A little tip I have learned: Most things from Harbor Freight are very effective AFTER the modifications. So buy and modify. Yes, it takes a big compressor to sandblast with any rig. It's just the nature of the beast.
Awesome review. I personally own the 40 lb. model. A lot of people complain that this thing clogs. But that’s because they don’t use a sifter when they load media and they use media that’s too big to fit through the 3/8 ball valve. Its effectiveness comes down to the end user. Left ya a thumbs up!
Thanks for the comment and thumbs up! I'll have to say, if I had purchased the proper media, I'm sure I would have not had to modify. It did work well tho!
Hi Steve, I'm going to buy this blaster because of the design and cost, but a couple of things you should know. You need a real 5HP compressor that puts out 23.5 CFM to just keep up with the blaster! 7.5HP if you want to get ahead of it. NEVER use play sand to blast because the particles are not "sharp" and will not do a good job. Garnet, or Black beauty will do a much nicer job. Also, Play sand has silica in it and while you were wearing a respirator, it's very dangerous. Man! you have a lot of stuff in your garage! Thanks for the video!
Truer words have never been said!! Thanks for your observations. After the play sand debacle, i will always buy proper blast material! I think i would have had better luck with my older compressor by dialing down to 90 psi. The blaster worked well, but using the play sand, pretty much went thru one ceramic nozzle in this. Came with three. I do need a bigger garage!!!👍👍
I would recommend that you use a tarp on the ground and large cardboard to restrain your blasting sand. When you mow the lawn the mower will kick up all that sand in the grass and ruin you lungs.
Your experience of using a lot of air is caused by drilling out that bottom fitting. All that does is allow more airflow, but drilling kills the Venturi effect (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venturi_effect) and the force of sand is reduced. More air isn't always better.
I agree! It was not necessary to open up the sand flow. I should have dialed down my pressure at the compressor. I have since used this with the proper media, lower pressure, and it worked flawlessly!
@@StevesBeyondRepair PLEASE get the proper info out there- 957 Subs listen to you. Could you please do a "revisited" video? I just purchased the 40 lb. version of his from HF, and haven't even unboxed it yet. Nearly every video I see screams "more air, drill out this, don't attach that" and I'm like WTF? Is it _that horrible_ of a product, or are people doing stuff wrong? I wish there was a concise, believable how-to video of this, real info, not just a HF insult shill for some other brand.
I work for a railroad and restored a 43 jd tractor years ago. I'd bring parts with me and after work hook the sand blaster to a locomotive. PLENTY if air.
i kind of suspected it would work well Harbor Freight is good for the simple types of tools and for 50 bucks thats pretty decent IMO for your play sand problem keep your eyes open for yard sales and pick up a 5 dollar blender to break up those bigger peices i’m sure it would burn up a blender quickly but what the hell ?
Thanks Don! It worked really well, but will use a some air! Turned out this tailgate was powder coated. I think it will take regular paint off in a jiffy!! Thanks for watching!
Hello, Thanks for the tutorial. I was considering buying one of these. I have a question about it, if you don't mind. The inlet at the top, do you know what size and thread it is? I thought it may work as an air receiver if a pump is connected. I'm looking for a large thread size outlet and I thought this sand blaster might fit the bill. Thanks.
@@StevesBeyondRepair Thanks for your reply. I would like to clarify, I meant the screw-handle cap, where the sand would be poured, rather than the 3/8 fittings. It looks to be at least 1 1/2 in thread. I wondered if it were a standard thread, NPT, BSP or something like that. I contacted a supplier but they didn't know, nor did they have one in stock to check. Thanks.
@@StevesBeyondRepair Thanks for the info. I wonder if its BSP 1 1/4in size, which has a straight, fairly fine thread. Though, that would have a female bore of 1.56 in. I'll have to get one and try some fittings with it. I really appreciate you going out of your way to get that info.
I would be scared to use play sand as it contains silica which is very harmful to your lungs. I appreciate your video it help me decide which sand blaster i need to use for the projects i have coming up. So again stay safe and ditch the play sand we want you around to see more videos.
i got a harbor freight 40 lbs pressurized tank and the bottom hose keeps plugging. I switched out the ball valve at my hand and took out the o ring as i saw on a RUclips channel. But when i turn on air it works good for about 5 seconds then it Plugs. It’s not the elbow or the ball valve under the tank because when i take the clamp and hose off it blows. I take the hose and put air to the tip and it blows out a lot of media. It’s fine black beauty so it’s not to big. Any suggestions??
