Military Vehicles, May 1997,: re: [MV] Sand Blasting

re: [MV] Sand Blasting

DOConnor@zoomit.sikorsky.com
5 MAY 97 11:54:24 EDT

There are many different types of media available for sandblasting. The most
common is silica (sand.. no not from the beach) and is graded from coarse to
fine like steel wool. "O" is coarse, "OO" is medium, "OOO" is fine, etc. and
you have to choose the right media for the work you are doing, just like
choosing sandpaper. There are many options in medias like limestone (very
coarse, don't bother), "Black Beauty", glass bead, plastic media, etc. These
should be available through local industrial suppliers who, if knowledgeable,
should be able to help you with proper selection. How many times you can
reuse the media will depend on how you use it and how careful you are at
sifting as you fill the hopper. Please be careful with these medias, they
must be handled properly. Use a proper respirator NOT a dust mask and a good
hood. Expect the sand to get EVERYWHERE and flying sand will have an abrasive
effect on things nearby. If you set up a booth of some sort anticipate vent
needs, media disposal, the lens in the hood being sandblasted so you can't
see almost immediately and so on. Finally, if you have kids, DO NOT LET THEM
PLAY WITH THIS STUFF EVEN AFTER YOU'RE DONE. Don't put it in the sandbox, let
them fool around with it near the work site and God Forbid they throw it at
each other. My good friend does this for a living and when I have the kids
and need to stop at the shop they aren't even allowed out of the truck.
Handled properly the results are worth the effort though. Also, don't leave
freshly blasted metal exposed too long, it rusts easily. Best to blast only
what you have time to prime the same day. Blasting cast iron is different
too. It rusts almost immediately so anticipate painting as soon as you blast
it and remember that the oil in your skin will affect adhesion of the primer
and paint so use gloves. I know this is a lot of stuff, hope it helps.

Regards,
Dennis O'Connor
Naugatuck, CT, USA

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