Bead Blasting
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 755
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From: Hobart Tasmania
Bead Blasting
I have heard the term 'Bead Blasting' on the Forum and when inquiring with the local Sandblaster he doesn't know what I mean.
Is Bead Blasting the use of glass beads, polysytrene, garnet stones etc or what substance.
Is Bead Blasting the use of glass beads, polysytrene, garnet stones etc or what substance.
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Don't try bead-blasting paint off your fiberglas unless you know what you are doing -- otherwise you can put a texture on the glass that is difficult/expensive to remove. 
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Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: North Easton Mass
There are several different types of blasting media available and each has a different purpose. You can look on Eastwood's website to get an idea of the different media types and their purpose. I agree that if your local blaster has no clue what bead blasting is you shouldn't trust him with anything delicate.
Rick B.
Rick B.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: PYOTE BOMBER BASE TEXAS
it is possible to use any thing from blow sand ....plastic media.... steel or lead shot...walnut shell ... ect.ect.... the type of media used and the size, will determine the cut rate...and finish desired... from a satin finish, to a heavy metalic flake look.... then if you intend to keep the desired finish...you will need to seal with clear or paint. ...or if you want it have a natural look just spray with a oil finisher wipe dry..and bang you are all set....this is a great way to hide surface blemishes...
as regards to sandblasters.....you most likely not find any living old blasters due to the lung health hazards....when you use a blast cabinet with worn out material...you see what I mean.
if you use a sand blast service and you want everything stripped..ask for a "white blast" and not the " commercial blast"...it will be clean and white.
as regards to sandblasters.....you most likely not find any living old blasters due to the lung health hazards....when you use a blast cabinet with worn out material...you see what I mean.
if you use a sand blast service and you want everything stripped..ask for a "white blast" and not the " commercial blast"...it will be clean and white.
Last edited by TEXASDESERTVETTE; Mar 8, 2007 at 07:53 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,078
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From: Santee CA
I would wholeheartedly agree to this one...Bead blasting is commonly used to refer to using glass bead to blast your items. If the blasting service hasn't ever heard of it, I'd look for another service, and QUICK.
I've got a cabinet of my own, and I use either glass bead or aluminum oxide to strip...The glass bead tends to be a very soft material and works well for most of my smaller parts.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,234
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From: Myrtle Beach SC
rih...are those valve covers for your 78? Did you paint them after beadblasting? I may be doing the same thing so curious.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
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From: Surrey
Chris, there's a bunch of people in your area who are into steam engine, railway & military vehicle restoration. If you can get hold of one of them they should be able to point you in the right direction.
