Topic: I built a VAPOR BLASTER for $1300

[bochnak]

I converted my HF blast cab into a vapor blaster. I've always wanted to have this process available to me, however the machines are expensive!

I have plans available if anyone is interested in building there own:

https://www.howtomotorcyclerepair.com/diyvaporblasterbuildplans/

-Matt

[pjlogue]

I too built one using the HF blast cabinet.  I just use an open bucket at the bottom and make sure the ratio of beads to water is that it gives a slurry when mixed.  Works great and was quite cheap to make. 

If you keep the media clean and use distilled water it greatly reduces flash rust on steal/iron parts. 

-P.

[kmb69]

Several FREE ones available if you Google: "diy vapor blasting"

[bochnak]

Several FREE ones available if you Google: "diy vapor blasting"

I've googled that for hours. There is a lack of detail (part list) and most use pool pumps that fail.

[bochnak]

If you keep the media clean and use distilled water it greatly reduces flash rust on steal/iron parts. 

Thanks for that info.

[pjlogue]

If you keep the media clean and use distilled water it greatly reduces flash rust on steal/iron parts. 

Thanks for that info.

If you do multiple parts and want to reduce flash rust, you can keep a bucket of distilled, boiled water near the blaster.  When you finish a part just put it in the bucket.  Distilled water doesn't conduct electricity as well as tap water and boiling the distilled water further reduces the Oxygen available to rust parts.

-P.

[Airborne 82nd]

I don't think is the place to try and sell stuff
why not just post the parts list most us could figure out how to put it together and that would help a lot of us

[brewsky]

What is the advantage of this vs plain old soda blasting?

[pjlogue]

Several advantages.  Soda blasting will remove material all be it a very small amount.  Vapor blasting doesn't.  Vapor blasting actually peens the material and makes the material stronger and more resistant to corrosion.  Vapor blasting also deep cleans the material via the hydrostatic shock of the glass beads impact  on the material in a wet environment.  The dust from soda blasting is pretty caustic for lungs and any plants near by.  Vaporblasting isn't.  Soda blasting is a 1 shot deal.  Once the soda is used, is used up.  Glass beads can be reused.

-P.

[PeWe]

Really good information getting all details served!
I need a bigger garage!

[calj737]

Several advantages.  Soda blasting will remove material all be it a very small amount.  Vapor blasting doesn't.  Vapor blasting actually peens the material and makes the material stronger and more resistant to corrosion.  Vapor blasting also deep cleans the material via the hydrostatic shock of the glass beads impact  on the material in a wet environment.  The dust from soda blasting is pretty caustic for lungs and any plants near by.  Vaporblasting isn't.  Soda blasting is a 1 shot deal.  Once the soda is used, is used up.  Glass beads can be reused.

-P.

Soda blasting, bead blasting or vapor blasting all remove "some" amount of base material. How much differs with each process, and of course the media type, pressure, and angle of attack.

[bochnak]

I don't think is the place to try and sell stuff
why not just post the parts list most us could figure out how to put it together and that would help a lot of us

The part list alone won't tell you how to build it. I'm sorry, but I have spent months working on this. A 3hr video takes time and money to create. Hope you understand.

[kmb69]

I don't think is the place to try and sell stuff
why not just post the parts list most us could figure out how to put it together and that would help a lot of us

The part list alone won't tell you how to build it. I'm sorry, but I have spent months working on this. A 3hr video takes time and money to create. Hope you understand.

I would probably buy one at $20.00 but $50.00 seems a little steep IMHO.

[bochnak]

What is the advantage of this vs plain old soda blasting?

This cabinet originally was setup for soda only. Even though it is supposed to be a one time use, I used it until it broke down enough to where it would not "cut" or "clean" anymore.

Advantages of soda:

• dissolves in water, so no media gets trapped
• removes gasket material and silicone
• inexpensive, my setup was 300 or so
• perfect for carb work
• does not damage plastic or rubber

Disadvantages of soda:

• does not remove paint well
• does not remove corrosion
• does not restore finish of metal

Soda blasting video:

Mods to cabinet:

Matt

[Scott S]

 I see the vent chimney on the vapor blast cabinet; does the shop/garage get dusty?

[bochnak]

I see the vent chimney on the vapor blast cabinet; does the shop/garage get dusty?

No dust. You get a mess when you do not rinse the door before opening it. In that case, use a sponge to clean up or sweep up after it dries.

My dry blast setup wasn't dusty either. Dust deputy and shop vac worked well.

[trigger]

Several advantages.  Soda blasting will remove material all be it a very small amount.  Vapor blasting doesn't.  Vapor blasting actually peens the material and makes the material stronger and more resistant to corrosion.  Vapor blasting also deep cleans the material via the hydrostatic shock of the glass beads impact  on the material in a wet environment.  The dust from soda blasting is pretty caustic for lungs and any plants near by.  Vaporblasting isn't.  Soda blasting is a 1 shot deal.  Once the soda is used, is used up.  Glass beads can be reused.

-P.

Soda blasting, bead blasting or vapor blasting all remove "some" amount of base material. How much differs with each process, and of course the media type, pressure, and angle of attack.

That is a fact ! You should never vapour blast pistons as they will never be within spec 

[Scott S]

I see the vent chimney on the vapor blast cabinet; does the shop/garage get dusty?

No dust. You get a mess when you do not rinse the door before opening it. In that case, use a sponge to clean up or sweep up after it dries.

My dry blast setup wasn't dusty either. Dust deputy and shop vac worked well.

 Sent you an email.