Sandblasters Clogging

I had a discussion with a customer about sandblasters clogging and we decided to post it here because the answers may help someone else too. Leave a comment below if you have a question.

Purchased your ebook this morning went ahead and installed a 1/2″ copper tubing made 3 different size bits 1/4, 3/16, 1/8 the copper tubing was cut approx. 15″ . Worked fine for about 20 mins. Had to stop, when I went to restart- couldn’t get enough air to flow so I disconnected the hopper valve made sure everything was fine. The tubing was in-tacked fill the pressure tank with air let out the  media and it clogs up, unclog, try again and clogs up again. I’m at wits end can’t figure out whats going on. Purchased this pressure pot from eastwood restorations got it yesterday. Its a 10 gal. 100lbs. blaster.  I’m using black beauty coal slag 80 grit. I’ve used all three nozzle 2, 2.5 and 3 and was clogging up with all 3. I have a craftsman prof. 150lbs .25 gal. comp. rated @7.2scfm@40 psi, 5.8scfm@90psi. Im trying to start a small powder coating business but had nothing but set backs. Please help I need to get this sandblasting going.

My Response:

Thanks for your purchase.

First, I wanted to be clear that the picture on page 11 is not the correct way.  Pages 13 and 14 are the correct way to configure the valve back together.

My second question is, do you know where its clogging up at? At the nozzle or the mixing valve? If there is no air coming out (or little air as you say) of the nozzle, it sounds like too much abrasive is coming through the line and clogging up the hose.

If this is the case, make sure the abrasive mixing valve is completely shut, open the nozzle and let air flow out.  With the air blasting out of the nozzle, slowly open the mixing valve until a little bit comes out. It usually only needs to be opened about a half turn at the most.

Third, I am sure you know about the water separator but make sure the sandblasting media isn’t getting damp. If so, just take it out and let it dry in the sun.

Fourth, I strongly suggest you read pages 20- 21 that I wrote about “Latest Abrasive Problems Guide”.