Sandblaster vs laser?

[SustWel]

I know there's been a fair few threads on here discussing the spate of YouTube videos trying to sell us on the idea of at-home laser welders.

As cool as they look, and maybe one day I'll try and get my hands on one just for the thrill of trying one out - I can remember not all that long ago where they were only used in high-end manufacturing and cost $$$ (I mean they still do, but it's all relative I guess) - I am quite interested in their ability to remove scale, paint, rust etc.

How do they fair vs your typical DIY/hobbyist sandblasting cabinet? For those that have one/have tried one, in your opinion is the laser worth it? I find myself removing quite a bit of paint and rust just with my grinder which is a) not the fastest way to do things b) definitely not healthy, even with a respirator and c) getting increasingly tedious.

I'm not asking about the health and safety aspect of lasers, that has been well documented on other threads on the forum, more just is the increased price (and presumably energy bills) worth it vs the increased speed?

 

[SustWel]

Also, is a respirator still needed for laser removal? Not all too knowledgeable on the science aspect but I know it literally aerosolises the rust/paint/whatever by burning it. How does that work with the laser-specific helmets you have to wear?

 

[dave h 2]

Boots stock laser removal equipment

 

[marlinspike]

The results I've seen were pretty spectacular for laser rust removal on car parts. I think it was on a Car SOS. It looked a lot less messy than sand blasting but the cost of the gear will put it out of reach for home users for quite a while I would think. Same with the laser welding gear.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

The results I've seen were pretty spectacular for laser rust removal on car parts.

My mate just had a set of samples done...impressive results.

He's going to be using someone else to do the work...the guy is mobile...the proper kit ain't cheap.

 

[6ply]

Also, is a respirator still needed for laser removal? Not all too knowledgeable on the science aspect but I know it literally aerosolises the rust/paint/whatever by burning it. How does that work with the laser-specific helmets you have to wear?

I have no experience with these but can't be worse than standing close to a bonfire, can it? I'd just do it in the open or somewhere with a big fan and well ventilated.

 

[daedalusminos]

From the limited amount I've done....

It's a bit of a mixed bag. The process is a surface treatment, tends to be good on light surface rust (e.g cast parts) but doesn't do too well on heavier rust, that usually needs a wire brushing and then re-doing. Obviously much cleaner than sand blasting but I would say on the whole not as effective.

Paint removal can go 2 ways, burns and flakes off or turns to a sooty, tarry mess adhered to the surface.

Obviously heat build up on delicate panels can be a problem (as sand blasting can be)

 

[SustWel]

From the limited amount I've done....

It's a bit of a mixed bag. The process is a surface treatment, tends to be good on light surface rust (e.g cast parts) but doesn't do too well on heavier rust, that usually needs a wire brushing and then re-doing. Obviously much cleaner than sand blasting but I would say on the whole not as effective.

Paint removal can go 2 ways, burns and flakes off or turns to a sooty, tarry mess adhered to the surface.

Obviously heat build up on delicate panels can be a problem (as sand blasting can be)

oh ok, that doesn't sound great for me; a lot of what I tend to do is heavier rust so wouldn't be saving me much in the way of time by the sounds of things.

Does the tarry mess just wipe off or is it similarly in need of further treatment (chemicals, paint stripper, wire brush etc.)?

 

[daedalusminos]

Does the tarry mess just wipe off or is it similarly in need of further treatment (chemicals, paint stripper, wire brush etc.)?

I'll let you know when I get it off...

 

[knighty]

I keep meaning to get setup with a pressure washer sand blaster thing

I can;t find them now but watched a few videos of an Australian guy using one to clean up a boat... he used a pressure pot at low so he wasn't relying on the venturi effect sucking the grit in


Did some concrete roof beams at work about 2 years back when we re-roofed.... still finding grit jammed where it shouldn't be now

we emptied the factory to do it, I've no idea where it's coming from... you can have a nice clean area then a month later when you check again there's more grit!

 

[SustWel]

I'll let you know when I get it off...

oh

 

[hotponyshoes]

Local lad has a (relatively) cheap Chinese one. £3k?

He's got it on a 13a plug so running costs must be far lower than running a compressor (my shot blaster needs 2x compressors @20a)
No costs for blasting media.
Laser is adjustable so to achieve the same with shot you would need several grads of media.
Less cleanup.

The laser doesn't chuck dust around like blasting so ppe to suit your personal risk level
It's probably safer than using a wire brush in a grinder for example.

Better would depend on the application.
Ie, if you shot blasted a chassis you'd get left with a nice hammered finish which would then be a good base for a thick coat of paint.
Plus laser is line-of-sight only.
With blasting you can use shaped tools to bounce the shot into inaccessible areas and around the inside of threaded holes etc.

 

[Keith 66]

Also, is a respirator still needed for laser removal? Not all too knowledgeable on the science aspect but I know it literally aerosolises the rust/paint/whatever by burning it. How does that work with the laser-specific helmets you have to wear?

From working in education with Co2 lasers it was increasingly accepted that laser fume from Cutting was bad for you, Laser cleaners work on a fiber laser source which is a totally different laser wavelength, but the effect is to vaporise the surface contamination, rust, dirt, paint whatever. The laser will vaporise at the nano scale level so what comes off will be extremely bad for you if you breathe it in. So yes good respiratory protection is essential.
Taking a deep breath & hoping the wind will blow it away is not a good idea!