How to make sandblasting with your own hands: video tutorials and some tricks

A sandblaster is one of the most important devices in the repair of almost any car. The main task is to effectively prepare the surface of the vehicle for further processing, including painting. The high level of functionality contributed to the fact that many people were able to note the maximum benefits of the sandblasting machine.

The main tasks of a sandblasting machine

Before you understand what the operating principle of a sandblasting machine is, you need to carefully study all the possibilities for using the equipment:

• removing existing rust;
• removal of scale, as well as molding primer from the car body;
• getting rid of previous layers of paint;
• preparatory activities before matting;
• increasing the strength of the car body;
• removal of burrs and polishing coatings that have aged;
• preparation before further painting or applying anti-corrosion agents.

Carrying out all of the above activities requires minimal financial investments. At the same time, high quality cleaning of the car body is guaranteed.

Types of sandblasting machines

There are different types of sandblasting machines. Types of equipment according to the possible size of processed workpieces:

1. Closed-type sandblasting installations - the design is a chamber in which parts are cleaned. Their size is limited by the dimensions of the camera. The downside is the presence of size restrictions, the pros are better processing quality, high equipment power.
2. Open type units are mobile devices that are easy to transport. With their help you can clean parts of any size and shape. Disadvantages: high consumption of abrasive, impossibility of reusing it.

Regarding the design, the following types of sandblasting machines are distinguished:

1. Direct pressure type devices. These are units that have a separate hopper for mixing air with particles for cleaning. After mixing, the finished stream is supplied through a hose to a working gun with a nozzle.
2. Injection type devices. Designs used for finishing, as they cannot work with large abrasive particles. Air and cleaning mass are supplied to the gun separately and mixed in it.

A separate group includes pneumatic models. They are difficult to make yourself. They are used in large enterprises for serial processing of parts.

Description of the sandblasting machine

Any model has a certain device that is classic. So, modern sandblasting machines consist of the following parts:

• compressor to create an air flow of optimal pressure;
• storage receiver;
• a gun that allows you to successfully treat the surface of a vehicle with a jet of sand;
• container with abrasive material;
• systems used to automatically perform assigned tasks and monitor the quality of events;
• connecting hoses to create a reliable, sealed structure.

One of the main elements of any sandblasting machine is an automation system that allows you to control the pressure for supplying abrasive material to the gun. If necessary, you can use the system for emergency shutdown in the event of failures during the operation of the equipment.

The existing control system guarantees full control of the sandblasting compressor to prevent potentially dangerous situations. As a result, the equipment can be easily switched to idle or working mode. Sometimes the control system is located in the work area and in areas of additional equipment maintenance.

Another important element is the connecting hoses. They determine the power and other technical parameters of the device. When choosing hoses for equipment, you should consider the pressure they can withstand. It is imperative to take into account the diameter and internal resistance, length, since these are the parameters that determine the productivity and power of sandblasting equipment.

Types of abrasive materials

The very first abrasive for surface treatment was sand: the devices got their name from it. Nowadays, metal is cleaned using sand and other, more modern and effective materials. They differ in the following physical characteristics:

• hardness – determines the intensity of processing and its speed,
• particle size – coarse materials have a higher impact force,
• uniformity – uniform surface treatment is ensured only by particles of approximately the same size,
• shape - round elements remove dirt through direct contact with the surface, elongated ones act by friction, grain-shaped ones give a polishing effect.

Abrasive materials are also classified by origin:

1. Natural. The group includes different types of sand - river, quartz, desert, sea. Now their use is limited, since there are many more effective analogues.
2. Vegetable. These are different seeds, husks, and other products of plant processing. They are very gentle and are most often used to clean delicate surfaces.
3. Industrial. They can be based on metal, products of its processing, or non-metallic. The most famous abrasive in this group is steel shot, which can be used repeatedly. The most commonly used non-metallic abrasives are glass grain and crushed plastic, and waste abrasives are slag and corundum.

Main settings

Power and performance are the main parameters that determine how effective a sandblaster can be. The first characteristic directly depends on the pressure created by sandblasting equipment. The optimal indicator is considered to be up to eight atmospheres, and this figure largely depends on the size of the nozzle.

Capacity determines the amount of compressed air flow that is delivered over a certain period of time. In most cases, the parameter is measured in liters of air per minute, and it determines the volume of sand that is supplied to the work area over a certain period of time.

Other characteristics are secondary. In this regard, when trying to understand how sandblasting works, it is not necessary to pay attention to them.

Features and characteristics of the pistol

For a pistol, the main parameters are:

• its performance;
• operating pressure;
• nozzle diameter;
• method of capturing an abrasive composition.

