sandblasting

[!ngridh]

I know quite a few of you do some sandblasting. I am ready.
Could you share what you use and where you got it, apprx cost. Want to share some pictures? I do know some hobby shops carry small table top models. I think I may have finally got a handle on my grinder and want to try out some different techniques. I want to order on line so on line sources would be best. thanks!

[midniteburner]

Ingridh,

I don't have many lamps that come in where the panels have to be sandblasted. When I do, I take them to a retail stained glass shop that will do it for a small fee.

Some stained glass retailers use and/or sell this type of equipment. I would suggest you call around and ask. If you do find a shop in your area that has one, try it out first.

Good Luck,

Sara

[DesertDreamer]

Here are some cool links I just Googled:

http://www.thejoyofglass.com/

http://members.aol.com/aaasuper1/ (excellent how to get started link partway down)

http://www.scmsysteminc.com/

http://www.etchworld.com

[glassfreek]

you can find a small sand blasting cabinet at harber freight tools .com there are 2 types, syphon systoms or presher pots. the first one will be great for small stuff but take a long time to do things. for depth carving and large pieces you will want the presure pot. dont bye the little hobby air brush type you will never get anywhere with it unless you just want to do beads or very fine detailed work. the alum oxide will cost you alot for the air brush , for the others you can just use 100 grit sand.

mike

[!ngridh]

Thanks ...some great links...if any of you DO sandblast, I am curious as to your journey. I know I have seen some comments about it...so if you got the set up, what did you think of what you got...etc...Especially if you got it and it didn't turn out to be what you thought it would be...or you got it and wow ...the opportunities for design were pheomenal...or anything in between! ;-)

[loydb]

I've been thinking about getting a setup -- I already have a good Porter-Cable pancake compressor that I use with my nail gun, so I just need one of the mini booths and a siphon pot.

Cindy's new book has some beautiful sandblasted beads in it.

loyd

[!ngridh]

So Loyd...where are you going to get it and what are you going to get...and tell me about the compressor..where should I get that? I don't want to spend a fortune but I am not trying to buy the cheapest set up I can find either ;-)
thanks

[loydb]

All I know about compressors is related to finish guns and nail guns. I used to work wood a lot before this damn torch showed up :) The one I got was a PORTER CABLE 2 HP 6 Gallon Pancake Compressor Model CPFAC2600P (http://shop.woodcraft.com/Woodcraft/product_family.asp?family%5Fid=4403&gift=False&mscssid=E5B06CBF262C4233B1CB515FE297E8B6) . I got it with a finish nailer (which I would *NOT* recommend -- first bad piece of Porter-Cable equipment that I've every gotten. I'm gonna send it back and see if they can tune it up some.) for around $275. They're $180 alone.

It will easilly handle 140 PSI+, I use it a lot for dust removal before finishing a project, spray finishing and occasional nailing.

My research about sandblasting has gotten as far as "I need to do some research about sandblasting" stage, plus what I read in Cindy's new book, saw on _Modern Masters_, and read about in various magazines that are currently lovingly packed in storage. :)

I am going to swing by harbor freight this weekend to see what they have, however.

loyd