Bead blast cabinet

[FSRBIKER]

The shop I used to restore cars at had one and it was an incredibly valuable tool for restorations but I really can't afford the prices I have seen for a decent size one...I don't want a little bench-top model.

Has anyone built their own, have plans to build one or are there kits for sale?

 

[mudde]

I have a home built unit. I used 1/2 plywood for the sides of the box, a sheet of plexy for the window, you cn buy the gloves at different place on the web. They cost more than the rest of the materails. as most of what I have was donated, or scrape. I built a frame for it to stand on out of 2x4 's. I used a square wire for the floor. I also placed a piece of tin on the back wall and sealed all of the walls with caulking. I installed a little florestent light. painted the inside with so you could see. I used a matieral like doat top, soft top. on the bottom. It was sewn like a funnel, then Place a 3 " x 6 piece of pcv tube on the bottom to filter it into a bucket. Tomarrow I will try to take pictures when it quits raining.

I got to say a big thanks to Gmoney, he helped me assembly this and came up with a big chunk of the design.

E

 

[FSRBIKER]

No problems with the wood coming apart? Do you use a shop vac to suck the dust out the exhaust port? Thanks in advance for the pics.

 

[FSRBIKER]

TTT

 

[mudde]

I've not used it a hole lot, so the wood not came apart yet. In the pictures you will notice that I place tin <free> sheet metal where I thought it would get the most abuse from the glass bead media.
Sorry it's taken so long to post pictures.
E

 

[mudde]

pic 2

 

[mudde]

pic 3

pic 3

 

[mudde]

pic 4

 

[mudde]

pic 5

 

[mudde]

pic 6

 

[mudde]

pic 7

The last picture I have if you want more let me know.
E

 

[Bronco Ben]

now that is my idea of a good homebuilt cabinet! Great job!................SInce I'm on the slightly large family side of the fence I have to do things like this as well. Anymore home build projects out there that is built with low cost in mind??? Lets see em..........I can always use ideas!
thanks
Bronco Ben

 

[KST1]

I've got small siphon type blaster (craftsman) that actually works pretty well after a few little upgrades. My plan is to use a large plastic tote (like for christmas decorations and stuff). I plan to cut a rectangular hole in the lid and replace that with a peice of plexiglass, cut a couple of holes for gloves and see what happens. Might add a light and a grate in the bottom. I'm working with limited storage space so I figure I can store the blaster and a bag of media in the box when I'm done.

I'm sure there will be a few issues with this system, but I'll work 'em out somehow.

-D

 

[mtkawboy]

bead blast cabinet

An outfit called Trumans Inc in Canfield Ohio used to sell plans & all the stuff to build one form plywood. When I priced out the good plywood I found out it was cheaper to make it from metal. Ive been using it for 15 years. Get the good vacuum made for them, dont use a shop vacuum or you wont be able to see what youre doing. You wont save as much as you think over a ready made one butit will be much stronger built. They are invlauable for parts cleaning old rusty stuff. They advertise in Hemmings but I think they changed names. Just look up bead blasters on the computer

 

[mudde]

I got lucky because the only money I spent for this was on the light, door hinges, wire flooring and the PVC for the gloves, a couple of 2x4.
What kinda vacuum would you recommend. I was thinking about a shop vac. as you have to stop blasting after about 5 min to let the dust settle.
I also very happy with the size of this unit. Maybe to big to store but , the price was rite.

M