Sand Blaster clogging - need help

[Code54]

I bought some of the Black Diamond "sand" (think it is 20/40) from Tractor Supply and am trying to use it in a 110lbs Harbor Freight pressured pot sand blaster (and tried a smaller 40lb one also) and it just keeps clogging. I mean before I can blast a single inch. I tried several different tips (think it went to 3.5mm) on a dead man style gun (also tried a ball valve gun) and no luck. The stuff keeps clogging.. any ideas on what I need to do. I been running more than enough air and pressure (took it to max pressure and still no luck).
I am doing larger implements so I have to do it outside and can't use a blast cabinet so I can't really use the more expensive media types.
Thanks

 

[buck12]

It may be a moisture problem.

 

[flusher]

I bought some of the Black Diamond "sand" (think it is 20/40) from Tractor Supply and am trying to use it in a 110lbs Harbor Freight pressured pot sand blaster (and tried a smaller 40lb one also) and it just keeps clogging. I mean before I can blast a single inch. I tried several different tips (think it went to 3.5mm) on a dead man style gun (also tried a ball valve gun) and no luck. The stuff keeps clogging.. any ideas on what I need to do. I been running more than enough air and pressure (took it to max pressure and still no luck).
I am doing larger implements so I have to do it outside and can't use a blast cabinet so I can't really use the more expensive media types.
Thanks

I've tried those HF pressurized blasters--they clog almost immediately.
I use a cheap abrasive gun from TSC

Clarke Hand Held Abrasive Blaster - 3907845 | Tractor Supply Company

and the black diamond grit. Works a lot better than that HF POS.

 

[rbcsaver]

I bought some of the Black Diamond "sand" (think it is 20/40) from Tractor Supply and am trying to use it in a 110lbs Harbor Freight pressured pot sand blaster (and tried a smaller 40lb one also) and it just keeps clogging. I mean before I can blast a single inch. I tried several different tips (think it went to 3.5mm) on a dead man style gun (also tried a ball valve gun) and no luck. The stuff keeps clogging.. any ideas on what I need to do. I been running more than enough air and pressure (took it to max pressure and still no luck). I am doing larger implements so I have to do it outside and can't use a blast cabinet so I can't really use the more expensive media types.
Thanks

You posted this quote before I could! Same equipment, same problems. I bought it new in Sept. and have yet to get it to work with out clogging. However, I've not had the time to fool with it since Sept. It's NOT moisture or oil.
regards,
Steve

 

[wrenchturner]

I feel your frustration because I also have a pressurized sand blaster and also have the clogging issue. At the bottom of the sand blaster tank there should be a valve to regulate the rate of sand flow that enters the hose. Try closing this valve while opening the blasting nozzle then slowly open the sand flow valve. I have found that too much sand entering the hose causes it to the nozzle to clog or the hose to clog.

Also, moisture in the air is a big problem. I hate to discourage you, but if I have a big sand blasting job I just take it to a commerical sand blaster.

 

[CCWKen]

Ditto what Wrenchturner says but first try to clear the hose by opening the cap and blowing air through the hose (reverse feed). It's not uncommon to get a stone or foreign matter in a bag of media. I run a 300lb. pressure tank with a 1/4" nozzle and still have to clear it once in a while.

 

[Code54]

Thanks for the info! I do have two moisture traps on the line. One off the compressor and one on the pressure blaster itself so that SHOULD (lets hope) not me a problem. It does seem to jam up at the valve sometimes and I am not sure why but I didn't hold the gun open while trying it (I will not)
Also thinking it is just too course of a media for that unit to throw?????

 

[Argosy]

There's a valve on the bottom of the tank to control material flow. It only has to be cracked. If it's opened too far the air pressure in the pot will push too much material into the line. Same for the valve letting air into the pot, though that's not as critical.

That's a good sized sandblaster and will need a LOT of air flow. If you don't have a big compressor it won't keep up causing problems.

 

[SpringHollow]

Mine clogged because of moisture. I had a couple of large water separators in line but that was not enough. I could see clumps of wet sand. It became obvious that i needed a dryer.

Ken

 

[Dave5264]

I have one I hardly use for this exact reason. I have to sift & dry the sand in advance, If i use it from the bag it clogs 1) moisture and 2) some particles are too big for the nosle

 

[grnspot110]

I gave up on the cheap pressurized thank type, now use a Coleman siphon gun ($20), just stick the tube in a bucket of abrasive & blast away!

