Topic: Anyone ever use black beauty in a pressure blaster??

[manjisann]

So I tried to use a siphon blaster, and that was a huge no go. I got real lucky and found a pressure blaster for $35 in the local papers  . I loaded it up with black beauty, the problem is when I open the abrasive port far enough to get consistent abrasive out the tip clogs.  The tip is approx 1/8in internal diameter. I am thinking for the BB I need 1/4 internal diameter nozzle. Biggest issue I have is I am not sure where to get them around here, so I may have to order some. I bought some copper tubing to make some temp nozzles thought I expect they'll last real short.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=34202

This looks identical to mine, though mine doesn't say HF on it. Do I need to be sifting the BB before I put it in, and if so what is good to use? I've tried a metal strainer thing, but it was taking FOREVER.

So, basic questions:

What nozzle size do you use with BB?
Have you ever used it in a pressurized blaster?
Any pearls of wisdom?

Thanks,

Brandon

[Bodi]

Do you have dry air? I have had total frustration with clogged nozzles blasting without an air dryer... a refrigerated one (5-10C or so) is sufficient for me with sand or glass, no clue what BB is.

[new2novas]

yeah i have never heard of that either and second bodi on the dry air, whether that is related to your problem or not

[manjisann]

I am pretty sure it isn't the air supply as I have 50ft of hose and 3 water separaters, and the last one doesn't have any water in it. BB was just short for Black Beauty (coal slag).  The clog seems to be because the nozzle is too small, as when I remove the nozzle abrasive comes out just fine, and it never really starts going through the nozzle.

Brandon

[crazypj]

only ever used it by the ton with a 1" nozzle and 650scfm compressor@100psi

PJ

[pdrides]

Have you ever tried 4# sand instead. I have the same blaster, works great w/ sand. Never tried BB, didn't want the mess.

[manjisann]

Have you ever tried 4# sand instead. I have the same blaster, works great w/ sand. Never tried BB, didn't want the mess.

I've read about silicosis and such and it just didn't seem worth it. Course I suppose if you breath in the dust from this stuff, it's probably just as bad.

only ever used it by the ton with a 1" nozzle and 650scfm compressor@100psi

PJ

   bit out of my league 

I ran a google search and apparently with the medium grit BB the minimum suggested nozzle size is 1/4" . I'm either gonna have to get that nozzle size, or get a finer abrasive.

Brandon

[MJL]

I tried black beauty once and had the same problem. Ended up using something else a little smaller. Recycled what I could, sifting the used stuff with a screen (screen door type screen) to knock out the big chunks.

I did use a full face mask with tear offs and dust filters.

Either a bigger tip or smaller media, plus an air dryer.