rang a few companies and there isn't really anything down south which is a shame. The courier costs more than the actually blast media

trouble is its j blast superfine stockists dont keep the stuff as most blasters use from .75 to 1.5mm grit . which i can buy local cheap for using with a 6mm jet but not superfine used on a 3mm

 

[rtbcomp]

I bought 1/2 a ton of crushed glass from Ineedgrit (Pete Booth) on ebay and he charged £45 for carriage, it may have gone up by now - that was a few years ago. that worked out at about 31p/Kg

Same carriage cherge for a tonne, works out at about 27p/Kg

J-blast supafine cost 5.50 + vat = £6.46 for 25Kg = 26 p/Kg cash & carry