What sandblasing media to use?

[hz293]

I am just about to start sandblasting some small steel items in a blaster that I got from Harbor Freight. I also picked up some aluminum oxide media from them. Started to use it and it was ok but not great. Of course after I used it I looked at the manual. It said "do not use aluminum oxide". I need some direction on what to use and the grit courseness. My air compressor is set at 100psi per the manual.

Harris

[patrickmcveigh]

What are you trying to remove from the metal and what kind of finish do you want on it after blasting?

[hz293]

I want to remove mill scale and rust as needed.

Harris

[MXtras]

"Black Beauty" works well on scale and rust, glass beads work well on Aluminum.

Scott

[Jerel]

You might read about the choices of media here. Tractor Supply has 3 or 4 types of media to choose from also.
http://www.tptools.com/dg/183_Glass-Beads-Abrasives.html

[brianpgriset]

I'll second Black Beauty. It usually is stock in several grits (from very fine to medium) and is cheap. I get it for $8 per 100lb bag at the local concrete products store.

[uncrichie]

Hello, did they give a reason to not use aluminum oxide, just curious. I have a HF sand blasting cabinet and use 80 grit AO alot? Wonder why they say don't? Uncrichie.

[hz293]

It's very agressive as is silican carbide and will damage the blaster quicker than some other media. Check out google for more info.

Harris

[uncrichie]

Thanks for the info. Uncrichie.