I'm stripping some SSII's and wonder what is the best size media. the 60-100 mesh is doing the job, but it is taking forever. Any guidance is appreciated.

 

I'm not up on the number ratings, but sharp and coarse is good for wheels.

Have you tried the shiny black stuff? (I think it's aluminum oxide)

- Eric

 

I don't know jack about blasting, but I've been doing a bit of research lately. Black diamond is what a lot of people are talking about, although I thought it was supposed to be 80 grit.
http://www.tractorsupply.com/tools/s...50-lb--3905403

 

I'm borrowing the cabinet from my snap on dealer. He has it full of glassbead in the 60-100. The coal slag that MX listed looks like a much faster cut. and its cheap too. I guess if I don't like how it leaves the surface, I can go over with the glass bead when I'm done.

Thanks for the tips.

 

ok guys i know a lot about blasting. i have two different one cabinet and a 200 pound pressurized. there are many types of media to use. what are you trying to blast. you can use what is called black beauty. it comes in different courses. fine medium and course. there is also walnut bead and a plastic. there applications is where it matters. if your trying to clean thin sheet metal best to use plastic it doesn't heat up and possible warp it. if your trying to remove heavy rust use slag or glass bead. the slag and glass bead wear down really fast. usually about three time thou system and it will be just about useless. if your trying to strip thick metal use slag and bead. if you have any question please ask away

 

SSII wheels. Looks like it has factory paint, then a filler primer over that and a top coat of paint. need something to strip them fast to send out for powdercoating.

 

I use black beauty, not sure of grit. I find in a siphon feed cabinet it takes me about an hour to do each wheel meticulously. After they are blasted I always hand sand the beads & face side w/ 220 grit sandpaper. It's a nuisance task but it leaves clean, somewhat shiny, smooth surface that is probably like they were when manufactured. I generally sand most metal parts after sandblasting.

If you want them to last & have a very nice finish they should Then be washed, epoxy primed & painted w/ a catalyzed single or 2 stage high quality paint.

 

Ok there are a few things you could do. I powder coat at my work and have a few years doing it. Then it comes to taking the old off and prepping for powder. First step you have to strip you can and should try to get aircraft paint remover very harsh will remove baked on powder. But if you can't use medium slag media. You don't have to do anything special to the item after blasted unless there is major pitting. If there is major pitting you have to get a metal filler that conducts electricity other wise when you have them powder coated that area will not atract the electrolisist of the powder. If the rims are aluminum be very careful not to stay in one place at a time. The reason you don't have to worry about the surface before coating rather than painting. When you paint you apply about 1 mil of product if that. When you powder it's usually 2-4 mils depending if you are doing a single stage of a multiple stage process. Anymore questions ask away