What media should I use to abrasive blast with?

[abosely]

What media should i use to blast transfer case & other small cast aluminum parts?

I want to paint some of the things like the 74' top mount wiper assembly & such after cleaning them up.

I was guessing glass beads or walnut shells?

Cheers, Allen

 

[Shes Mad]

#8 glass beads are about 800 grit. Leaves a nice finish without a lot of hills and valleys

 

[winoism]

Plastic media stripping (small plastic pellets) or soda blasting are great options. Not to abrasive


...via IH8MUD app

 

[cruiserpilot]

I've heard walnut shell leaves a residue requiring more work. I was looking into this a few yrs
ago, so I'm sure others here can leave a clarification. I would think glass beads would be cleanest,
most controllable.

 

[benwah]

For your application I would suggest soda blasting, then scuff with 50-60 grit sandpaper.

 

[sggoat]

Soda blast is a good alternative for non-metal removal--also there are options for CO2 blast(dry ice) that have similar abrasive properties.

 

[Sheppie]

Mix of soda and sandpaper afterwards should do the trick with no harm done. In case of any doubt I always check up or forum here, or consult web:
http://www.preferredabrasives.com/abrasive-grain-types.html
http://www.scienceclarified.com/A-Al/Abrasives.html
http://home.howstuffworks.com/sandpaper.htm

Cheers