All of these characteristics, except the last one, depend proportionally on the compressor and the design features of the gun itself.

For example, with a larger nozzle diameter, the gun's performance will be greater. However, at the same pressure values, a nozzle with a larger diameter will have a lower jet power. This means that a larger amount of sand will be supplied, but its acceleration speed will be lower.

These parameters are selected depending on the task facing sandblasting. For example, when processing brick or concrete walls, wood products and so on, less jet power is required, while productivity is needed as much as possible. But when processing glass, metal and other hard surfaces, a jet with high acceleration is needed.

Specifics of the operation of sandblasting machines

So how does a sandblaster work? In fact, the car coating processing scheme is extremely simple. A compressed air flow is supplied through the hose, and abrasive particles are picked up at this time and accelerated to thirty to forty meters per second to further knock down contaminants and corrosion elements from the vehicle’s coating. According to this scheme, the device used can successfully prepare the car for further painting or other activities, but before performing further actions, a thorough cleaning is carried out using a metal brush. If you don't clean your car using a wire brush, the abrasive particles won't stick.

When choosing sandblasting, you should remember the principles of its operation and technical parameters. The effectiveness of the tasks performed depends on this.

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A sandblasting machine is useful to almost everyone. This device will help you quickly and efficiently clean surfaces from traces of old paint, rust and scale. It is not difficult to find sand cleaning devices on sale, but they are not cheap. The most “budget” of them will cost at least 9,000 rubles. Today, the HouseChief editors offer you detailed instructions on how to make sandblasting yourself. Videos, tips from experts and important recommendations for operating the device are in this article.

A sandblasting machine will help you quickly and efficiently clean any surface for further processing.

Read in the article

Pros and cons of processing

Sandblasting has a number of advantages:

• quick cleaning of surfaces, especially in comparison with manual action,
• excellent quality of work - the air-abrasive mixture guarantees the removal of absolutely all types of dirt and old coatings,
• the ability to independently regulate the type of cleaning - this property is achieved by changing the operating pressure of the installation,
• no harm to the metal - the thickness of the product does not change, as well as other parameters,
• versatility - sandblasting is suitable for almost all metal products, as well as glass, wood, concrete and a number of other materials.

There are also disadvantages to this type of processing. If the installation is industrial, the operator will need to undergo training. For small household devices, this point can be skipped, but familiarization with safety measures is still required.

The price of good devices is quite high, especially when it comes to stationary cameras. The use of sand can be hazardous to health, because the smallest particles of sand dust can settle in the lungs and cause serious illness. Instead of sand, it is better to use more modern abrasives, but they are much more expensive.

How does a sandblasting machine work and its diagram

It will not be possible to make a sandblasting machine entirely from homemade parts; you will have to purchase some parts of the device before starting work. In principle, sandblasting is similar to a spray gun. It consists of a compressor that provides air flow, a line into which sand flows and a nozzle that ejects the filler towards the surfaces being treated. The device itself can have impressive dimensions if, for example, you need to clean a brick wall from traces of paint, or compact if we are talking about delicate work of engraving on glass.

In addition to the three main elements that have already been mentioned, the device circuit includes a receiver, a tap system, electrical relays and hoses. To fill the sand you will need a main tank.

General diagram of the sandblasting machine

This is what the device diagram looks like.

Sandblasting machine diagram

As you can see, all the components of the device can be purchased or manufactured separately, which means that the task at hand - making a sandblasting installation with your own hands - is feasible.

Design and principle of operation

A homemade sandblasting machine has a fairly simple design.

1. A compressor, preferably powerful enough.
2. A working container (cylinder) into which sand is poured.
3. Branch pipe with a shut-off valve for adjusting the sand supply.
4. Spray gun (nozzle).
5. Connecting hoses.

Sandblasting diagram: 1 - air supply from the compressor;
2, 13, 15 — connecting tees; 3, 5 — air supply adjustment; 4 - pressure sensor; 6, 14 - pipelines; 7 — overpressure valve; 8 - dry sand; 9 — air supply control valve; 10 — rubber gasket of the filler neck cover; 11 — sand supply adjustment valve; 12 — sand container; 16 — air supply with sand to the nozzle; 17 — filling neck; 18 — filler neck cover. It all works very simply.

1. Two pipes are inserted into the working container. The top one is for connecting to a compressor to create excess pressure inside the cylinder. The lower one is for supplying sand. To regulate the flow intensity, a tap is inserted into this pipe.
2. The air flow from the compressor is divided into two parts: one goes into the upper pipe of the cylinder to pump pressure inside, the second is connected to the lower pipe to create an air-sand mixture at the outlet.
3. From the lower nozzle, a mixture of sand and air under pressure is supplied to the spray gun or nozzle.

