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Let's Talk Cabinet Blasters #3091202
11/02/22 04:52 PM
11/02/22 04:52 PM
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SE Wisconsin, USA
RP's R/T's Offline OP
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SE Wisconsin, USA
I am thinking of getting a cabinet blaster.
I see there are many sizes and suppliers.

What are you using?
Size of the cabinet?
Brand?
Oxide or glass bead?
What is the minimum compressor output needed?
Are the small table top any good for smaller items?
Anything to run away from?
I see there are places that have used equipment...but with something like this unless you know the history it seems risky.

Re: Let's Talk Cabinet Blasters [Re: RP's R/T's] #3091204
11/02/22 04:54 PM
11/02/22 04:54 PM
Joined: Dec 2003
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KY
65pacecar Offline
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KY
I bought a barrel blaster and love it. Make sure whatever you get has a foot pedal, much easier to operate. I use a few different types of media. They are air hogs (any of them). I have an older IR compressor that keeps up, I’d have to check the cfm rating for it.

Last edited by 65pacecar; 11/02/22 04:56 PM.
Re: Let's Talk Cabinet Blasters [Re: RP's R/T's] #3091208
11/02/22 05:02 PM
11/02/22 05:02 PM
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Posts: 29,648
Hamtramck, PA
Alaskan_TA Offline
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I have a Skat Blast, a big one - www.skatblast.com

Love it! I could use a newer air compressor though.

Blast media type depends on what you are blasting.

Re: Let's Talk Cabinet Blasters [Re: RP's R/T's] #3091212
11/02/22 05:11 PM
11/02/22 05:11 PM
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British Columbia
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chrisf Offline
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i have a whole lot of experience on this.
i have three cabinets. first one is a dry pressure cabinet. that i use 10x epix which is around a 100 grit. low dust no silica. fast cutting 30x40"
2nd is a modified syphon feed (gravity feed through the bottom) dry #10 glass bead. 24x36"
3rd is a wet blast vapor blast cabinet (water + glass bead) 40x40"

all work well after modifying them. you can start off with a harbor frieght chinesium cabinet and modity the feed. lots of stuff online to do the conversion. it will perform 3x faster with the mods. check out tacoma company for the mods but source your stuff elsewhere he is a dick and ships when he feels like it
anything 24x30" would be a good start.
add a vacuum system to the cabinet as well. dust deputy works well for catching the dust before it hits the vacuum.

compressor. that depends on how big of a nozzle you use. smaller nozzle - less production but uses less air. You could probably get away with a 3hp but i would go 5hp at least if your starting fresh. good water trap as well

lots of medias work well alox is very heavy and can have problems flowing. garnet is a hard media that holds up. epix is good but very expensive.

another trick. dont fill your cabinet with 50-100lbs of media. put 10lbs in. easier to dump and no benefit with too much media in it.

used....facebook marketplace buy a cheapie and modify. easy to do. a $300 cabinet you can make work like a $3000 one.

Re: Let's Talk Cabinet Blasters [Re: Alaskan_TA] #3091215
11/02/22 05:17 PM
11/02/22 05:17 PM
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Posts: 1,883
Northern OH
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rapom Offline
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I have a skat blast from tp tools. I can do an intake or 15” wheel but that’s about it. I bought mine about 15 years ago and have used it a lot. My compressor is a 2 stage 18 cfm - 23 cfm and it just keeps up. Nozzle size determines cfm. There are times I wish I had gone bigger, but for the most part, it’s the right size.

I think my model was the 780. Just replaced the gloves last year. Also make sure you have a good water separator.

Re: Let's Talk Cabinet Blasters [Re: RP's R/T's] #3091219
11/02/22 05:29 PM
11/02/22 05:29 PM
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Phila
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Originally Posted by RP's R/T's
I am thinking of getting a cabinet blaster.
I see there are many sizes and suppliers.

What are you using?
Size of the cabinet?
A 36" wide will do most parts from a car. Except for bumpers/d-shafts/etc.
Brand?
I have an older Trico: really heavy gauge metal.
Oxide or glass bead?
Glass if for softer metals, plastics, etc. Oxide for those cast/steel with rust.
What is the minimum compressor output needed?
Depends on size of the nozzle & size of object. Many comp's can't keep up
with blasting continuously for many minutes, except maybe some screw types or
if you have a hugh tank. They tend to get overly hot after some time.
Are the small table top any good for smaller items?
You'll outgrow them quickly. Maybe good for model trains/etc.
Anything to run away from?
I see there are places that have used equipment...but with something like this unless you know the history it seems risky.
There really isn't that many things that wear with older ones: nozzle/hose/filter/etc. Nice thing is you may find a larger one cheap & then
you adapt nozzles/hoses/filters to suite your need.


Keep the cabinet as close to the compressor as possible, using largest dia hose that's comfortable.
You'd be surprised at the pressure drop on some hose after 25 feet or so.

