Devices which are known as “sandblasters” use sand, or a something similar, to ready a surface for finishing with a protective coating. The sand is usually propelled by pressure from a special nozzle, often referred to as a sandblasting gun. There are three main kinds of sandblasters and they include gravity fed, siphon, and pressure blasters. They also come in a variety of sizes, from very small to very large, for a range of different job types.
Gravity and Siphon
The gravity type sandblasters, as their name suggests, work due to gravity. Sand is placed in a small container, sometimes called a hopper, which is fitted on top of the gun. The gun is then hooked up to an air compressor. When the trigger is released and the air blasts out of the nozzle, the sand falls from the container and is blasted out of the nozzle.
The siphon type of sandblaster works in quite a similar way. The container which holds the sand, however, is this time below the nozzle rather than above it. When the air is released, it sucks sand out of the nozzle.
Pressure and Mini Type and Mobility
In the case of a pressure sandblaster, it requires canisters of sand that are pressurised. Sandblasting guns are then hooked up to these canisters, and sand is blasted out of the container when the trigger is pulled. Although this type is much easier to use than other sandblasters in Perth, they are usually more expensive, due to the sand not being able to be reused and new canisters have to be purchased when the old ones are empty.
Mini sandblasters have been designed and made to be very easily moveable. These portable sandblasters can be utilised in tight spaces and for work featuring detail. For instance, a hand-held sandblaster can be employed underneath a car to get rid of any rust or old paint before refinishing can begin.
The Larger Type and Safety Concerns
A larger sandblaster might require being mounted to something so as to stabilise it. These can be mounted to something such as a bench or inside a cabinet. When they are affixed to a wheeled cart, they can then be made portable. Sandblasters can be used for a whole range of different sorts of work such as the removal of old paint from the side of a house before repainting to treating and renewing the look of wood to the removal of paint and rust from the body of a vehicle before repainting.
When someone is using a sandblaster, protective clothing should always be worn. Eye protection in the form of goggles, are of vital importance to remember wearing when sandblasting. Sand, or other types of sandblasting materials, can get into eyes while working and damage will ensue. So it’s in everybody’s interests to get fully kitted out safety wise, every single time a job has to be performed.