Operating principles of a sandblasting machine and its scope of application

The simple principle of the action of sand as a powerful abrasive is known to everyone. The smallest particles falling on the work surface under pressure tear off all layers of paint, plaque, and rust. The task of sandblasting is precisely to direct the abrasive in the desired direction and provide the necessary pressure to complete the job. The pressure is provided by an air compressor.

It is too difficult to make a compressor yourself, so you will have to purchase one

For your information! A sandblasting machine will require a compressor with a power of at least 3 kW and a capacity of 500 l/m.

You can use a sandblaster with water - it will replace air, and instead of a compressor you can use a high-pressure washer. In order for sand to flow into the main line, the container of the apparatus must have the correct angle of inclination of the walls, like in an hourglass.

The operating principle of the sandblasting machine in the training video

How surfaces are cleaned with a pressure-type sandblaster in practice is demonstrated in the following video:

Using such a device, you can clean not only metal from traces of corrosion. By adjusting the pressure of the incoming abrasive, you can easily remove old paint or whitewash from walls and floors, tidy up a wooden fence, and matte the surface.

Advantages and disadvantages

Buying or renting a sandblasting device requires certain financial costs, and in this case, many craftsmen try to make a unit for processing various surfaces on their own.

If you follow the assembly sequence and use high-quality components, then the device in its operating parameters will be in no way inferior to professional equipment.

In addition, it can be additionally equipped with air recirculation, which will only increase the capabilities of the homemade device.

In general, devices with air recirculation work several times more efficiently and provide better processing.

In the photo below you can see a version of a homemade device of this type with air recirculation.

If you have minimal knowledge of mechanics, the process of assembling the device will not take much time and will allow you to save on the purchase of a sandblasting unit assembled at the factory.

A truly high-quality result can only be achieved if only high-quality components are used when assembling a device with recirculation.

The video below will help you assemble this unit yourself.

When assembling a sandblasting unit yourself, you should not rush, as such a device may subsequently work incorrectly and quickly fail.

Particular attention should be paid to the compressor. For this device, you should use a compressor that is capable of creating the required air pressure.

Video:

The same fully applies to the nozzle, which must be of a certain size, and in addition, made only from tungsten materials.

In some operating parameters, a sandblasting device assembled independently may be inferior to factory units, but this will not greatly affect the quality of processing.

In any case, before proceeding directly to the assembly itself, you should carefully think through everything and draw up a detailed plan of your actions.

If this equipment is required for one-time work, then the solution may be to rent the unit at any specialized center.

If financial capabilities allow and a device of this type is used regularly, as a result of which it is necessary, then it is best to choose a factory sandblasting machine, similar to the one shown in the photo at the beginning of our article.

Video:

How to choose the right sand for sandblasting

Initially, sandblasters used quartz sand. This is the cheapest consumable material for such installations. Modern manufacturers offer to load other bulk abrasives into the device, the effect of which is significantly different from ordinary sand. It got to the point that some European countries banned the use of simple sand in work, citing the fact that it causes serious health problems for people who are within the radius of work.

The worker himself must wear protective clothing, a respirator and goggles

Proponents of the use of sand, in addition to its main advantage - price, also mention the possibility of reusing the abrasive, including for construction purposes. The average hardness of the particles allows the device to be used by a person with insufficient experience without the risk of damaging the surface being treated. In addition, sand has fractions of different sizes, which allows you to select the optimal mode for cleaning different types of coatings.

What other types of abrasive materials can be used in sandblasting:

• Cooper slag or nickel - waste from nickel and copper production, characterized by high strength and hardness;
• garnet sand – used for cutting metal in powerful sandblasting machines;
• aluminum oxide - electrocorundum - is the hardest abrasive, capable of coping with any task and at the same time retaining its particle shape;
• cast iron and steel shot - not cheap, but has the ability to harden the surface, like forging.

Abrasives for sandblasting machines are sold in packages starting from 20 kg

By what principle is this or that consumable material selected? First of all, you should decide on the purpose of the work: if you need to clean the wall of a house from facade paint, you should not buy an expensive abrasive. If your device is unable to collect and reuse the material, then give preference to quartz sand. It can at least be used in bulk in a sandbox.

To clean a durable hard coating, solid fractions will be required; for quick rough processing, large particles will be required.

Personal protection for sandblaster

When working with sandblasting machines, special attention is paid to the individual protection of the sandblaster. This type of material processing poses several dangers to human health.

The first of them is grains of sand flying out at very high speeds, which can reach 700 kilometers per hour. Many particles ricochet off the surface being treated, which can cause serious injury to the skin. To protect yourself from their effects, you must use the following personal protective equipment:

• special shoes;
• overalls made of durable material;
• leather gloves;
• protective helmet.

