Making a sand blasting cabinet

Time to get back to concentrating on the Comet . But as usual I have to build or make something to do a task.
I usually use a plastic kiddie pool laying in the grass to blast in. Now I am going to make a cabinet so I can contain the sand better. I am wanting to do my doors so I am going to make it big enough to put the door in standing or laying down. The doors have been off for a couple of years and they need blasting and priming. OR, I could put this off and get my headliner in :confused:
All I know is there would be alot more room in the garage if the parts were attached to the car instead of laying around everywhere

 

Do it!!!!! Do it!!!

 

thats going to be a big cabinet. will you be able to reach in far enough to get to the deep parts of the cabinet. every cabinet that ive used isnt close to fitting a door. stuff that big is usually done in a blast room where you put on the blast suit and are basically in the cabinet. or are you going to seal off your garage and make the whole thing a blast cabinet?

 

I made the bottom funnel/drain this evening. I plan to make the base and stand tomorrow. Hopefully the sides.. It'll have a full opening swing top with plexi glass and a light fixture or two. I have some plexi glass left over from something I did about 4 years ago so might as well use it.
I once went to a place where they had a room they blasted in. It was about 12' x 12'. THAT was nice. You just carry whatever part in there and blast it. They did my differential housing and parts in there.

 

I figure I can make arm holes all around and cover the ones not in use..

 

get the gloves that attach to the cabinet...

 

Gene, Nobody believes you.

Remember if there are no pics. It isn't happening.

 

I know you probably know this, but be very careful sandblasting large panels. The heat and pressure from sandblasting will warp and work harden thin body panels. There is other media such as soda blasting that doesn't have the problems that sand does. Sand is fine on heavy thick items such as rear end and suspension parts and frames.

 

Yea. I'm trying to get into crevices and contoured areas.. Thanks.

 

A few of the materials I will use. Trying to do it on a budget but also realizeing that to buy one would cost alot more.
I looke in my storage unit to see what I could use out of there first. I found a shower door that will not get used for anything so I guess I can use it for the side entry. Making it 6' tall by 4' front to back and 8' long. I will be able to walk into it.. Obviously it will have casters.
After I build it I will have to configure some pulleys and make it where I can hoist it up into the empty overhead area in the shop. Too big to leave sitting in the work space when not in use.
Of course I had to stop progress to fix the welder casters . Since I was buying casters I got the ones for the welder I have been needing for almost two years. Plan is to work on the cabinet tomorrow.

 

Check out http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/idx/0/007/article/Build_Your_Own_Grit_Blasting_Cabinet.html

 

Thanks Jeff. Great info. I guess I hadn't thought about dust cause anytime I blasted I was outside working in a kiddie pool. I like the idea of using the Crystal Grit and Polycarbonate Film on the viewing windows.
He said it is 18"x18"x28". I first imagined a shaker . I guess he put in the wrong dimensions in the begining.

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/40-lb-capacity-floor-blast-cabinet-93608.html

Tomorrow they are accepting a 25% off coupon for easter. I think that would be $164 well spent. Even if you had to buy two of them and "splice" them together to be as big as you want it.

Much cheaper than building one.

 

I am at around $224.91. But I am also using stuff I have laying around. Still need to put a dust vent in place..
Even if I spliced two of those together I could not walk into it with my Comet doors (1 at a time).. I will also be able to do diff housings and other larg items .

In case anyone is following and curious as to what I will use.

Purchased:
4- sheets 4'x8' cabinet grade 3/4 plywood (on sale for $29.97 ea. Got one at $5 off for bad edge )
3- treated 4"x4"x8' timbers
4- 3" casters w/brake
1- Fluorescent T8 wraped light fixture
1- Mortar tub (to catch the sand/grit)
1- 4" drain pipe with holes (using this for air/dust vent)
1- pair of hinges for side door
Screws

Stuff I had:
2- sheets of B/C 3/4" plywood (previously used but still good)
1- Shower door
4'x5' Plexi glass (not exactly sure which kind or quality, still has the protective coating)
Misc sheet metal, wire mesh, 3" steel tubing (used to make drain)
Sand blaster gun and hose
Steel window screen for sifting
Sand

Stuff I think I will need to still get:
Small blower/fan for the vent
Crystal Grit
Polycarbonate Window Film
More time and money

 

My buddy (Allen) who is helping me knows just about everything about wood/lumber. He is great when it comes to making something like cabinets or tables etc.. Well.. his mom passed away Easter Sunday. We are on hold on the cabinet till things get better. I still need to round up a few items so we have time. Those Comet doors ain't going any where anyway.. Guess I can consider moving on to the headliner..