All About Sandblasting Guns

A variety of techniques can be used to clean contaminated surfaces, one of the most popular of which is sandblasting. In order to carry out sandblasting, which is sand cleaning, as the name suggests, a specially designed device must be used, namely a sandblasting gun. Such an aggregate not only cleans the surface on which it acts, but also polishes it. Today in our article we will take a closer look at all the distinctive features and unique characteristics of sandblasting devices.

First you need to figure out what a sandblasting gun, or sandblasting, is. So, This is a compressor nozzle, which is most often used for cleaning car body surfaces from serious dirt and paintwork.

The design of the mechanism includes several mandatory elements:

• external metal case, shaped like a pistol, where the name of the unit came from;
• hose for feeding sand to the gun;
• nozzle, which is a hole from where sand comes out under great pressure, most often it is ceramic;
• lever - it is used to hold the body of the unit and is often equipped with a trigger, which is necessary to turn on the supply of sandblasting;
• adjustment screws, adjustments and settings of the device parameters.

Before purchasing and using a sandblasting gun, you need to carefully study not only its design and device, but also the technology of operation. Let's take a closer look at how a sandblasting gun from a compressor functions.

• The gun is connected to the compressor by means of dedicated hose and suction fitting.
• When air enters the dedicated chamber, the user has the ability to regulate and correct the indicators of its pressure.
• After that air moves towards the nozzle on a special channel.
• While the air is passing through the channel, the device sucks in sand and abrasive from a special container in which these materials are located. This process is carried out due to the pressure difference. It should be borne in mind that the user can adjust the amount of sand sucked in by air - for this, a specially designed screw is usually included in the design of the unit.
• Air and sand with abrasive particles are supplied through the nozzle, due to which and direct processing takes place.

Today, there are a large number of areas of use for sandblasting guns. So, surface treatment with sand is relevant in the following cases:

• elimination of rust and paint residues before applying various protective coatings to the surface (for example, anti-corrosion compounds);
• grinding parts and products made of wood, stone, plastic, ceramics, metal and other materials (this is necessary in order to subsequently apply further coating to a particular surface);
• application of inscriptions and drawings on various types of surfaces;
• glass matting (for applying patterns on it, the procedure is also used for the production of tableware);
• restoration of various items;
• degreasing products before coating them with varnish or paint;
• processing walls to give them a special roughness;
• creating the so-called "aging" effect (relevant in the process of processing furniture and decorative interior items: for example, boxes or frames);
• grinding of car parts.

Today there are several varieties of sandblasting guns. For example, an electric air gun, a handheld device, and many other models can be found on the market.

According to the method of ejection of the abrasive mixture, the guns can be point-like (that is, the sand is directed from the nozzle in a straight line to a specific point), or they can have a wide range of action. Often, early device options are considered more efficient.

Depending on the supply of abrasive material, the devices can be:

• with cistern (such a gun is similar in its characteristics to a spray gun);

• with hose (used for processing large surfaces);

• pneumatic;

• dust-free (does not create a large amount of waste, which then needs to be removed);

• with bag for collecting sand and many others.

A large number of models of sandblasting guns can be found on the market today. Both manual and professional models of domestic and foreign manufacturers (for example, Chinese companies) are popular with consumers. Today in our article we will take a look at some of the best models of such devices.

This device is manufactured by a well-known Chinese company in the world. The cleaning material is supplied from the container. It should be noted that the tank itself is made of such a durable and reliable material as stainless steel, and the total volume of the container is 1 liter. To use a pistol, a pressure of 4 bar is required.

The standard equipment, in addition to the main unit, also includes a connecting fixture for the air supply hose and a thin nozzle with a diameter of 2.5 mm. As for the air flow rate, it is at 164 l / min. At the same time, most users note that to use the Sturm AU-1720-03 sandblasting gun model, you will also need a compressor with a capacity of at least 200 l / min. The air hose connection sleeve is 1⁄4 '' in diameter.

This device model is very popular among consumers. The unit is often used for cleaning car bodies from old paint and rust. Compared to the model that was described above, this device has a smaller tank, the capacity of which is 0.8 liters.In this case, the material of manufacture remains the same - stainless steel. With regard to the diameter of the nozzle, this figure is 0.6 cm. Thanks to these technical characteristics of the Fubag SBG 142 / 3.5 with the help of the model, you can process a rather large surface area. At the same time, the model is distinguished by a rather high consumption of abrasive substance, respectively, you will have to regularly refuel the tank.

