TTT -- The Tool Thread (14 Viewers)

[roadstr6]

I bought a HF sand blaster years ago when I was restoring MG's and Triumphs. Maybe they have improved but I can tell you that mine, out of the box is garbage. It will clog about every three handfuls of sand. I have broken the front leg off of it by tapping it on the concrete to keep the sand flowing. I have always used dry screened play sand. I've probably put 30 bags through it over the years and every time I use it I wish I hadn't even bothered. If one could be modded to work better as Jon says, then maybe it is worth your time to do that but don't expect much out of the box. Couple more observations...it takes a lot of CFM. A job site pancake compressor won't keep up. Get a water separator. The compressor will run so much and get so hot that you'll start to get moisture build-up inside the media tank which means more clogs. Wear a respirator. Good luck!

 

[S4Cruiser]

They have one like that at harbor freight that I saw. I didn’t want to get it until I looked at some of the reviews. For $20 I’m going to give it a shot and buy one along with some place diamond media. The reviews say that if you screen play sand from Lowe’s you can use it in the gun. I am already prepared to flap disc the whole frame just in case.

If the sand has silica in it then expect it to shorten your life considerably.

 

[roadstr6]

Pretty much any sand will have silica in it, play sand included and no, it is not good for you. I don't know that I'd go so far as to say that sand blasting a truck frame is going to shorten your life considerably, but it's not going to do you any favors either. If your job involves sand blasting on a regular basis, you'd better watch out. Bottom line for a DIY person, work in a ventilated area, wear breathing protection and just be aware that there is bad stuff in the sand. You'll be fine for an occasional backyard job.

I think it's funny that people freak out over sand but think nothing of spraying can after can of spray paint with not so much as a 50 cent dust mask. Blow your nose after spraying a couple of rattle cans and you'll see what I'm talking about.

In all things, moderation.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

I had one of these @SFROMAN and it took me about 20 minutes to do one wheel in prep for powdercoating. In that time it clogged half way through each fill, requiring it be shook around a bunch before it would work again for a little while. It would take you days to blast a frame. Not worth the frustration:

Gravity Feed Blaster Gun with 20 oz. Hopper

Have a mobile blasting guy come do it, or a dustless blasting service. It'll be well worth the money in saved time.

 

[NCFJ]

Better yet, put your frame on your trailer, take it to them and let them have the mess at their place! Most good blasters will also prime it for you, even with weld through primer

If you are just going to blast the frame and paint it right away, no welding on it etc, I am sure that they can paint it for you as well while there. A whole lot easier than setting up and painting at your own shop. I am going with a new blaster that offers paint and powder coat services as well. I am thinking strongly about having them spray it and bake it there and bring home a frame that is ready to start hanging the suspension.

I am still not convinced that powder is right for frame and suspension on an off road SUV. Even if they only go on an occasional gravel road stone chips will destroy powder. It'll destroy paint too over a longer period of time but paint touches up better in my experience.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

^^^ Even better. There are a few sandblast places in east Durham I found with a quick google search. Looks like there are a few down in Fayetteville too.

 

[S4Cruiser]

Pretty much any sand will have silica in it, play sand included and no, it is not good for you. I don't know that I'd go so far as to say that sand blasting a truck frame is going to shorten your life considerably, but it's not going to do you any favors either. If your job involves sand blasting on a regular basis, you'd better watch out. Bottom line for a DIY person, work in a ventilated area, wear breathing protection and just be aware that there is bad stuff in the sand. You'll be fine for an occasional backyard job.

I think it's funny that people freak out over sand but think nothing of spraying can after can of spray paint with not so much as a 50 cent dust mask. Blow your nose after spraying a couple of rattle cans and you'll see what I'm talking about.

In all things, moderation.

Very true. Some sands contain less crystalline silica then others...products marketed as play sand is one. LIke you mentioned, moderation is key along with the appropriate PPE, which for blasting I'd wear a positive pressure respirator unless using a cabinet which I'd wear a cartridge respirator.

 

[S4Cruiser]

^^^ Even better. There are a few sandblast places in east Durham I found with a quick google search. Looks like there are a few down in Fayetteville too.

The guy I've used before is in North Hillsborough - Ray's Custom Rides. Does a great job and has reasonable prices. Most larger cruiser parts I've had blasted I get them to epoxy prime as it's not that much more cost but is a huge bonus.

 

[SFROMAN]

I would load up the body and frame unto the trailer and bring it to a blaster and have them blast it and primer it with no problem just to save time. The problem is they’re all closed on weekends. And are open 9-5 or 8-4. That kills it for me. Because I work from 5am-7pm most days. So it limits my options.
I am going to look at possibly droping it off on my way into work one morning. Then pick it up in the afternoon. Posssibly the same day or the next.

Although it isn’t not as fast or effective. My other plan is to lift the body at home and just take my time cleaning it with a flap disk on a grinder. Then simply prime it and possibly paint it myself in the backyard. At least to clean it up and make it easier to find what needs to be fixed.

