Best sand for sandblasting

[T Bell]

I have a contractor friend that will give me sand. He has the white fine sand and the coarser tan sand. I know I have to have a mask on so the silica does squeeze the life out of my lungs. Which is better for blasting a frame and rear axle with light rust?

[907rs]

Either one will work great given you have the correct size nozzle.

Although it's nice to save money by getting the sand for free, I'd highly suggest you look into some of the more health friendly blasting media out there. They don't cost a lot considering your life is at stake, and you wouldn't believe how fine the dust generated by using sand can be.

Good luck! :thumbsup:

[T Bell]

So it's even dangerous with one of those charcoal painter's mask?

[907rs]

So it's even dangerous with one of those charcoal painter's mask?

I wouldn't say that without knowing for sure, but it wouldn't hurt to check out the MSDS sheet if one is availiable, or at least checking with a local supplier for the appropriate personal protective equipment.

[Fluid Power]

If you check any filter, it will say it is not approved for "sand blasting" i.e, silica dust. The only "approved" method to be used with sand is a fresh air system. It is a bit spendy for the weekend warrior. In fact, here in Ohio, I was told that sand was not for sale as blasting media anymore due to liability reasons. We use Black Beauty (trade name) for blasting and it is coal slag. It produces little dust and can be purchased in several sizes depending on the desired courseness. We still use a fresh air system and other methods to control dust.

My recommendation is do it safely or don't do it at all. It is also very inexpensive to have things sandblasted professionally. Just my .02.

Darren

[68protouring454]

i use recycled glass, called glass jet, much safer than all this silica crap, check local auto body supply shop
jake

[T Bell]

Thanks guys. I'll look into the Black Beauty. Can it remove rust? What about paint?

[Ummgawa]

Best sand is someone else's sand blasting it in someone elses booth. Trust me its worth the jack to have it blasted.

[68protouring454]

only use this on frames, do not do any door jambs or anything on car, it will eat the m,etal and pit it, i have found the glass jet, medium to be the best overall for blasting frames and body panels, creates almost no heat, and works great
jake