Shot blaster problem.

[RTspray]

Having a problem with my new cheapo balster

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bead-Shot...605?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item41530f306d

It keeps getting blocked at some point, I think its getting blocked at the regulator on the bottom, dont know weather its because the grit im using is too course, Im using JBlast Supa Fine and it does work just not very well.

Any ideas?

 

[brightspark]

Having a problem with my new cheapo balster

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bead-Shot...605?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item41530f306d

It keeps getting blocked at some point, I think its getting blocked at the regulator on the bottom, dont know weather its because the grit im using is too course, Im using JBlast Supa Fine and it does work just not very well.

Any ideas?

there not the best of regulators it only takes an odd bit of grit the wrong size and all stops . make sure its not water gathering making the grit damp under the reg valve and blocking up. sieve the grit . get rid of the rubbishy blast jet and get a 3mm carbide jet from ace gritblasters and just push it on the end of blast hose held with jubily clip. use the input tap to open and close air supply

 

[RTspray]

Well i thought it could be that but ive sieved it and only run it for a few mins at a time and I regularly drain my compressors, are there any bigger regulators available?

 

[rtbcomp]

How have you got the valves set?

Top & bypass valves should be fully open and adjust the bottom valve to get the right mixture. The stream of grit should be barely visible.

 

[brightspark]

Well i thought it could be that but ive sieved it and only run it for a few mins at a time and I regularly drain my compressors, are there any bigger regulators available?

i think there 3/8 bsp ball valves any larger would have to be 1/2 inch valves used with reducer nipples fitted .

 

[mm289]

I have similar problems TBH.

Part of the problem I reckon is the bottom of the cylinder is so shallow that a lot of the media "sticks" to the walls and doesn't fall down into the feed/valve. (helps if you load it up heavy)

I actually stand mine on a bench/workmate when in use and regularly tap the sides when the flow stops and this sets it off again.

I run mine from my spray filter array so air supply is about as dry and clean as you can get it without a seperate drier and still get this prob.

The stock ball valve at the nozzle end of the hose is rubbish, mine lasted about 2 hours before blowing a crack in the side of the valve, and the replacement I bought lasted about the same cause I was trying to use it to "throttle" the supply. Grit just blew a big hole in the semi closed orifice - so only use fully open or fully shut

I will be upgrading to a nozzle like Brightspark suggest next, and if that doesn't improve might see if I can make one of his disc valves he has posted on here before.

Cheers,

MM

 

[stormin]

Dry air is the key requirement of blasting.
Just regularly draining your compressor isn't enough, you need a good filter / water seperator, the ones provided with the 10/20 gallon cheap pots aren't the best. Be worth investing in a bit better filter be well worth it in terms of time and grit saved.

 

[jackojacks]

i use a blaster very similar to this with very little trouble i think you get use to knowing what not to do with them after a while.
seiving the grit is very important . i use an old electric drill with a small off set cam in the chuck. held to the side of the blaster with a bungee and it acts as a vibrator to keep the media flowing when its getting low.[it works well for me]
i also use supafine it blasts very well but with minimum wear to ball valves and tips. if the pot is left filled when not in use it can compact and cause flow probs try running it 3/4 full and limit the grit flow on the bottom ball valve then you can increase it slowly to find the best setting for your setup. these blasters are very good when you get use to them.
i used to sometimes work a drive in blast room for a job and that was the same it was a pig till you knew what to do and what not to do.youll get the hang of it..

 

[Shox Dr]

I built one out of a Propane bottle a while back, it tend to stick to the bottle, so I tend to stand with my foot on the lid, and as soon as the flow stops I shake the bottle

 

[jackojacks]

thats what i used to do lol before attatching my spare drill to shake it for me.

 

[brightspark]

just fill with fresh grit before required and it doesnt compact. empty after use as well. mine would run all day once it was warmed up and regulated using with fresh grit

 

[Shox Dr]

you'll never find out if you keep filling it will you

 

[brightspark]

you'll never find out if you keep filling it will you

dont be tight and use it more than twice . on the second use coarse sieve it and allso fine sieve then bin it and u will have no bother . ball valve regulators are prone to blockage as well i made proper sand valves for mine as in another post . well sorted

 

[RTspray]

Sucsess guys, It seems to be working fine now. Using the J blast Supafine stuff and the right pressure etc and sivving the grit all seems to have done the trick. Thanks for any help. Ill post some pics up when I get the chance.