Hey guys,

I'm doing a thorough engine/compartment detailing on my black 98 and was about to get some quotes on having a number of things sandblasted when I realized, it would probably be to my advantage to just buy myself a smaller cabinet and do it all myself.

I've come across a few so far and from what I've seen, the Tractor Supply one looks and sounds the best. Let me know what you guys think.

Tractor Supply:
http://www.tractorsupply.com/jobsmar...pacity-3951103

Harbor Freight:
http://www.harborfreight.com/garage-...net-42202.html

Home Depot (1 of 2):
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...&storeId=10051

Home Depot (2 of 2):
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...&storeId=10051

The Home Depot cabinets look almost identical to the Tractor Supply one but for more money.

I have all of these stores nearby so once I decide on one, I'm hoping to pick one up quickly.

Thanks guys!

John

 

Whatever you buy, make sure it is easy to get the replacement films that go inside on the window. Also replacement nozzles for the blaster. Buy the largest cabinet size you can afford. Have a very good compresser. Scrape off loose dirt and remove grease and oils before blasting.
Also as an alternative, for small parts, nuts and bolts, including chrome interior parts I use a tumbler with ground walnut shells as a media. My tumbler is made by Dillon.

 

Hi and thanks for your suggestions. I'm leaning towards the Tractor Supply unit based on the price and reviews. It also comes with a light and they sell replacement films. Good call on prepping items by scraping off loose dirt and grease. I have a tumbler which works pretty well on the small stuff but it can take a really long time. I think I may pick up a blast "cup" to use in the cabinet for things like nuts and bolts, etc.

 

one of these things for gun casings?
http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/con...y_Case_Cleaner

.

 

Thats exactly what I have used for switch *****, doorhandles and all sorts of small items. With walnut shells, it just polishes and cleans. Not for rust.
Little slow, but it does its work while I do something else. Eastwood sells tumblers also, but I had the Dillon for my other hobby.

 

My buddy built one from a stainless steel cabinet he got real cheap.... it is 4 feet deep, 4 feet high and 8 feet long! great for doing the core support!

 

I have one of the bigger Harbor Freight ones. The cabinet is fine, but the gun left a lot to be desired. The ceramic tips are cheap quality and don't last long. I bought a upgraded gun and carbide tips from TP Tools to replace it and now it works great.

 

I've thought about building my own too but I think I'll wait til I have a big garage and then build a bigger one. For now, a more portable, bench top sized one is all I need. Great idea though!

Good to know..thanks Jeff!

 

TP Tools

USA made, great quality and service.

HF = chineseum junk.

 

Here's a thread with a lot more information:

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...t-cabinet.html

 

I have a HF standing model. Initially I was not impressed but I switched out the reinforced feed line inside for a slightly larger diameter hose that wouldn't kink and now it works like a charm. Just have to have plenty of media and enough compressor. Use a water filter or it will just cake up in there. Shop vac is a need also as after awhile you'll lose sight of stuff with the dust build up.

FYI: Old blast media from the vac will kill grass, lol

 

I recommend TP tools blast gun. I upgraded my free cabinet with a POS chinesium gun. Way, way better.

Also, what air compressor do you have?

I have a 200 psi 25 gallon compressor that does not supply enough CFM. It would drain the tank in 30 seconds.

Then I borrowed my dads 60 gallon, 10 cfm compressor. However, it only holds 110 psi, and switches on at 80. These guns use SO much air, that the compressor will not shut off. For example, I can blast 5-10 minutes, then have to wait for the compressor to recover and 15-20 minutes to cool down. It takes an 8 hour day to blast just a few things.

I recommend at least a 60 gallon compressor that will run 11 cfm @ 90 psi, AND hold at least 150 psi.

Otherwise, you will be disappointed in blast cabinets. This is one of those items that you should buy more than you planned on.

 

I have used the HF model and didn't like it. It was dark and not much fit in it. And as others have said the gun and tips are crappy.

 

Mine is an ex-Delta airlines cabinet I bought on ebay....if I were to buy a new one it would be a Skat Blast from TP Tools....

 

Same, I have the big stand up one from HF.

It's just a steel box, doesn't matter where it comes from. Agreed with the Shop Vac for exhaust.
My only recommendation is to caulk/seal all the edges and corners when building it.

Apparently there is some media that escapes out of it , not much but some does.