Sandblasting Equipment and Mask

[stickman]

I am looking to start doing some sandblasting.

I am wanting to do a variety of sandblasting, from painted wood and foam, to some glass and mirror work as well.

What is the best mask: Hartco or Anchor

Blasting Media?

Cutting mask? Vinyl Cutter or Shopbot?

Is there a way to create reusable patterns and templates for sandblasting?

Just asking a few questions of the experts. Thanks.

[patricktoomey]

Jay,

I have used Hartco mask with good results and continue to use it.

I primarily do blasting on Corian and Glass so I go with a low tack mask since it sticks well to clean smooth surfaces and is easy to remove at the end. If I were carving deeply instead of doing light etching I would go with a higher tack mask just to be sure it didn't peel up at the edges.

For media on Corian I sometimes use a 70 mesh garnet for a more distinctly rough look but for my glass work I use 100-120 mesh silica sand which I get from a local sand distributor. For mirrors and glass I would highly suggest you go with double strength or laminated glass and not tempered. If you need the piece tempered I would blast it first, then get it tempered. Blasting tempered glass is very difficult to do without breaking it and you can only go with a light etch. Don't ask me how I know this :-(

For cutting mask I use the ShopBot and a drag knife cutter head called VinylMate from little-e holdings http://www.littleeholdings.com This has been a great tool and paid for itslef on the first job.

Good luck