Hey Bj. I had the same thing happen with mine. The hand held nozzle clogged. It happened when i had tank pressurized, opened up sand flow to hose and not having hand held valve fully open first. I would try it in this order. Sand feed and hand valve off. Turn main air on(first valve that feeds air to the whole thing. Then open valve that pressurizes the sand tank(lower and handheld valve still shut). Fully open handheld valve, then open sand supply valve on bottom slowly (maybe 1/4 or 1/2 way, dont try full open yet). This should slowly allow sand into tool as to not clog. Be sure when stopping to turn lower valve off first and let sand in work hose exit before shutting off work hose valve. Be sure to let me know if this helps, or had a different solution. Thanks for watching!!
The hand valve i refer to is the valve you hold in your hand while blasting. When ready to blast, I would open it fully, then gradually open valve at bottom of tank to let sand come out. I bet i had that lower sand supply valve 1/4 to 1/2 open while in use. When you are finished blasting, turn sand valve off first.
Hi Robert. The air pressure to sandblaster is regulated at the compressor. My compressor has a total max pressure of 125 psi(pounds per square inch), and it would be regulated down to 100 or 90 psi through the regular on compressor, and to the tank on the sand blaster. So sand blaster has a steady air pressure supply coming from compressor, and the sand blaster will hold a maximum of "20 pounds of sand(that would be almost to top of sand blaster tank). Or you could put 1 pound of sand, or 2, or 10 pounds, it just wont hold more than 20 pounds. 20 pound sand blaster is referring to its sand capacity, not pressure capacity. Thanks for your question.
Hey Saul. My mask is a 3m unit I use to paint with. The cartridges are for painting and are a little overkill for this. I have used in the past a regular good quality dust mask, head sock, and plastic face shield. Couldn't find the shield, so I used the hood from HF. Worked pretty good. Vision was a bit limited, and bending over the work you have to hold it in position. Thanks for watching!
Media blast works better than that fn sand you used, but good idea straining it through the screen. That play sand clogged right up on me so i shitcanned it. Good video tho. Thanks.
Yes sir, and about 50 bucks. 20 lb is a great size for a regular shadtree guy. Not hard to add sand as needed. Dont do is I did tho, use the right sand!! 🤣👍
It's pretty much junk. By the time you make it right, just spend 100 more and go to northern tool and get a real one. Time is money!!! I blast part time for public as a small resto business and I've blasted 20 yrs. I used one like this for past 15 yrs and recently, after mods, and many parts and new better handle and nozzle, I bit the bullet and just went and bought a nice one. Game changer. Less sand, less recovery, less compressor run time. More work in less time. And plz, read up on play sand!!! It will kill you.never, ever, use that.
Definitely agree that if I made a living blasting, it would not be with this unit, but for the occasional back yard warrior stuff, it really works. No more play sand. I wonder how kids play around in it and not get silica ingested...
@@StevesBeyondRepair I think the silicosis is from the high pressure crushing it against the metal during the process which caused lots of dust. You breath that dust, which causes silicosis. That's the way I understand it
As i have watched my video, i should have regulated pressure down at the air input side, or at regulator on compressor. Next time. 👍 thanks for watching.
@@StevesBeyondRepair You need 20 CFM but you can get by on a little less if you don't mind waiting on the compressor. If you will blast with 60-65 PSI it will cut just as good and it's easier on the compressor, and you can recycle your blast media. It's a lot easier in a blast booth
Hey George, thanks for the question. It is in the 15 cfm @90 psi range. I dont think it was neccessary for me to run full unregulated air while i was blasting. Next time ill run it thur the regulated output, and turn pressure down to 90 or 100 psi.👍
@@StevesBeyondRepair Thanks Steve,,, in putting out 13 CFMS at 90 psi,,, but I bought and oldy but goody,,, speedaire compressor and restored it like new,,,8 hp, kohler with a 4 cylinder compressor, 35 CFMS,, she's a beast, lol,,payed 125 dollars, in research I found American eagle is making the same compressor and it's 5000 dollars, just for the compressor pump,,,but I restore classic cars and I kick my ass now for not getting the bigger electric unit,,, but I get by,,,and surly better than the 7 CFMS I had for years...pretty impressive set up i have, all copper lines ,5 ball valve drains,, even did a copper coil from pump to tank,,,changing air from 180 degrees at compressor to 100 going into tank,,,really helps with moisture in tank...take care Buddy, I have a 45 dodge pickup to restore...