If that goes quick enough I can start stripping the underside of the cab and at a minimum prime it until I have time to weld up all the patch holes I will need to fix any rust.

 

[stevezero]

amazing how someone at a small business will stay a lil later than normal when a nice bit of cash is offered for their time and effort. Specially fi they are A. being referred by another satisfied customer, and B: Member of a club full of overly anal people that could be a nice stream of future revenue. Ask and see, you may be surprised

 

[S4Cruiser]

I would load up the body and frame unto the trailer and bring it to a blaster and have them blast it and primer it with no problem just to save time. The problem is they’re all closed on weekends. And are open 9-5 or 8-4. That kills it for me. Because I work from 5am-7pm most days. So it limits my options.
I am going to look at possibly droping it off on my way into work one morning. Then pick it up in the afternoon. Posssibly the same day or the next.

Although it isn’t not as fast or effective. My other plan is to lift the body at home and just take my time cleaning it with a flap disk on a grinder. Then simply prime it and possibly paint it myself in the backyard. At least to clean it up and make it easier to find what needs to be fixed.

If that goes quick enough I can start stripping the underside of the cab and at a minimum prime it until I have time to weld up all the patch holes I will need to fix any rust.

I did the flap disc and wire wheel deal on my grey truck...IT SUCKED...and then I ended up having it blasted and painted anyways

 

[lumbee1]

Pretty much any sand will have silica in it, play sand included and no, it is not good for you. I don't know that I'd go so far as to say that sand blasting a truck frame is going to shorten your life considerably, but it's not going to do you any favors either. If your job involves sand blasting on a regular basis, you'd better watch out. Bottom line for a DIY person, work in a ventilated area, wear breathing protection and just be aware that there is bad stuff in the sand. You'll be fine for an occasional backyard job.

I think it's funny that people freak out over sand but think nothing of spraying can after can of spray paint with not so much as a 50 cent dust mask. Blow your nose after spraying a couple of rattle cans and you'll see what I'm talking about.

In all things, moderation.

That reminded me that I needed to purchase a respirator.

 

[SFROMAN]

I did the flap disc and wire wheel deal on my grey truck...IT SUCKED...and then I ended up having it blasted and painted anyways

I read a 40 thread the other day where the guy did that to clean up the frame of any pitting or scaling. He made the frame smooth as hell. Then did what you did. Had it blasted primed and painted.

This might be an option for me.

My work schedule sucks for the next two month. I basically will be gone so I want to see how much I can get done on the 40 this weekend. Garret is coming by to help me out. I figure any progress is good progress and I don’t necessarily want to start throwing money at it yet until I formulate a better plan.

Cleaning up all the s***ty scaly rust and giving it a quick primer and black enamal paint job will feel like progress. If we get more ham that done. That’s just a bonus.

By the way if folks want to come by and wrench or just come by and shoot the sh!t or work on their own stuff i will be working on the 40 all weekend.

Pm me and I can give you my address.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

My HF engine hoist gave it's life to the tool gods this weekend, and thus, I'm in the market for a new one. Looking at a heavier duty engine crane/engine joist/cherry picker.

Found the following, looks like a good candidate. Price seems reasonable for the extra beef compared to the pittsburgh version. I had considered just buying another HF engine crane, but want something heavier duty for moving equipment around.

Anyone have experience with an engine hoist/cherry picker other than HF?

https://www.amazon.com/Dragway-Tools-Engine-Cherry-Picker/dp/B00295PBCG

 

[lt1fire]

My buddies dad has had the Same westward (I think that is the manufacturer) hoist since I was a kid. He has used the hell out of that thing.

Another friend has had a jegs branded one (no idea who makes it) for quite some time but I would imagine its quality is comparable to harbor frieght, he doesn't abuse it much.

 

[S4Cruiser]

My HF engine hoist gave it's life to the tool gods this weekend, and thus, I'm in the market for a new one. Looking at a heavier duty engine crane/engine joist/cherry picker.

Found the following, looks like a good candidate. Price seems reasonable for the extra beef compared to the pittsburgh version. I had considered just buying another HF engine crane, but want something heavier duty for moving equipment around.

Anyone have experience with an engine hoist/cherry picker other than HF?

https://www.amazon.com/Dragway-Tools-Engine-Cherry-Picker/dp/B00295PBCG

I think you need this one.

https://www.amazon.com/OTC-1813-Cap...F8&qid=1522711194&sr=8-7&keywords=floor+crane

 

[fourtrax]

Free shipping even

 

[lt1fire]

Free shipping even

But only for prime members.... holy crap that is some money

 

[S4Cruiser]

http://www.arbusa.com/Uploads/PDF/newProductAdvice/2018/ARB_jack.pdf

I was pumped when I saw this but @ >$800 I'll stare death in the face with my HiLift.

 

[S4Cruiser]

Plan to rebuild a spare sm465 trans and figured this would be the perfect excuse to acquire a ginormous bearing puller