Blast Cabinet

poci1957 · June 17th, 2009

After a few years of puttering along with a cheapie I would like to buy a good bead blaster this year. I do not think I can afford a large model with foot control and it's own vacuum, but I cannot stand my cheapie anymore. I think I probably need a medium sized freestanding model or a good large benchtop model if it has decent quallity and features. Can anyone relate their own experience with something from Eastwood, TIP or the others seen in hobby ads or swap meets? If you have a plastic window how has that worked for you? Thanks, Todd

Biscayne John · June 17th, 2009

I had bought a TIP about 15 years ago, very happy with it! Plastic window and they sell protector shields to go over it. It is the sort of tool you do not want to regret buying, they seldom wear out and cost too much to upgrade. One thing I will say regardless of brand whatever size you might think you need go one size larger, it can never be too big but it sure can be too small!
Good luck

Bhigdog · June 17th, 2009

If you're not in a big hurry check EBay, craigs list, and local penny saver type papers. I picked up a 48" Trinco commercial Cabinet with centifical seperator in like new condition for 1/4 of what new would cost.......Bob

poci1957 · June 18th, 2009

Thanks guys, good tips, write back if you think of anything else, Todd

Bhigdog · June 19th, 2009

there is nice a looking Trinco cabinet on ebay right now item
270410049626. It's very similar to the one I have. I didn't use the filter bag which is only for very fine dust. I just ran a short duct through an outside wall. Zero maintenance and hassle.
This unit is a bit far for you and wouldn't you know it only about an hour and a half from me.........Bob

Barry Wolk · August 16th, 2009

I built my own out of plywood and had steel doors fabbed for the sides.

Here's the complete build.

Really big sand blast booth

JZRIV · August 17th, 2009

Eastwood is over priced when it comes to blast cabinets. It looks like their cabinets are good quality but they are priced too far above the competition. From what I have seen the TP cabinets are one of the best buys out there if you are buying new. A couple times a year they have a big sell and thats a great time to buy if you can wait. I think one of them is around the Thanksgiving holiday.

The other option is to watch craigslist for a used industrial grade unit. If you are doing a lot of car parts I suggest getting as big a one as you have room for such as a 48" wide or even a 60. A good vacuum system is a must if you want to see what you are doing.

A bigger cabinet allows you do to bigger parts but it will also precipitate the need for a larger air compressor so keep that in mind as well.

Terry Bond · August 17th, 2009

TIP usually has a big sale for the Carlisle and Hershey swap meets that lasts for a while after the events are over. Occasionally they may also have a great deal on a unit that was scratched during shipping or something. I visited their shop in person several years ago and got a really great deal on a unit that someone had purchased, then found they couldn't get it into their basement and had to go to a smaller size. The one they returned had a little paint scratched off a couple of corners from trying to manhandle it down some steps. A little touch up was well worth the discount. Important rule of thumb, buy the largest you can stretch to afford and you'll be glad you did.

61-63 · August 30th, 2009

I bought a TP blasting cabinet kit several years ago and rather than make it out of wood as their plans suggested I made it out of angle iron and sheet metal from car bodies (hoods mostly). It is one of the most useful tools I have and turns so-so quality work into professional level work like nothing else. But since you have had a small one you know that already. One thing I would recommend is buying the plastic sheeting that you stick to the inside of the window; you will ruin the window in short order otherwise and will not be ablw to see through it. I get all of my supplies except the blasting media from TP Tools and have always been pleased with both their products and their service. I also finally bought one of their blasting cabinet vacuums and really like that too as it keeps the air and floor outside of the cabinet clean.

Plymouthy · August 31st, 2009

I have had my 5 foot wide SCAT BLAST cabinet since 1985..it is by far one of the best items I have purchased to support my hobby habit...I will say this, it is like a shop..you can't get them too big..go with the largest you have the room and wallet to support..