Blasting cabinet media Options

[1fastredsc]

Can someone recommend a general blasting media for a blasting cabinet? I might go out and get one either tomorrow or the day after but i'm not sure which type of media to put in it. I want to use it to clean off the various steel and aluminum parts in these cars (probably mostly steel to strip paint and rust and then repaint stuff). I know not to use sand with aluminum parts, and the harbor freight here in town sells different grit walnut shells and glass beads.

[1fastredsc]

I understand that, but what i was trying to ask is what's the difference between course and fine beads. Do they leave a different finish? I know fine beads will be able to fit in crevices that course beads cannot fit into, however what would be the advantage to using course beads if this is the case? Does it strip rust and paint faster than the fine beads, etc?

[John]

I understand that, but what i was trying to ask is what's the difference between course and fine beads. Do they leave a different finish? I know fine beads will be able to fit in crevices that course beads cannot fit into, however what would be the advantage to using course beads if this is the case? Does it strip rust and paint faster than the fine beads, etc?

The finer glass beads leaves a smoother finish, but at the same time it cuts slower.

Glass beads break down into smaller finer particles with use.

Higher pressures only makes glass beads (or most any media) break down quicker.

Aluminum oxide or some of the other medias will cut through paint and rust quickly but leave a little more rough surface. Aluminum oxide can destroy aluminum (or soft) parts.

I use aluminum oxide for rust removal. I use glass beads for aluminum parts. I buy most of my media at the local farm supply store. I also source some from the local Grainger.

[Kansas 914]

I understand that, but what i was trying to ask is what's the difference between course and fine beads. Do they leave a different finish? I know fine beads will be able to fit in crevices that course beads cannot fit into, however what would be the advantage to using course beads if this is the case? Does it strip rust and paint faster than the fine beads, etc?

The finer glass beads leaves a smoother finish, but at the same time it cuts slower.

Glass beads break down into smaller finer particles with use.

Higher pressures only makes glass beads (or most any media) break down quicker.

Aluminum oxide or some of the other medias will cut through paint and rust quickly but leave a little more rough surface. Aluminum oxide can destroy aluminum (or soft) parts.

I use aluminum oxide for rust removal. I use glass beads for aluminum parts. I buy most of my media at the local farm supply store. I also source some from the local Grainger.

I have been using 80 grit Garnet - available at Tractor Supply. Seems to do the job and it is cheap. but a lot depends on what material you are blasting.