I have the same one, I have not tried walnut shells with it but I'm going to give it a go. I have a portable compressor so what I did was built a platform for the container to sit on, on top of my compressor so when the compressor kicks on, it acts like an agitator for the media. No more cavitation, built is on an angle as well. It helps a lot.
Great review. I have a blast cabinet and a big 80 gallon compressor but I do have some outdoor blasting needs. I just gave away my incredibly frustrating pressure blaster that never actually worked. I end up using a bucket and siphon gun which gets real annoying managing the siphon while blasting. Grabbing this upgrade!
It is not just the media used though, so make sure your media is always dry for the best results as you stated at the end of the video. Also, put the blaster tub higher than the project you are working on and gravity itself will help with the flow just as you mentioned doing. How long do you get on your nozzles prior to having to replace them? Nice video. I used the sand available from the desert when I was stationed at 29 Palms, CA years ago. I filtered it and it was a great media for my large HF sandblaster back then. For the cost, this is actually a good unit for the DIY user to have available, I believe.
I think the main problem with walnut shell or sponge blasting through this unit is the media is too big. It says on the package only to use slag grit/glass beads/garnet etc. stuff that’s like sand. Also gravity helps feed the media down the tube. Great review, thank you!
True! this is not exactly a "high end" unit. It does work OK with finer media. I bought a hand held small unit (not Harbor Freight) that handles the shells fine.
Very good. Thanks for posting your review. I just bought the same harbor freight blaster today to replace an old small pressure pot blaster that is more than frustrating to use.
Yes. Mine is a Parker brand that I picked up at an industrial surplus sale. But even a basic one from someplace like Harbor fright (Freight) will work if you keep an eye on it. Also, be sure to keep your compressor tank drained.
Question for you Roger: I actually need to find something that will DEPOSIT super fine silica sand in a somewhat even manner. I'm using epoxy and then putting a super fine media over the top. This will give the epoxy a semi matte finish and impregnate the epoxy with the fine silica sand. Do you think this would work?
In my opinion, this is not near accurate enough for that application. There are too many "variables" in delivery of the media since this is a gravity flow. I would look for something with a better media delivery (pressurized) for your application. Again, my opinion!
i have one as well they do work well as long as the blasting media keeps a even flow. ive used mostly glass bead with mine tried walnut shell and had the same problem with poor flow
I was thinking of getting this to strip the paint from leather firehelmet. I was going to use baking soda so I don’t damage the leather. Do you recommend this device if I use baking soda or will it jam up like when you use the walnut shells.
@@marcoparrinello4465 Never tried on leather, so not sure. My thought is it would penetrate the pores in the leather and be very difficult to remove. There are probably better ways to clean a leather surface. I am by no means an expert on leather, so I suggest consulting with someone that works with it on a regular basis.
Yes, it will work fine for that purpose. As for compressor size, it depends on if you want to wait every so often for it to catch up. I use a 60 gallon Dewalt upright, so don't need to wait for recovery. A 20 gallon would work, but you will need to stop every so often to let it catch up.
Thinking about getting one myself and researching different brands. Cost vs Quality for small jobs to possible rebuilding an Old Four wheeler. Thanks for the Video.very Informative. Other vids say Walnut shells are mostly for Paint removal and Non-reusable. For rust they recommend Glass bead, med to fine grit. I thought it was said the material can be recovered if debris is filtered. Not sure if that is correct, Never Sand-blasted myself..but seems the best tool to use in restoring metal tools and machinery Thanks again
The poor flow is because everyone on youtube is doing it wrong. You have no inline moisture filter for starters and second you need to raise the blaster up high in the air so the media drops by gravity. This helps considerably. When I first tried it it did the same thing but then I actually read the instructions that came with it. I had my blaster unit hanging as high as I could once I did that it worked really well. Warning my skin was filled with aluminum oxide. The stuff gets all over the place.
I don't need an inline filter as my compressor has a filter and air dryer at the outlet. I do a lot of painting. Regardless of how high you place this unit, it will not work with Walnut shells. Other, finer abrasives work just fine. And yes, they do make a mess.
