Best Blasting Media

I sandblast mostly gunparts for phosphating(ie Parkerizing.) I use a freestanding blasting cabinet with a gravity collection to reuse the media. I prefer 120 aluminum oxide from Grainger. If I was doing general rust and paint removal I would go with a 80 grit aluminum oxide if it is on non-critical dimension steel whatever. Aluminum oxide cuts well and lasts a long time. Very consistent in size as well. With any blasting media be damned careful on soft steel, aluminum, etc. You can easily screw things up.

WEAR a respirator and use some kind of vacuum system even if you have to jury rig it. Yes, inhaled silica dust or other minerals will kill you. Coal slag? No f..ing way. Ever hear of black lung disease in coal miners?
Tip: Put a big magnet in the hopper of the blasting cabinet. Picks up all kinds of crud in the media as it trickles down. Helps keep the media clean.
 
Iron Oxide (slag, etc) is cheap but looses it's edge very quickly. Best, cheap altearnative is, dry sharp sand. It is both lighter and, as long as it is dry, will be much more efficient in a set-up with less than an industrial compressor as it is drawn into the gun more easily. The other alternative is a "pressure pot" which works VERY well but needs constant regrading before adding to the pot. Glass beads are great for aluminium. Gives a beautiful matt silk finish.
Get the dry sand used for brushing into driveway/garden slabs. It is usually found indoors on the store shelves as moisture negates it's usefulness as a brush-able medium. You get the drift....
 
i use 80 grit glass beads,no pitting and takes all paint / rust off

i bought asmall cabinet from the local tractor supply for $99
 
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