Re: Let's Talk Cabinet Blasters [Re: PhillyRag] #3091222
11/02/22 06:06 PM
11/02/22 06:06 PM
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Posts: 13,544
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mopars4ever Offline
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I have the smaller Skat Blast . It has worked well over the years. I had a cheap harbor freight one that always leaked and I tossed it when I bought the Skat Blast.

Re: Let's Talk Cabinet Blasters [Re: mopars4ever] #3091241
11/02/22 07:35 PM
11/02/22 07:35 PM
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 149
Salem, NY
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69gtxvert Offline
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I also have a Skat-Blast from TP Tools.... have tried to wear it out for close to 20 years. It is nice to have. If using glass bead (which I do), get it from TP Tools. I tried some Harbor Freight media and it was so dusty I couldn't see what I was trying to clean up.

Re: Let's Talk Cabinet Blasters [Re: 69gtxvert] #3091247
11/02/22 07:58 PM
11/02/22 07:58 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,473
N.E. OHIO, USA
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Originally Posted by 69gtxvert
I also have a Skat-Blast from TP Tools.... have tried to wear it out for close to 20 years. It is nice to have. If using glass bead (which I do), get it from TP Tools. I tried some Harbor Freight media and it was so dusty I couldn't see what I was trying to clean up.


Same here on the Skat-Blast from TP Tools. Bought a double door (one on each end) cabinet 20+ years ago for the shop at work and it has seen hundreds of hours of work with no issues except wearing out tips and needing more glass protecting "tear offs" and more glass bead medium. The nice thing about having access doors on each end is a couple of times we had to bead blast some things of unusual lengths so we made a temporary extension, removed one end door, sealed the extension and fit the item in complete. Blasted the section in the cabinet then flip it to the part that rested in the extension. Can easily be done with cardboard, wood or whatever. You can do a bumper that is twice the length of your cabinet this way with a double end door blaster. Oh and always open and shut the door while leaving the vacuum on this way the dust tends to stay in the cabinet.

Re: Let's Talk Cabinet Blasters [Re: A12] #3091284
11/02/22 10:16 PM
11/02/22 10:16 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,193
Omaha Ne
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TJP Offline
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Omaha Ne
I have a Trinco unit which is commercial grade ( compare the weight of the units wink ) Also Carbide nozzles will for out last a ceramic one. I run a 7.5 HP two Stage Quincy with a couple of filters/ traps and a Motorguard filter right at the cabinet.

beer

Re: Let's Talk Cabinet Blasters [Re: RP's R/T's] #3091303
11/03/22 01:45 AM
11/03/22 01:45 AM
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Bend,OR USA
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Cab_Burge Offline
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Bend,OR USA
I bought a Harbor Freight blaster years ago, mid 1980s? I finally assembled it 3 yrs. ago. and it is horrible on leaking out of the bottom edges into the shop down puke
It came with some sticky insulation rubber strips but no mention in the instructions what they were for so I will now take it apart and install them and hope that fixes it luck
I had a real old Craftsman brand siphon type blaster that was a total loss system that had to be used outside and spread sand all over where you were working making a mess, I didn't use it very much due to that issue down.
My message is buy a good brand first and not regret it later twocents work up

Last edited by Cab_Burge; 11/03/22 01:45 AM.

Mr.Cab Racing and winning with Mopars since 1964. (Old F--t, Huh)
Re: Let's Talk Cabinet Blasters [Re: Alaskan_TA] #3091307
11/03/22 02:47 AM
11/03/22 02:47 AM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,115
A Red State
SNK-EYZ Online tonguue
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A Red State
Originally Posted by Alaskan_TA
I have a Skat Blast, a big one - www.skatblast.com

Love it! I could use a newer air compressor though.

Blast media type depends on what you are blasting.


Same here, I've had a Skat Blast cabinet for 30 years now and love it.

I believe it's the 960, this one. https://www.skatblast.com/product/usa-960-dlx-abrasive-blast-cabinet/

About 12 years ago I added an extension to the side of the cabinet to be able to fit the metal dash frames into it.
Extension.https://www.skatblast.com/product/blast-cabinet-extension-2/


Kayse can't keep up at all now. lol
Re: Let's Talk Cabinet Blasters [Re: SNK-EYZ] #3091311
11/03/22 05:16 AM
11/03/22 05:16 AM
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Canada -- Posts: 4034 -Registe...
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I have a small bench top one and a friend of mine who does anything bigger in his.

Usually I'm doing parts that I end up powder coating and for that I'm still using one of the eastwood kits.

Re: Let's Talk Cabinet Blasters [Re: SNK-EYZ] #3091312
11/03/22 05:46 AM
11/03/22 05:46 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,473
N.E. OHIO, USA
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Originally Posted by SNK-EYZ
Originally Posted by Alaskan_TA
I have a Skat Blast, a big one - www.skatblast.com

Love it! I could use a newer air compressor though.