I have the same one, I have not tried walnut shells with it but I'm going to give it a go. I have a portable compressor so what I did was built a platform for the container to sit on, on top of my compressor so when the compressor kicks on, it acts like an agitator for the media. No more cavitation, built is on an angle as well. It helps a lot.
I'm getting inconsistent media blasts with the fine media from Tractor Supply.
Did you do anything to make it consistent with the finer media?
Place the "tank" higher than the work if possible. Makes a big difference as gravity then helps with the flow.
Great review. I have a blast cabinet and a big 80 gallon compressor but I do have some outdoor blasting needs. I just gave away my incredibly frustrating pressure blaster that never actually worked. I end up using a bucket and siphon gun which gets real annoying managing the siphon while blasting. Grabbing this upgrade!
It is not just the media used though, so make sure your media is always dry for the best results as you stated at the end of the video. Also, put the blaster tub higher than the project you are working on and gravity itself will help with the flow just as you mentioned doing. How long do you get on your nozzles prior to having to replace them? Nice video. I used the sand available from the desert when I was stationed at 29 Palms, CA years ago. I filtered it and it was a great media for my large HF sandblaster back then. For the cost, this is actually a good unit for the DIY user to have available, I believe.
Only occasional use, so have not worn anything out (yet)...........
That 60gal was probably the biggest factor. Thanks for the review!
Exactly
I think the main problem with walnut shell or sponge blasting through this unit is the media is too big. It says on the package only to use slag grit/glass beads/garnet etc. stuff that’s like sand. Also gravity helps feed the media down the tube. Great review, thank you!
True! this is not exactly a "high end" unit. It does work OK with finer media. I bought a hand held small unit (not Harbor Freight) that handles the shells fine.
Great! Do you think this coal shag would be good for use in a tight crawlspace instead of soda and would you need a water extractor for it? Thank you!
you ALWAYS need a water extractor/drier or the moisture will foul the nozzle. Otherwise, the coal slag does work very well in this unit.
@@rogersshop Thank you for this info! I'm learning how to use this method. Do you have a video showing how to set it up for use?
@@bluebutterflywellness2273 This video pretty much shows it. Not much to it.
Hey, what cfm/psi were you running on? Thanks!
100 PSI. Not sure what CFM it was taking as I have a 60 gallon compressor and it had no problem keeping up.
@@rogersshop Thank you.
Very good. Thanks for posting your review. I just bought the same harbor freight blaster today to replace an old small pressure pot blaster that is more than frustrating to use.
Hi, when you say extremely fine what grit rating? Shop that sells this one have only 30/60 don't know how that would compare?
I use Black Blast, which is 1.5-2 mil. I don't know exactly how that compares to 30/60
You recommend using a water extractor. Did you use one? What do you recommend?
Yes. Mine is a Parker brand that I picked up at an industrial surplus sale. But even a basic one from someplace like Harbor fright (Freight) will work if you keep an eye on it. Also, be sure to keep your compressor tank drained.
Question for you Roger: I actually need to find something that will DEPOSIT super fine silica sand in a somewhat even manner. I'm using epoxy and then putting a super fine media over the top. This will give the epoxy a semi matte finish and impregnate the epoxy with the fine silica sand. Do you think this would work?
In my opinion, this is not near accurate enough for that application. There are too many "variables" in delivery of the media since this is a gravity flow. I would look for something with a better media delivery (pressurized) for your application. Again, my opinion!
@@rogersshop ..Thank you! I appreciate it!
i have one as well they do work well as long as the blasting media keeps a even flow. ive used mostly glass bead with mine tried walnut shell and had the same problem with poor flow
What did you say was the best media to use?
I use a brand called "Black Blast" and get it at Menards
For the price. It does a good job. I had a problem using walnut myself. But it does real good with finer media.
I know they make ones with a larger diameter, it might just be that the stock nozzle is too small for coarse media.
Where do you find the black blast media at?
I get mine at Menards
Cheers legend!!! Glad it came across this video
I was thinking of getting this to strip the paint from leather firehelmet. I was going to use baking soda so I don’t damage the leather. Do you recommend this device if I use baking soda or will it jam up like when you use the walnut shells.
