My project list is growing and now after checking prices to sand blast a motorcycle frame, I decided to buy a small 20 gal sand blaster

I have a shop air compressor, but have no idea what media to use....I found some 80 grit silica at Tractor Supply Company

I will be mostly blasting motorcycle frames and parts (no sheet metal) before painting them some have surface rust but nothing major...will this 80 grit work ??? or would bead blasting work better to remove paint and rust

I will be priming with sand-able primer after the work has been cleaned to stop surface rust in our high humidity

Any advise will help since I've never worked with a sand blaster.....and theres only one place within 60 miles of me that does sand blasting but they are high priced to do one motorcycle frame costs the same as I paid for a 20 gal blaster kit (without media)

 

I sandblast the equipment i manufacture all the time, I prefer black beauty it is a slag from foundrys. Works faster than silica and leaves a nice profile for paint to stick to. But the rig I use is 350 CFM at 145 PSI.

 

I had a sand blaster for a while but I cant remember the grit of the media but the best for removing paint and light surface rust was ground walnut shells. I found for the work I did silica dented the metal to much and left to much prep work. After priming and paint you could still see the rough finish so I ended up having to sand anyway. I can say you need ALLOT of CFM from your compresser or you wont be happy with the results. Its something you will have to experiment with.

 

Do a search using "soda blast".

 

I got a tub of 80 grit silica and a tub of black beauty....I'll try these and see what the finish looks like

If the finish gets pitted I have a heavy primer that will fill the pits its made for spider cracks in paint and does a good job of covering to make a smooth finish

Thanks for everyones help