Blast media type depends on what you are blasting.


Same here, I've had a Skat Blast cabinet for 30 years now and love it.

I believe it's the 960, this one. https://www.skatblast.com/product/usa-960-dlx-abrasive-blast-cabinet/

About 12 years ago I added an extension to the side of the cabinet to be able to fit the metal dash frames into it.
Extension.https://www.skatblast.com/product/blast-cabinet-extension-2/


I think we have the next step up from the 960 and what a workhorse. Need to make sure you have good clean, dry contaminant free air getting to it for better results.

IMG_2997ZZ.jpg
Re: Let's Talk Cabinet Blasters [Re: A12] #3091315
11/03/22 06:18 AM
11/03/22 06:18 AM
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Posts: 6,363
Abilene, Texas
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fastmark Offline
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I’ve got two. One is an old industrial clamshell type. It works well but it can leak some. I bought a medium size Scat from in a package deal in a big buy. I like it but it’s not near big enough for big items. Get the biggest you can afford. You will use it all the time. Get a big compressor and a good water filter trap. I use the one with the paper roll from TP. They are a great source for parts. I use a regular big shop vac with bags for one. The bags for the canister type can blow out and send dus5 all over the place.

Re: Let's Talk Cabinet Blasters [Re: fastmark] #3091329
11/03/22 07:50 AM
11/03/22 07:50 AM
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boston mass-moving to long isl...
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i have a trinco machine - it's big and heavy... cost a pretty penny, but compared to my buddy's tp machine its a Cadillac against a pinto - expensive, but they work very well

Re: Let's Talk Cabinet Blasters [Re: massdaytona] #3091366
11/03/22 11:35 AM
11/03/22 11:35 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 19,237
north of coder
moparx Offline
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i bought two hobo fright blasters when they were on a "super sale" [??]. kinda like almost a twofer one deal.
my plan is to modify them by bolting them together, and modifying the tray/hopper area to be a "quick dump" into a 5 gallon pail.
the reason for this, i will be using this outside in an open protected area, hopefully keeping the dust out of the shop.
the "quick dump" will allow me to empty the bin when i'm done, and store the media inside to keep it from getting damp.
i'm also going to hook up a shop vac. i'm guessing a 5 gallon unit will be enough ?
beer

Re: Let's Talk Cabinet Blasters [Re: fastmark] #3091393
11/03/22 01:10 PM
11/03/22 01:10 PM
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Omaha Ne
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TJP Offline
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Originally Posted by fastmark
I’ve got two. One is an old industrial clamshell type. It works well but it can leak some. I bought a medium size Scat from in a package deal in a big buy. I like it but it’s not near big enough for big items. Get the biggest you can afford. You will use it all the time. Get a big compressor and a good water filter trap. I use the one with the paper roll from TP. They are a great source for parts. I use a regular big shop vac with bags for one. The bags for the canister type can blow out and send dus5 all over the place.


The filter you speak of is made by Motor guard and has been around for years. they can b e bought cheaper elsewhere wink They were originally used as an oil filter back in the 50's. one would want the M-60 as it has larger fittings for air flow.
If one does not have an air dryer on their compressor you will likely need one of these. I place a separator with a drain just before the MG Filter and then straight to the regulator separator on the the blast cabinet. I also add an 1/8 NPT petrcock to the bottom of the MG housing so i can drain it as well wink

Re: Let's Talk Cabinet Blasters [Re: TJP] #3091454
11/03/22 05:04 PM
11/03/22 05:04 PM
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Posts: 3,518
Lansing, MI
70gtx440dana Offline
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I have a Trinco 36" cabinet....Wish I had room for a 48". The Trinco is a high quality US made unit. I highly recommend if it is within your budget. I use black magic to blast most anything I do. I run a water seperator at the outlet on the compressor and one at inlet to the cabinet. Clean dry air is mandatory.

Last edited by 70gtx440dana; 11/03/22 05:06 PM.

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Re: Let's Talk Cabinet Blasters [Re: 70gtx440dana] #3091583
11/04/22 10:45 AM
11/04/22 10:45 AM
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,914
Calgary, Alberta Canada
a12rag Offline
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Before I started the resto on the Sport Satellite, I bought a HOBO unit

https://www.harborfreight.com/40-lb-capacity-floor-abrasive-blast-cabinet-68893.html

Found that the finer #7 (I think it is) glass bead left a great finish, might have taken longer to strip crap off, but no real pitting . . . anyhow, it was big enough for larger things like a wheel (took a while to do) . . . I have a Campbell Hausfeld compressor that really had to work, so would drain the air tank, then stop and let it fill up and go again . . . anyhow, for my use it worked great ! Took up too much space, so after I was all done, sold to a buddy . . .

Guess it all depends on what your are going to use it for and how long you want to use it . . .

Cheers

Mark

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