Blaster is only as good as your air supply,
July 19, 2008
"I have a 5 HP single stage compressor with a 60 gallon tank. It is not enough to keep up with the sand blaster. That isn't the blasters fault. All of these blasters and beading cabinets need a lot of air (CFM).
I have had this sandblaster 10 years now and have used it on several projects. I have many hours on this blaster. What I don't like about this blaster is the small hole to pour in the 100 plus pounds of sand. I wish it was much larger. Loading the sand is time consuming and you MUST use the funnel or have sand everywhere. The stand that supports the blaster is weak and flimsy and so is the handle that the wheels are attached to at the bottom. Both have bent from the weight. The water seperator is also cheap but it works. Compressors create a lot of moisture and it will have an affect on the operation.
I have the older gun/valve system which was basically a ball gas valve with a handle that turned the air on and off. There is a ceramic nozzle on one end. It is a simple system but there is NO auto shutoff like the deadman guns. Because of my compressor I use "OO sand which is the finest they sell around here. These ceramic nozzles don't last long. What happens is the sand enlarges the small hole which then kicks out more sand at less pressure which results in a waste of sand.
You must wear a hood or have sand in your hair, ears, teeth and nose. Wear long sleeves because all the sand flying and ricocheting from your project will wear on your skin. When I am done I have sand everywhere.
I paid about $100 for this sandblaster a good 10 years or so ago. It does a good job. Even at the current price to me is worth it. It does blast the paint and rust off the items I've done. Very nice results. But the limiting factor is your compressor. I once had a portable compressor with a 20 gallon tank. It worked but not well. I would like to have a 2 stage but they are much more money. But like I said it is not the blasters fault. You could have a $1500 blaster and your air supply will still be a problem. I am happy with mine and it's a good bang for the buck. I would most definetly buy another one."
What is your level of technical expertise? Home Handyman
Abrasive Blaster Beware!,
June 19, 2008
"This thing is total garbage! The "Sturdy" handles are flemsy at best. The real thing is that even with all of the proper nozzles, no matter what kind of media you try to use, it is going to clog on a constant basis. I literally have to stop every few minutes and shake the stupid thing to keep the media flowing. I would advise anyone looking for a sand/media blaster to go with something that is probably more expensive, but you'll be happier you did in the end. You usually get what you pay for. Why do you think this thing is so inexpensive?"
What is your level of technical expertise? Home Handyman
Excellent portable blasting machine,
April 21, 2008
"I've had this unit for about 3 years and have used it on a wide variety of jobs both in my shop and at remote work locations. It holds enough aggerate for almost any job so constant refilling is not a problem. It is also small enough that it is easily portable by one person. I strongly recommend checking it if you are in the market for a blasting machine."
What is your level of technical expertise? Professional
Rollabout Abrasive Blaster,
April 21, 2008
"For its size and price this little unit packs a punch. Coupled with a compressor that can maintain a minimum of 90 psi this little unit will strip heavy rust accumulation leaving the metal totally clean and ready for a primer coat. The Deadman Handle provides great control of the spray pattern and gives a consistent blast without clogging. This is a great unit for everyday use that can take care of small, medium and even some big jobs."
What is your level of technical expertise? Home Handyman