Sand dust and other particles knocked off the surface being treated have a negative effect on the respiratory system. To protect against this harm, the sandblasting helmet is equipped with an independent air source. Air usually comes from outside the work shop and is forced into the helmet for breathing. Sometimes self-contained air supply systems are used, similar to those used by scuba divers.

Well, the last, no less dangerous source of harm to health is noise. Its creation involves a rather loud compressor, a whistling stream of compressed air and the noise of sand hitting the surface being treated. If you remain under the influence of all these noises for a long time, you can very quickly get injured in your hearing aid. To protect against excess noise, special sound-absorbing headphones are used, mounted in the sandblaster’s helmet.

How to choose a sandblasting machine from those presented in stores

If you choose a device in a store, a reasonable question arises: which sandblasting machine is better to choose?

To choose the right device, you need to consider it from the point of view of convenience and practicality of use. Here are some basic selection criteria:

• criterion No. 1 : size of the abrasive container. The larger the tank, the less often you will have to fill the material, but at the same time, the heavier the entire structure will be. For manual work, a hundred-liter barrel is enough;

Sandblasting can get rid of graffiti

Where is the device used?

The areas of application of the sandblasting method are quite extensive. These devices are mainly used to clean the internal and external sides of products from corrosion, paint, scale, various types of contaminants, remove burrs, and polish metal. Also, these devices are often used for:

• Cleaning and removing greasy marks from surfaces before painting various products: boats, car rims, car bodies, rusty cranes, pipes, rusty doors.
• Construction. For finishing under plaster, walls made of stone, brick or concrete are sandblasted. This type of finishing is also needed before painting walls in wooden houses.
• Artistic works. Marble slabs and monuments are processed, glass and shop windows are frosted.
• Industrial facilities. The surface is prepared for painting during repair work at energy, ship repair, railway and other facilities.

This cleaning method is often used during body repairs, as well as before painting car wheels.

What tools and materials are needed to make a sandblasting machine with your own hands?

Returning to the issue of making sandblasting with your own hands, let’s consider what is required for the work:

• A compressor that provides pressure for the sandblaster. As we have already said, it is very difficult to make a compressor for sandblasting with your own hands, and the resulting result is unlikely to please you with its power. So you just need to buy this part. You will need a device with a power of at least 3 kW with a forced cooling system and a pair of piston groups.
• Container for abrasive. The main requirement for the tank is the correct slope of the walls, ensuring natural pouring of sand. The walls should be at an angle of 30 to 60°. The container must be made of thick-walled metal. A gas cylinder or fire extinguisher is excellent for this purpose.

Main processing rules

You can get a truly high-quality processing result only by selecting good equipment, consumables and components. The abrasive material must be ideally suited for the specific type of work, otherwise the surface will not be cleaned sufficiently or will be scratched.

The higher the performance of the sandblasting compressor, the faster the cleaning will occur, and the greater the efficiency. It is necessary to select installations with hoses of significant diameter to reduce pressure losses. Couplings and connectors must exactly match the diameters of the hoses. You should also pay attention to the quality of the nozzle - the most durable ones are made from boron carbide, however, they cost much higher than others.

How to make sandblasting with your own hands from scrap materials: master classes and videos

Think before you start sandblasting. How large is the work you are planning? Buying an air compressor is also an expense for the family budget. If your only task is to clean the porch of your house, maybe it would be easier to rent such a device at one of the rental stores?

It’s another matter if the unit is needed regularly. Its purchase will affect your wallet. Factory models often fail, and manufacturers give them a very modest warranty due to specific operating conditions. So it turns out that doing sandblasting yourself is cheaper, and given the use of replaceable parts, it will serve you indefinitely. Let's look at the most popular models made from scrap materials.

Features of application

It is not recommended to reuse abrasive materials, even if their consumption is very high. The fact is that wet materials that have already been used in work can cause equipment malfunctions.

Another important option of household devices is that you can urgently stop their operation if necessary, the operator carrying out the work will not be harmed.

But when using, we must not forget about simple safety rules: work exclusively in overalls and shoes, use eye and respiratory protection.

Vacancies for sandblasters on the labor market, average salary

Popular job search sites most often list job vacancies for painters and sandblasters. At the same time, the wages of such specialists vary greatly - from 25 to 50 thousand rubles. Part of the salary is a salary (usually the minimum wage), the rest is a percentage of completed orders.

When getting a job at an enterprise or in the housing and communal services system, everything is simpler with a salary. As a rule, here, for a sandblaster vacancy, they offer a salary, official employment and a full benefits package. However, the salary is not too high - around 25-30 thousand rubles.