A little tip I have learned: Most things from Harbor Freight are very effective AFTER the modifications. So buy and modify.
Yes, it takes a big compressor to sandblast with any rig. It's just the nature of the beast.
Awesome review. I personally own the 40 lb. model. A lot of people complain that this thing clogs. But that’s because they don’t use a sifter when they load media and they use media that’s too big to fit through the 3/8 ball valve. Its effectiveness comes down to the end user. Left ya a thumbs up!
Thanks for the comment and thumbs up! I'll have to say, if I had purchased the proper media, I'm sure I would have not had to modify. It did work well tho!
Steve, buddy, you really helped me out with the order of operating the valves, it means a lot man. Thanks.
You bet!! Thanks for commenting!!
Hi Steve, I'm going to buy this blaster because of the design and cost, but a couple of things you should know. You need a real 5HP compressor that puts out 23.5 CFM to just keep up with the blaster! 7.5HP
if you want to get ahead of it. NEVER use play sand to blast because the particles are not "sharp" and will not do a good job. Garnet, or Black beauty will do a much nicer job. Also, Play sand has silica in it and while
you were wearing a respirator, it's very dangerous. Man! you have a lot of stuff in your garage! Thanks for the video!
Truer words have never been said!! Thanks for your observations. After the play sand debacle, i will always buy proper blast material! I think i would have had better luck with my older compressor by dialing down to 90 psi. The blaster worked well, but using the play sand, pretty much went thru one ceramic nozzle in this. Came with three. I do need a bigger garage!!!👍👍
I would recommend that you use a tarp on the ground and large cardboard to restrain your blasting sand. When you mow the lawn the mower will kick up all that sand in the grass and ruin you lungs.
That is a great idea Matt! Thanks for your input
Your experience of using a lot of air is caused by drilling out that
bottom fitting. All that does is allow more airflow, but drilling
kills the Venturi effect (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venturi_effect)
and the force of sand is reduced. More air isn't always better.
I agree! It was not necessary to open up the sand flow. I should have dialed down my pressure at the compressor. I have since used this with the proper media, lower pressure, and it worked flawlessly!
@@StevesBeyondRepair PLEASE get the proper info out there- 957 Subs listen to you. Could you please do a "revisited" video?
I just purchased the 40 lb. version of his from HF, and haven't even unboxed it yet. Nearly every video I see screams "more air, drill out this, don't attach that" and I'm like WTF? Is it _that horrible_ of a product, or are people doing stuff wrong? I wish there was a concise, believable how-to video of this, real info, not just a HF insult shill for some other brand.
Love watching your videos and seeing the interesting tools you use!
I work for a railroad and restored a 43 jd tractor years ago. I'd bring parts with me and after work hook the sand blaster to a locomotive. PLENTY if air.
Yes!!!
Bought a locomotive yesterday. Working on delivery.
thank you ! you r a good teacher. You help me with my " first timer attempt with the same sand blaster" u have. The "tutorial video" is great !
Thank you Ed!
Thanks for the video.
Thank you for watching Thomas!
Good video! I have a 5hp 80 gallon and a 3.7hp 60 gallon. I noticed a huge difference in performance when using my 80 gallon compressor.
That is awesome! I wish i had the 80 gal! Maybe someday!👍👍 Thanks for leaving a comment Rashad.
@@StevesBeyondRepair I picked it up used from a local powder coater for 400 dollars! I paid more for my 60 gallon.
Thanks for vid, I can see play sands moisture being a problem.
I just wouldn't use play sand again! Would have been way easier with proper blasting material. Thanks for watching.
Was looking for a video on this unit, when who should I run up on-- Steve'O. Good stuff. I'll start following for more. We miss ya up in Keller.
Hey Tony!!! Hope all is well!!
i kind of suspected it would work well Harbor Freight is good for the simple types of tools and for 50 bucks thats pretty decent IMO for your play sand problem keep your eyes open for yard sales and pick up a 5 dollar blender to break up those bigger peices i’m sure it would burn up a blender quickly but what the hell ?
Great review, thanks.
Thx Steve, I've been wondering about this blaster
Thanks Don! It worked really well, but will use a some air! Turned out this tailgate was powder coated. I think it will take regular paint off in a jiffy!! Thanks for watching!
