What grit beads do you use to bead blast ?

RDT

RDT

Joined
Dec 17, 1999
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I am currently using 50 micron glass beads. The finish is cool but I feel it may be too fine. Just wondering what you all use ? I tried to Gun Kote one but it didn't take well. Partlt because my spray gun sucks and will be sent back but I think the finish was too fine. However, the finer grit seems to be more scuff resistant when pulling out of the Kydex. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks....RDT
 
I am using BT-8 (60-100 mesh)glass beads, but I mix in #150 aluminum oxide blast media. The mix can vary, but it is usually 70%AO, 30% GB.
It does work, and you get a very matte finish, which can be varied by changing the percentages around. But I am not really happy with it.
A better way to go, IMO, is the stuff Kit uses. It is B-60, SEPR Ceramic Beads, available from Fusco Abrasives, 1-800-899-3872. It is more expensive than GB, but lasts much longer. I don't have a URL for them, at the moment, Sorry.
Neither of these blast medias will cover grinder marks. You have to have a good finish first.
 
Thanks Mike ! I was wondering about those ceramic beads. WIll that cover grinder marks ? I found that glass beads will do a great job but not totally perfect. Again, as you said...ya gott ahve a nice finish prior to blasting. I guess that would vary depending on the grit and the air pressure huh ? Take care.....RDT
PS, thanks for the tel #, I will give em' a call:D
 
The ceramic won't hide anything. I go up to a 400 grit finish or finer before I blast. I use a fine line German permanent ink pen to make reference marks, etc and you have to really concentrate the blast to even remove it.
Glass bead shatters and cuts into the surface, and creates alot of dust inside the cabinet. The ceramic peens the surface and almost no dust. Works with much less air pressure.
The ceramic does the best job I've found to match the "color" of titanium and blade steel. With glass, the titanium is usually darker and the texture is different between the two.
It comes in a 25 kilo can and even with MikeO and I both using it, I haven't been thru a whole can this year. I've went thru two 50 lb cans of glass in a month.
Ceramic is not good if you are blasting parts for powder coating, or other finished. You need the cut finish of glass or AO.
Fusco has been known to give out samples. You might want to try that:)
I think there is a dealer on the East coast that carries it but I haven't researched it.

Hope that helps.
 
Just a suggestion. When I was doing the bead blast finish I found things worked alot better if I hit the knife first with 150 grit garnet and then the glass bead. Felt like I was waisting alot of bead and time starting out with the glass beads... Ray
 
Thanks Kit !, I must give the ceramics a try. The glass does shatter when blasted and the dust is RIDICULOUS ! The dust is so fine and gets everywhere !. Thanks to you too Richard, I wouldn't have thought of that sounds cool too. Take care.....RDT
 
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