Sandblasting Vs soda blasting

[rolesyboy]

Does anybody have experience of soda or sandblasting first hand. I am looking at buying one from Frost or machine mart and cannot decide if I should get the pot on wheels or the cabinet type. I have subrames and associated parts to blast at the moment but I also have an early van to restore next year and will want to have the shell blasted so perhaps a pot would be better?
I am interested to know how much mess the pot on wheels type would make ie could I do it in my back garden?
Is soda a better medium?
Any pros cons and recommended low cost equipment tips appreciated.

[Vegard]

Soda doesn't disturb aluminium at all. Sand blasting does indeed, so does bead blasting.

Different products for different uses really.

I don't think you can sodablast a shell. It will take hours and be expensive as the soda stuff cannot be reused.

[AustinSuperSeven]

I'm just setting up a blast cabinet with extractor and pot just for Mini work.
As Vegard said, the Soda is slow and expensive but once you have blasted a panel it leaves a protective layer which stops it surface rusting for a while.
As for the pot system you will need a large compressor for air volume and very nice neighbours as it's noisy and makes so much mess.
Soda is very gentle on trim and glass and will not damage panel work but will not shift really corroded areas and sealant.
Sand/bead blasting is harsh but will do the job cheaply and quickly.
You get what you pay for in this area, so if you can pay a bit more for your equipment it will pay dividends in the end.
Your best buy will be a decent helmet and clothing because the dust gets everywhere.
Hope this helps.
Regards
George

[Dean]

there was someone on here ( well the last forum ) who made his own cabinet from a large plastic box for soda blasting, he run the air line throught the side with compressor hose connectors, it worked really well when he posted up a set of carbs he did

http://www.atfreeforum.com/mk1mark/view ... um=mk1mark

as for soda blasting a shell, it can be done, its not cheap, but weigh it up againts having to clean out all the door,windows shuts and getting into all those tight corner, its money well spend and time saved
i have just had mine done, and they blast everywhere, but coat in it in zinc sulphate coating to stop rust

[rolesyboy]

Man that shell looks impressive. Love the bonnet badge you have added. Makes all the difference eh ...Thanks for the link. I will try to add it to the How to do it section as I think this will be helpful. I am still keen to hear about how to set up the pot with wheels, what cfm and tank volume my compressor needs for a decent flow and also whether there would be any harm in using kiln dried sand as a medium. I have a pretty big back garden but not sure how far the dust travels ie to the point it would p**s my neighbours off... Mark

[lexie467]

Before X-mas Moss had an offer bon soda blast. To you who not know and doubt do look on the attached video how it works. I must say it is a miracle.
Tommy

[IAIN]

I have a soda blaster and a small grit blaster. If you are thinking of doing a shell you won't manage it with out spending £1000's

http://www.northernpowerclean.co.uk/mobilesystems.php

If you only want to soda blast a carb or an engine block for example, you could, with a small unit from Frost or simmilar. But thats all you would manage.
I actually use my old grit blaster with soda in for small items, it works for a little while.

As for the soda dust mess, using a large blaster with out a tent or cabinet your garden won't be big enough believe me ! .

http://www.frost.co.uk/automotive-clean ... aster.html

The man in the link above was probably blasting for an hour to get to that stage.