Hello,
Thanks for the tutorial.
I was considering buying one of these. I have a question about it, if you don't mind.
The inlet at the top, do you know what size and thread it is?
I thought it may work as an air receiver if a pump is connected. I'm looking for a large thread size outlet and I thought this sand blaster might fit the bill.
Thanks.
I'm pretty sure all the thread sizes were 3/8 pipe. I'll look tomorrow and let you know. Thanks for the comment!
@@StevesBeyondRepair Thanks for your reply. I would like to clarify, I meant the screw-handle cap, where the sand would be poured, rather than the 3/8 fittings. It looks to be at least 1 1/2 in thread. I wondered if it were a standard thread, NPT, BSP or something like that.
I contacted a supplier but they didn't know, nor did they have one in stock to check.
Thanks.
Oh yes. I look at that and put a tape measure on it in a second.
The thread is a straight fine thread, not pipe, uses oring at base of thread on tank, and I'd of cap is 1.603.
@@StevesBeyondRepair Thanks for the info. I wonder if its BSP 1 1/4in size, which has a straight, fairly fine thread. Though, that would have a female bore of 1.56 in. I'll have to get one and try some fittings with it.
I really appreciate you going out of your way to get that info.
I would be scared to use play sand as it contains silica which is very harmful to your lungs. I appreciate your video it help me decide which sand blaster i need to use for the projects i have coming up. So again stay safe and ditch the play sand we want you around to see more videos.
All natural sand is silica. (SiO2)
There are other blasting mediums, but even glass beads are made from sand.
Larger diameter hose from compressor needed. 1/2" to carry needed volume. 1/4" will not deliver. 3/8 might for short distance.
i got a harbor freight 40 lbs pressurized tank and the bottom hose keeps plugging. I switched out the ball valve at my hand and took out the o ring as i saw on a RUclips channel. But when i turn on air it works good for about 5 seconds then it Plugs. It’s not the elbow or the ball valve under the tank because when i take the clamp and hose off it blows. I take the hose and put air to the tip and it blows out a lot of media. It’s fine black beauty so it’s not to big. Any suggestions??
Hey Bj. I had the same thing happen with mine. The hand held nozzle clogged. It happened when i had tank pressurized, opened up sand flow to hose and not having hand held valve fully open first. I would try it in this order. Sand feed and hand valve off. Turn main air on(first valve that feeds air to the whole thing. Then open valve that pressurizes the sand tank(lower and handheld valve still shut). Fully open handheld valve, then open sand supply valve on bottom slowly (maybe 1/4 or 1/2 way, dont try full open yet). This should slowly allow sand into tool as to not clog. Be sure when stopping to turn lower valve off first and let sand in work hose exit before shutting off work hose valve. Be sure to let me know if this helps, or had a different solution. Thanks for watching!!
@@StevesBeyondRepair Hand held valve,, i guess that means the valve where the sand comes out.
The hand valve i refer to is the valve you hold in your hand while blasting. When ready to blast, I would open it fully, then gradually open valve at bottom of tank to let sand come out. I bet i had that lower sand supply valve 1/4 to 1/2 open while in use. When you are finished blasting, turn sand valve off first.
How big of a compressor do you need for this?
I would think a regular 20 gallon compressor would work, you would just have to stop every so often to let it catch up.
With the 20pound sand blaster how do you tell when the tank has enough air since it doesn't have a gauge
Hi Robert. The air pressure to sandblaster is regulated at the compressor. My compressor has a total max pressure of 125 psi(pounds per square inch), and it would be regulated down to 100 or 90 psi through the regular on compressor, and to the tank on the sand blaster. So sand blaster has a steady air pressure supply coming from compressor, and the sand blaster will hold a maximum of "20 pounds of sand(that would be almost to top of sand blaster tank). Or you could put 1 pound of sand, or 2, or 10 pounds, it just wont hold more than 20 pounds. 20 pound sand blaster is referring to its sand capacity, not pressure capacity. Thanks for your question.
What kind of air compressor are you using?
It's an old 5hp 60 gallon 3 cylinder Air Products Compressor, I bought used from a friend.
u should try glass bead ..
Can you use the HF 150.00 air compressor with this
I dont think that would be a problem at all! I would regulate air out of compressor to 100 psi. Go for it, and thanks for watching!
