OT: Blast Cabinet/Bench Idea... video rendering within., suggestions or ideas welcome Options

[snflupigus]

blastcabinet avi

I would probably build the base out of 2x4 and the top would be like 1 inch mdf. the frame for the blast cabinet itself would probably be 1" steel screwed into the top/bench 1" mdf... I was going to use a piano hinge for the pivot but i think 2 large bolts on each edge of the frame in back would be stronger.

for the catch i will have to figure out some heavy duty rubber or something to fall into my little carry around sand blaster from sears that way its a continuous feed of sand.

it would be side load with both sides hinged.

when opened there will be lock pins through the side frame to the front of the work area base.

i think i can order just the gloves from a company i found online.

maybe some gas struts to help open it too.

i dont know how much dust is generated as ive never used a sand blast cabinet before.. should i look at plumbing in a dust catcher?

I just cant see myself spending 300 for a metal one from harbor frieght but i want one big enough to do things like sway bars and wheels. BUT i dont want to loose a whole section of garage to have one.

thanks.

[jasons]

Alot of the big stuff you would want to beadblast are good candidates for powdercoating, swaybars being a prime example. Other examples might be struts housings, rear trailing arms, shift linkage etc...

Arizona Powder Coat will beadblast and powder coat sway bars for around $30 each maybe less. By the time you buy all the painting materials and do all the work on your parts, you will have spent almost as much for an inferior finish. Collect as much stuff as you want powdercoated, because the price doesn't go up that fast. Drop your shit off there and then you can focus on your real problems like rust, while their guys are making your stuff look new.

So depending on what you want to beadblast, the HF $100 benchtop unit might suit your needs. Or if you want the $300 unit, buy it, use it on your project for the next year, sell it on craigslist for $200. But, I wouldn't worry too much about having one big enough for sway bars.