 

[zman007007]

I have a 80lb. capacity Bad BOY name brand blaster I bought off Ebay. I had trouble with it here in the south using sand, because of moisture. I called them and they recommended Black Beauty such as what you got. I purchased it from TSC. Northern Tool also carries it. It worked great. By the time the tank ran out, I was ready for a break. LOL I didnt know till I went back to get more that it comes in different size particles. The second time I went to get more, I just grabbed some bags and left. The particles kept clogging the gun. Then I noticed the bags had diff. numbers from what was on the first bags I had bought. I carried them back and traded them for what I had the 1st time Problem solved. The number that I found that worked best was 40/80. It will be stamped on the bag. I hope this helps you. zman :thumbsup:

 

[Code54]

Thanks everyone for the information
I ended up getting sand from a local block place that is a white sand, fine texture and it works GREAT! Had to be the sand. The black diamond is dry as dry can be but just clogs the hose, gun, valve, everything. The white stuff went right through no problems at all. Shot about 80lbs tonight and never had to stop. I was impressed.
Anyway, for the others I would look for a white sand in a fine cut and see if that works better for you.
Good luck and thank you to everyone that had ideas and thoughts - that is what makes this site so great!

 

[2458n]

The local block place will not sell me sand that is used for plastering if you mention sandblasting. Creates lung problems. Does a wonderful job using a pressure type forced air mask like painters use. Everything is a trade off - but you should be aware that silica sand is considered dangerous.

 

[zman007007]

may work now but soon as it warms back up the humidity will make it clog again probably. maybe not. good luck and keep on blasting. zman :thumbsup:

 

[Ford tractor]

Thanks everyone for the information
I ended up getting sand from a local block place that is a white sand, fine texture and it works GREAT! Had to be the sand. The black diamond is dry as dry can be but just clogs the hose, gun, valve, everything. The white stuff went right through no problems at all. Shot about 80lbs tonight and never had to stop. I was impressed.
Anyway, for the others I would look for a white sand in a fine cut and see if that works better for you.
Good luck and thank you to everyone that had ideas and thoughts - that is what makes this site so great!

1) look up "Silicosis". Take precautions as in an EXcellent mask or supplied air set up. The black stuff is carbon residue from power plants and is not near as harmful as sand.

2) the black stuff cuts rust / paint much better than the white sand. But, the grains are larger, so you need a larger opening.

3) as others stated, start by closing the "out" line from the bottom of the tank and keep the bypass air line open fully 100%. Start blowing air and slowly open the sand valve. Go 1/4 turn at a time and see how it does, less is more with sand blasting (except for air where more is not enough and too much is just barely enough).

4) when you shut down, turn off the sand valve then stop the dead man.

 

[mad_planter]

Thanks everyone for the information
I ended up getting sand from a local block place that is a white sand, fine texture and it works GREAT! Had to be the sand. The black diamond is dry as dry can be but just clogs the hose, gun, valve, everything.

My experiences with the black diamond stuff and my hf blaster is the shape of the black diamond stuff is why it clogs. If you look at it some of it is shaped like little rods and if they get turned in the nozzle they wedge in and the rest just builds up against it. If you go up to (I think 80 grit) in the black diamond brand it should work pretty well, but you will occasionally have the same problem with the rod shapes. I just keep a piece of coat hanger in my pocket and stick it down the nozzle whenever it plugs.

Mark D.

 

[turbo660]

Heres an idea for everyone.

When my dad does his sandblasting he just goes to the local sand/gravel pit and gets a ton of extra fine sand (just regular old sand)only costs a few dollars. All you have do then is spred it out to dry on something where you can scoop it back up (like a concrete pad , sheet of plywood, or poly tarp).Scoop the sand back up when dry ,place in a dry container of your choice and store until needed.

You can even reuse it a couple of times (really s..t..r..e..t..c..h your dollar).


As far as the "black blast" make sure its dry and/or try mixing it with a finer grit sand.

Just a thought.

 

[Ford tractor]

Heres an idea for everyone.

When my dad does his sandblasting he just goes to the local sand/gravel pit and gets a ton of extra fine sand (just regular old sand)only costs a few dollars. All you have do then is spred it out to dry on something where you can scoop it back up (like a concrete pad , sheet of plywood, or poly tarp).Scoop the sand back up when dry ,place in a dry container of your choice and store until needed.

You can even reuse it a couple of times (really s..t..r..e..t..c..h your dollar).


As far as the "black blast" make sure its dry and/or try mixing it with a finer grit sand.

Just a thought.

Look up "silicosis". When you breath fine sand dust into your lungs --- it does NOT come out. Ever.

Fine sand works great, but you need to dry it, screen it and take precautions to not breath the dust.

 

[turbo660]

Look up "silicosis". When you breath fine sand dust into your lungs --- it does NOT come out. Ever.

Fine sand works great, but you need to dry it, screen it and take precautions to not breath the dust.

Yes. My dad does wear a resperator. But then you should always wear one no matter what media your using.