How to choose a sandblaster: benchtop, mobile or dry ice?

You choose a sandblaster according to how much you have to clean and what: a benchtop blast cabinet for small parts, a mobile sandblaster for large surfaces, a dry ice blaster if you do not want abrasive to dispose of. In every case the compressor matters: the machine works with compressed air and the compressor must have sufficient flow. The collection also includes spare parts, which keep the machine in service: nozzles, glass protectors, gloves, guns and filters.

The types

• Benchtop sandblasters (cabinet): the part is worked inside a closed cabinet using gloves, like the Fervi 0487 benchtop sandblaster or the Fervi 0490 mini sandblaster. Suited to workshops and the restoration of parts.
• Mobile sandblasters: they project the abrasive onto large surfaces, also on site. The operator wears an air-fed hood, gloves and a suit.
• Dry ice blasters: they use dry ice instead of abrasive, for example the Kärcher IB 10/15 L2P Advanced.
• Guns and nozzles: the Fervi 0290 sandblasting gun and the replacement nozzle sets.
• Abrasives: corundum, garnet and others, to be chosen according to the material to be treated.
• Cabinet spare parts and accessories: sets of glass protectors, gloves, filters, cyclone, turntable.

How to choose according to the job

Before buying a machine, ask yourself how much you will use it: if you have two or three parts a month, a mini benchtop sandblaster such as the Fervi 0490 is more than enough. If you blast every day, you need a larger cabinet, with a turntable and a cyclone among the accessories. And if you work on plant or structures already installed, the way to go is the mobile sandblaster, paying full attention to protecting the operator and the surrounding area.

The features to look at

• Weight and size: the machines range from about 25 to 120 kg. Measure the space on the bench or floor and the route to the work point.
• Packaging dimensions: useful for transport and storage.
• Power supply: the data sheets list petrol-engine, 230 V single-phase electric and 400 V three-phase electric models. Check which one is available where you work.
• Compressor: the required air specifications are on the product data sheet; it is the figure many people forget.
• Nozzle diameter: a larger nozzle moves more abrasive but uses more air.
• Abrasive: dry and suited to the material; it is screened or renewed. Corundum and garnet are not interchangeable: choose according to what you have to remove or prepare.
• Spare parts within reach: nozzles, glass protectors and gloves are the parts that wear out first. Keeping a stock avoids machine downtime.

Common mistakes

• Connecting it to a compressor that is too small. The jet weakens and the job never ends.
• Using damp air. The abrasive clumps and clogs the nozzle: you need dried air.
• Working with frosted glass. You cannot see the part and the work suffers: it must be replaced.
• Not using PPE on mobile sandblasters. Air-fed hood, gloves and suit are not optional.
• Reusing spent abrasive. It is screened or renewed.

Frequently asked questions

Cabinet or mobile sandblaster?

The cabinet is for small parts in the workshop. The mobile one is for surfaces that cannot be moved, with more effort and full PPE.

What compressor do I need?

The one stated on the sandblaster's data sheet: besides pressure, air flow matters. Ask our technicians if you have doubts.

When is dry ice worthwhile?

When you do not want abrasive residue to collect and dispose of, for example after cleaning a machine.

Can I use any abrasive in the benchtop cabinet?

No, check the data sheet to see which abrasives are intended. It must be dry and suited to the material to be treated.

How often should the cabinet glass be changed?

When it becomes frosted. The protectors are sold in sets as spare parts.

The whole range is in the sandblasting equipment and spare parts collection: to choose machine and compressor together, request a quote from the AMES technicians.