What is the HP of the compressor?
Hi Roger, it's a 5hp 220v 60 gallon compressor.
Great content man
What type of filter is on your mask , and how well did that cheap headgear from HF work? thanks
Hey Saul. My mask is a 3m unit I use to paint with. The cartridges are for painting and are a little overkill for this. I have used in the past a regular good quality dust mask, head sock, and plastic face shield. Couldn't find the shield, so I used the hood from HF. Worked pretty good. Vision was a bit limited, and bending over the work you have to hold it in position. Thanks for watching!
wrong sand must be a sand blaster sand they come in 50# bag
Thought you were not supposed to use ordinary sand...
Your right.
Get the large deadman valve that harbor freight sells separately. It will work much better than that small one.
Great idea!
Use pool filter sand. Much finer and drier
Paint stripper first then hit the rusty spots with a Blaster after
Great idea!!!
Tip use some sand blasting sand not play sand LOL
Hahaha, right!! Next time for sure!!
Media blast works better than that fn sand you used, but good idea straining it through the screen. That play sand clogged right up on me so i shitcanned it. Good video tho. Thanks.
Thanks Tim, you are exactly right! Next time i won't be so dang cheap, and get some proper blasting media!👍 Thanks for watching!
SLOW DOWN. Your sandblasting not painting. You would have faster results with only one pass if you would slow down.
You are right! 👍
The only difference between a 20lbs and 40lbs is the amount of sand it holds right
Yes sir, and about 50 bucks. 20 lb is a great size for a regular shadtree guy. Not hard to add sand as needed. Dont do is I did tho, use the right sand!! 🤣👍
Best advice DON'T USE SAND.
Hahaha! You are not wrong!!
It's pretty much junk. By the time you make it right, just spend 100 more and go to northern tool and get a real one. Time is money!!! I blast part time for public as a small resto business and I've blasted 20 yrs. I used one like this for past 15 yrs and recently, after mods, and many parts and new better handle and nozzle, I bit the bullet and just went and bought a nice one. Game changer. Less sand, less recovery, less compressor run time. More work in less time. And plz, read up on play sand!!! It will kill you.never, ever, use that.
Definitely agree that if I made a living blasting, it would not be with this unit, but for the occasional back yard warrior stuff, it really works. No more play sand. I wonder how kids play around in it and not get silica ingested...
@@StevesBeyondRepair I think the silicosis is from the high pressure crushing it against the metal during the process which caused lots of dust. You breath that dust, which causes silicosis. That's the way I understand it
low pressure
As i have watched my video, i should have regulated pressure down at the air input side, or at regulator on compressor. Next time. 👍 thanks for watching.
Go get you some fine coal slag at Tractor Supply , 50lb for 8.?? a bag. The play sand is to smooth and it's very bad for your lungs.
Great tip William! I'm fixing to sandblast the wheels on a bobcat skidsteer I just bought, I try that for sure!
@@StevesBeyondRepair You need 20 CFM but you can get by on a little less if you don't mind waiting on the compressor. If you will blast with 60-65 PSI it will cut just as good and it's easier on the compressor, and you can recycle your blast media. It's a lot easier in a blast booth
Damn, this don't work for shit!!! Need much more abrasive media!!
You are not wrong. Next time I'm throwing the proper blast in it, maybe do a vid on different blast media. 😁
How many CFMS does your compressor put out?
Hey George, thanks for the question. It is in the 15 cfm @90 psi range. I dont think it was neccessary for me to run full unregulated air while i was blasting. Next time ill run it thur the regulated output, and turn pressure down to 90 or 100 psi.👍
@@StevesBeyondRepair Thanks Steve,,, in putting out 13 CFMS at 90 psi,,, but I bought and oldy but goody,,, speedaire compressor and restored it like new,,,8 hp, kohler with a 4 cylinder compressor, 35 CFMS,, she's a beast, lol,,payed 125 dollars, in research I found American eagle is making the same compressor and it's 5000 dollars, just for the compressor pump,,,but I restore classic cars and I kick my ass now for not getting the bigger electric unit,,, but I get by,,,and surly better than the 7 CFMS I had for years...pretty impressive set up i have, all copper lines ,5 ball valve drains,, even did a copper coil from pump to tank,,,changing air from 180 degrees at compressor to 100 going into tank,,,really helps with moisture in tank...take care Buddy, I have a 45 dodge pickup to restore...