Sand/Soda Blaster alternative?

[Adamski]

Hi, I'm looking for any reviews regarding new tool from Draper.
This tool is looking to be a great alternative to sand blasters. To clean surface from rust, paint, etc we know that blaster of old type will do its job but we also have to deal with temperature distortion when cleaning large pieces, dust which covers everything up, recovering grid media, cleaning from and looking for grid remains in tinny/hidden places.

Has anyone of you heard something about it?

It's a copy design of MBX The metal blaster made in the U.S.
which can be seen at work here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUTkAgPDQn8&feature=related

Draper one seems to be very similar and is much cheaper like £270 incl VAT and delivery from this place:

http://www.raygrahams.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=53518

Just don't want to spend ££££s for a kit which would be useless.
All parts are available on-line and when looking on these wire wheels I'm thinking about fitting them on 14mm angle grinder it should work, isn't it?

Thanks for any comments!

 

[Shox Dr]

just a fancy grinder, it will never work as well as blasting


edit; just watched a bit of the video it's for removing sealer etc, not rust

 

[Wayne.]

Removes rust as well but a grinder and a wire wheel will do the same and cheaper

 

[keithski122]

I've just bought the tool only off ebay for £70, still need to get the hub and wheels for it so haven't tested it yet.I don't think you can fit the bits on a grinder as the fittings are different.
Google crud thug (snap on version) apparently its the bees knees as its more like sandblasting than a grinder and wire wheel.

 

[Adamski]

Wow that's cheap, is it secondhand? Please write a few words after you complete it.
I really want to know more, especially regarding cleaning abilities of this tool (rust, paint, wax, seal free sreel surface). I work in motor industry and even if it's good for removing undersealants then I might have it only for this purpose - no more heat gun!

 

[keithski122]

It was an ex display one, so as new condition.I'm also in the motor trade and was speaking to the wurth rep today, he says there version is above the £300 mark.The hub I need is £20 and the wheels £15 each or 5 for 45.
Chap I work with doesn't rate them much but I'm willing to give it a go.
Supposed to be good on underseal as a grinder or wire wheel just melts it whereas this one does not.I do alot of restoration type work so fingers crossed.

 

[Adamski]

So I'm waiting for a review!

I've seen coarse-wire wheels for £12 including VAT for a one somewhere on-line.
When I find it I'll post the url here.

Also I've just seen snap on version, it is not a fancy grinder at all.
It has different drive than an angle grinder which is giving a huge torque.
I use wire wheels attachted to grinders but their abrrasive action is a hardcore
when trying to clean sharp angles, small bend pieces, etc. It's actually ripping my arm off.
It's good on plain, large surfaces with an easy access I've got to admit.

 

[Angusdog]

You can buy the heavy duty nylon pads for angle grinders and polishers without having to buy the tool. I use it for stripping car paint and it's great although you need to keep it away from edges which rip the pads to bits. The attached pics show before and after stripping the roof which took an hour without any messy chemicals or sand all over the driveway. It is much easier and quicker than a wire cup/wheel.

The disadvantages are you can't get into corners, so I resort to sandblasting for those.

Mark Evans (A Thing is Born tv series) used on, and mounting in a vice looked like a good option for cleaning parts.

 

[keithski122]

The snap on version is on this months special sheet.
Available for a bargain £325 +vat instead of £413 +vat.