bead blast finish

[Dana Hackney]

Hi gang,

A friend and work gave me a small sand blast unit from HF to take home and try out. I thought I might
give it a go (outside of course, since I don't have a cabinette for it) on some stainless steel or D-2.
Question: what kind of abrasive should I get?

Thanks!
Dana

[Scott Davidson]

aluminum oxide works well for me .

[Dana Hackney]

Is there any particular grit that's best?

Thanks!
Dana

[Ed Caffrey]

Aluminum Oxide is the best as far as longevity goes. The standard grit size you will get if you order from most sources is 60-70. Aluminum Oxide is generally one of the more expensive media materials too.

Aluminum Oxide is very aggressive and leaves a fairly coarse finish.

Glass beads (comes in fine, med., and Coarse) leaves a more smokey satin finish, but require more prep work on the material to be blasted (the finish WILL show through the bead blasting).

There are lots of other media materials too, but most are for specialized uses.

My personal favorite is a 50/50 mix of medium grade glass beads and 220 grit Aluminum oxide. Glass beads are fairly easy to find, but the only place I have found 220 grit aluminum oxide is McMaster-Carr.

[Steven Kelly]

Dana,

I use glass beads.. But like Ed said, they'll actually enhance any scratches or imperfections that they come in contact with..
So, if you are trying to take shortcuts, then definitely go with the A/O. But, if you want that soft even satin finish, the glass beads are the way to go..

[Dana Hackney]

That is good to know. Whereas I usually finish my blades up to 600 or more I think I'll try both the pure beads and the 50/50 mix.

Thanks again, guys!
Dana