Recommendation for Inexpensive Soda Blaster?

I tried this route by converting my pot blaster to a soda blaster. it was a total headache. The soda clogged easily, but the real issue is air pressure. We have a large 2 stage air compressor (can't recall CFM, but it isn't a cheapie, it's an industrial C'aire) and it couldn't keep up. I since learned that with the volume of air required it is virtually impossible to do it at home.I spent 2 hours screwing around got half of one side of a fender done. Sand will create heat and warp the panels, so I wouldn't go that way either.

I ended up chalking it up to experience and hiring a pro to come out and blast the car with crushed glass media (and a portable diesel powered air compressor), which leaves a surface similar to 80 grit paper. It didn't need washed like you have to do with soda; I laid epoxy right over it.

kirkwood wrote: I tried this route by converting my pot blaster to a soda blaster. it was a total headache. The soda clogged easily, but the real issue is air pressure. We have a large 2 stage air compressor (can't recall CFM, but it isn't a cheapie, it's an industrial C'aire) and it couldn't keep up. I since learned that with the volume of air required it is virtually impossible to do it at home.I spent 2 hours screwing around got half of one side of a fender done. Sand will create heat and warp the panels, so I wouldn't go that way either. I ended up chalking it up to experience and hiring a pro to come out and blast the car with crushed glass media (and a portable diesel powered air compressor), which leaves a surface similar to 80 grit paper. It didn't need washed like you have to do with soda; I laid epoxy right over it.

Friend of mines son bought a total plastic media system, lock stock and barrel, trailer tent kerosene heater to blow into the tent in cold weather. Tow type air compressor/welder. He said the welder did not change the cost enough to hurt his monthly payments so why not.

   Short story is he could not  make enough money here and had relatives in Detriot, so he moved up there and the business up there was worse but he got a good job in a paint shop.  He left $30k worth of equipment in a storage yard when he moved back home

EDIT: worst part is his mom and dad cosigned for it and got hit hard buy the loan company when they had to repo it in Detroit!


Edited by Wrambler - Jan/11/2012 at 4:11pm