The diameter of the air hose connection sleeve is 1⁄4 inch. The optimum pressure for this device is 3.5 bar. As for the significant positive characteristics of this unit, they include reliable and high-quality assembly, as well as a long service life - the manufacturer gives a two-year warranty.

This unit, in comparison with the models described above, has higher power ratings and can be used for serious work. Matrix 57326 requires 4 bar to operate, with a flow rate of up to 230 l / min. The nozzle diameter corresponds to 0.6 cm. However, to work with this model of the device, it is necessary to prepare material, the grain size of which cannot exceed 1.6 mm.

The sandblasting gun model Metabo SSP 1000 can be classified as to the category of professional devices. To use it, you must have a compressor with a pressure of 7 bar. As for the flow rate of the gun itself, it is 300 l / min. In addition to the main unit, 3 1⁄4 '' bushings are included as standard. In order to connect the bushing to the external casing of the device, it is necessary to use a specially designed quick-release fastener rapid. Such structural elements of the model as a vacuum tank and a nozzle are distinguished by high quality. Sandblasting gun is great for frequent and large-scale works.

Thus, thanks to the wide range of sandblasting units on the modern market, each user will be able to choose for himself such an unit that will fully meet his needs and wishes.

The choice of a sandblasting gun should be approached with all care, seriousness and responsibility. Remember that what model you purchase will depend on in what areas and for what purposes you can use the device. Experts advise to consider several factors in the process of choosing and purchasing a sandblasting gun.

Different models of sandblasting guns are sold in different configurations. For example, bushings are included as standard with some devices. This can be very useful and convenient as you do not have to purchase additional items separately.

Preference should be given to such devices that are manufactured made of high-quality and reliable materials that are durable and long-lasting.

In this regard, it is not the external design and aesthetic appeal of the pistol that matters, but the extent to which its design facilitates and simplifies the process of use. For example, the grip should be as comfortable and user-friendly as possible.

Depending on where and for what purposes you will use the unit (in a domestic environment for a garage and a house or for industrial purposes), the model that will be optimal in each case will differ. So, the power indicators can be decisive.

In this regard, every user should focus solely on your financial capabilities, which are determined by the social and economic situation in society. If possible, do not purchase the cheapest models, give preference to products that belong to the middle price segment. In such products, as a rule, there is an optimal ratio of price and quality.

It is worth purchasing models of sandblasting guns that are produced by companies that, in turn, are trusted by consumers, especially professionals. This way you can be sure that the product you are purchasing fully complies with all international and state technological standards.

In the process of purchasing a sandblasting gun, consider such an indicator as the comparability of the device with the compressor. So, for a weak and strong compressor, you will need different pistols.

If you are attracted to any model of a pistol, then you should not immediately go to the store to purchase it. You should first study the reviews and comments about this device from users. Thanks to such a careful approach, you will be able to make sure that the characteristics declared by the manufacturer correspond to the real state of affairs.

It is recommended to purchase sandblasting guns only in specialized stores. In such outlets, the risk of buying a counterfeit unit is significantly reduced. In addition, qualified and experienced sales consultants will assist you in your selection.

Taking into account all the factors that have been described above, you can purchase a device that fully meets all your requirements, which will last as long as possible.

After you have chosen and purchased a suitable model of sandblasting gun for you, you should familiarize yourself with the rules and principles of its use. For example, you need to properly learn how to refuel the unit.

In general, how you use your device will differ depending on the specific model. In this regard, before use, it is imperative to read the operating instructions from the manufacturer - this document is mandatory included in the standard package with the device. It is imperative to adhere to all recommendations and advice of the manufacturer.

However, in addition to the specialized recommendations that are contained in the operating instructions for a particular model, there are more universal rules:

• surface treatment is recommended to be carried out in a closed space;
• in order to facilitate cleaning, it is recommended to cover the floor with oilcloth;
• it is imperative to provide high-quality lighting so that the processing is as efficient and effective as possible;
• the room should be free of any unnecessary items, as they can complicate the process.