For etching or cleaning small objects, nothing beats a high-quality sandblasting cabinet for
providing a reliable platform to carry out these tasks. Cabinets can be purchased from any one of several leading manufacturers—but some people prefer to build their own systems. If you’re planning to assemble a custom sandblasting cabinet, there are some useful guidelines you should bear in mind.
Sandblasting systems come in a broad range of sizes. Some are walk-in rooms (often built inside large storage units). Others are relatively lightweight cabinets that can easily fit inside the average household garage. Here we’ll explore the steps for assembling a small cabinet that you
can use for sandblasting portable objects.
You need four elements:
1. A sandblasting unit – Pick either a siphon or a pressure unit. 2. An air compressor – This propels the sandblasting media.
3. A dust collector – As the name implies, this holds the dust generated during the sandblast process. 4. A sandblasting cabinet – This is the enclosure that contains the sandblasting media during the cleaning process.
There are two types of sandblasting units: siphon and pressure. Siphon systems are the more common and less expensive of
the two. These use venturi pressure to propel sandblast media through the nozzle of the gun. Pressure units have the advantage of faster, more efficient blasting. These systems use a pressure pot to shoot air through
the gun nozzle.
The cabinet must include two holes for protective gloves and a viewing window. A slanted window is most common, but you may develop back and neck problems from looking downward. Your cabinet needs some kind of adjustable port, filter, or vacuum to allow air to escape. Otherwise, air pressure will build up inside the cabinet and compromise the effectiveness of the sandblaster gun. You may also have to drill a hole in the cabinet to allow the hose to enter. You must ensure that the opening is very tightly sealed.
Your air compressor is responsible for propelling
sandblasting media into the cabinet. Be sure to select an air compressor with an appropriate duty cycle. This refers to the time period that a unit needs to cool down after use. A unit with a 100% duty cycle is one that can run continuously without a break, but you may not need one of these if you do not intend to operate your sandblasting system for extended periods.
Sandblasting is messy. You need to ensure that dust doesn’t accumulate inside the cabinet. One way to achieve this is to install a chute at the bottom of the cabinet that can be emptied when needed.
There are many types of abrasive materials you may wish to use for sandblasting.
Sand and glass bead are commonly used, but these substances can cause serious lung issues if inhaled. If you worry about damaging the materials, you may wish to consider using walnut shell. This substance is among the least abrasive available. On the other end of the spectrum, silicon carbide is extremely tough and
recommended for ultra-hard materials.
Big A’s Place is a leading distributor of sandblasting cabinets, equipment, and aftermarket
parts. Its online catalog includes a number of prominent manufacturers, including Pirate Brand, RPB, and Kennametal. The company’s main office is located in Holland, Michigan. Visit sandblaster-parts.com for more information and to view our extensive inventory.