Soda should flow fine, but make sure there is no moisture in your airline or you will have a mess
@@rogersshop thank ya so much. Also would it be safe to use soda on a leather fire helmet ?
@@marcoparrinello4465 Never tried on leather, so not sure. My thought is it would penetrate the pores in the leather and be very difficult to remove. There are probably better ways to clean a leather surface. I am by no means an expert on leather, so I suggest consulting with someone that works with it on a regular basis.
Every review I saw on line for the unit showed an issue with the feed of the sanding medium.
Would medium grit media work alright with it ?
Depends on exactly what "medium" is. If too coarse, it will not pass through the hose (which I replaced with something better) or clog.
What blast media did you use?
Shorten the feed hose if you don’t need it that long. That should help with feeding the walnut shells.
Were you using the coarse or fine walnut shells? I had the same issue with coarse and debating trying the fine.
Was using the fine grind and it still kept plugging up the feed tube. No problem with other fine medias, though.
I just came in from the garage to test out the same blaster with walnut shells.... wish I would have seen this first....
@@josiahpeters4717 Yeah, even the fine grind does not work with this unit........
Thanks..best review I’ve seen on this....
So is this a good blaster to remove paint from Lawn chairs. Also, what size compressor should I get????
Yes, it will work fine for that purpose. As for compressor size, it depends on if you want to wait every so often for it to catch up. I use a 60 gallon Dewalt upright, so don't need to wait for recovery. A 20 gallon would work, but you will need to stop every so often to let it catch up.
Do you think this would work for stripping old cast iron pans to prep them for re-seasoning?
Not the best method, but it would work.
Thinking about getting one myself and researching different brands. Cost vs Quality for small jobs to possible rebuilding an Old Four wheeler. Thanks for the Video.very Informative. Other vids say Walnut shells are mostly for Paint removal and Non-reusable.
For rust they recommend Glass bead, med to fine grit. I thought it was said the material can be recovered if debris is filtered. Not sure if that is correct, Never Sand-blasted myself..but seems the best tool to use in restoring metal tools and machinery Thanks again
The poor flow is because everyone on youtube is doing it wrong. You have no inline moisture filter for starters and second you need to raise the blaster up high in the air so the media drops by gravity. This helps considerably. When I first tried it it did the same thing but then I actually read the instructions that came with it. I had my blaster unit hanging as high as I could once I did that it worked really well. Warning my skin was filled with aluminum oxide. The stuff gets all over the place.
I don't need an inline filter as my compressor has a filter and air dryer at the outlet. I do a lot of painting. Regardless of how high you place this unit, it will not work with Walnut shells. Other, finer abrasives work just fine. And yes, they do make a mess.
The fine media what u use again please
A product called "Black Blast", obtained from Menards
Have you tried soda with it?
Have not had a need to do so yet.
I have surface rust on spokes on my harley do think this would be ok.I will use fine sand.Cheers
Fine glass beads would be a better choice and easier on the spoke plating than sand.
Thanks will give it a go.
You said you used "black blast from a local yard". What the heck does that mean?
Black Blast is a brand name abrasive meant for sand blasting and comes in 50 lb. bags. It is a fine textured abrasive that does a good job.
will it work to remove paint from wooden furniture?
Not a good idea as it will probably not only damage the wood, but embed abrasive into the wood pores. A paint stripper would be a better way to go.
Great review, thanks
great video . thank you ,,,Texas
No 20% off coupon anymore. Due to COVID-19 of course.
Good review. Thanks
Another idea is I bought a camping tent to work in recycle your sand❤
Great idea!
Not bad for low cost item I think imight get one
You must keep the media dry-use a water filter/dryer at the gun…
Nice thanks for in fo
I'm just going to make my own with a 5-gallon bucket. Then put legs on it with the outlet on the bottom of the bucket. I'll just add the hose and gun.
That would certainly work. I just didn't have the time to make my own when I was working on a project.
Well gravity feed is not done like that all you're doing is making it go downhill and then back up a large Hill LOL
Yeah, breathing walnut shells is fine! That is the wrong media for what you are doing. Black Beauty!!
It's a pos actually
Good review, thank you