DUTLESS BLASTING DB150 User manual

DB150
USER MANUAL
®

The Future of Surface Preparation®
MMLJ, INC.
5711 Schurmier Rd.
Houston TX, 77048
[email protected]
Email
713-868-8041
Fax
[phone]
International
Facebook.com/DustlessBlaster
@DustlessBlaster
Youtube.com/MMLJManufacturing
Dustless_Blasting
800-727-5707
Toll Free

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Warning I
Warranty II
Diagrams and Part Lists
DB150®Model 1
DB150®Diagram 2
DB150®* Parts List 3
Start Up and Shut Down Procedures
Getting Started 5
Shut Down Procedures 6
Maintenance and Best Practices
Maintaining your Blast Pot 7
Troubleshooting 7
Containment, Masking, and Blast Pattern Adjustments 8
Switching from Wet Blasting to Dry Blasting 8
Storing Machine 9
Choosing Your Blast Pressure 10
Choosing Your Abrasive 11
Abrasive Comparison Chart 13
Resources and Training 14
A NOTICE TO INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTORS:
International Distributors are responsible for
translation of the manual.
Please read and understand manual fully prior
to operating any machinery.

IMPORTANT
(Pertinent to blast machines)
WARNING
Before operating any abrasive blast cleaning equipment
READ ALL operating and maintenance instructions.
Personal protective equipment is REQUIRED when using
this type of equipment. Operator MUST be equipped with
heavy canvas or leather gloves, aprons, and arm protectors.
Safety shoes and hearing protection MUST be worn when
required. NIOSH approved air fed respirators (helmets)
furnished with at least Grade D breathing air MUST be used
for protection against dust inhalation. Air MUST be ltered
and monitored for Carbon Monoxide.
DANGER.
Use of Abrasive cleaning equipment with silica sands may
produce a heavy concentration of silica dust. Breathing this
dust can produce “Silicosis”, a permanent lung disease.
Depending upon the object to be cleaned, blasting, even
with non-silica abrasives, may release hazardous dust
particles into the air that can cause permanent lung
damage. Failure to use NIOSH approved air fed respirator
(helmet) may cause SERIOUS lung DAMAGE. This warning,
as to the proper use of an approved respirator (helmet),
applies not only to the operator, but extends to all those
working in or around the blasting area, such as pot tenders,
painters, supervisors, etc.
CAUTION
Blast cleaning equipment and components are subjected to
wear and deterioration.
• Keep your equipment in good operable condition.
• MAINTAIN control of the nozzle at all times during
operation.
• INSPECT machine, nozzles, hoses, and couplings.
• WIRE all kwik-t hose couplings together.
• Inspect, clean, or replace helmet lens and lters frequently.
• Ground equipment to AVOID electrical shock.
• DO NOT operate any machine without thorough knowledge
of machine operation.
Carefully READ the INSTALLATION, OPERATING, AND
MAINTENANCE directions supplied with the machine from
the factory. If you do not have a copy, please contact your
employer (supervisor) or MMLJ Inc.
IMPORTANTE
(Relativo a todos maquinas)
ADVERTENCIA
Antes de operar cualquiera de los equipos de limpieza con
chorro abrasivo, LEA TODOS las instrucciones de operacion
y mantenimiento. ES OBLIGATORIO usar equipo protector
personal al manejar este tipo de equipos. El Operador
DEBE. estar equipado con guantes, delantales y protectores
de brazos de cuero 0 Iona pesada. DEBEN usarse zapatos
de seguridad y proteccion para los oldos cuando aSI se
exija. Los respiradores (cascos) alimentados por aire,
aprobados por NIOSH y que esten previstos de por 10
menos aire respi rable de Grado D, DEBEN ser usados como
proteccion contra la inhalacion de polvo. El aire DEBE ser
ltrado y controlado para detectar monoxide de carbono.
PELIGRO
Es posible que el uso de los equipos de limpieza por
abrasion con arenas sillceas provoque una concentracion
pesada de polvo sillceo. Este polvo, al ser respirado,
puede producir “silicosis”, que es una enfermedad
pulmonar permanente. Dependiendo del objeto que va
a limpiarse, es posible que la limpieza a chorro, aun con
abrasives no silfceos, provoque el escape de partlculas
de pohio pel igrosas en el aire que pueden causar dano
pulmonar permanente. Si nose usan los respiradores
(cascos) alimentados por aire, aprobados por NIOSH,
puede provocarse un GRAVE DANO a los pulmones. Esta
advertencia sabre el uso adecuado de un respirador (casco)
aprobado no solo se aplica al operador sino que comprende
a todos aquellos que trabajan en el area de limpieza a
chorro, 0 al rededor de la misma, como por ejemplo los que
vigilan los recipientes, los
pintores, supervisores, etc.
PRECAUCION
El equipo de limpieza a chorro y sus componentes estan
sujetos a desgaste y deterioro.
• Mantenga su equipo en buenas condiciones deoperacion,
• MANTENGA el control de la boquilla en todo momenta
durante la operacion.
• INSPECCIONE !a maquina, las boquillas, las mangueras y
las uniones.
• ALAMBRE juntas todas las uniones de la manguera de
rapido ajuste.
• lnspeccione, limpie 0 reemplace los lentes y  ltros del
casco frecuentemente.
• Conecte el equipo a tierra para EVITAR un shock electrico.
• NO opere ninguna maqu ina sin tener un detallado
conocimiento de la operacion de la misma.
LEA cuidadosamente las instrucciones de INSTALACION,
OPERACION Y MANTENIMIENTO que vienen incluidas
de fabrica con la maquina. Si no tiene una copia, slrvase
comunicarse con su empleador (supervisor) con MMLJ Inc.
I

BLAST POT WARRANTY
MMLJ, INC. LIMITED WARRANTY
IMPORTANT: Terms of Warranty
MMLJ, Inc. warrants that the product you have purchased is free from defects in materials or workmanship under normal use during the
warranty period. Your sales receipt, showing the data of purchase for this product, is your proof of the date of purchase. This warranty
is valid only if the product is assembled/installed according to the instructions included with the product. This warranty extends only to
you, the original purchaser. It is not transferable to anyone who subsequently purchased the product from you.
During the warranty period, MMLJ, Inc. will repair or replace (at MMLJ, Inc.’s option) the product if it becomes defective or otherwise
fails to conform to this Warranty under normal use. In repairing the product, MMLJ, Inc. may replace defective part with new, or at the
option of MMLJ, Inc., serviceable used parts that are equivalent to new parts in performance. MMLJ, Inc. reserves the right to change
manufacturers of any part to cover any existing warranty. This extends to items normally covered by a manufacturer other than MMLJ,
Inc. used on this product within the rst calendar year of purchase.
This warranty does not cover shipping charges; export taxes, custom duties and taxes, or any other charges associated with
transportation of the parts or products. To obtain warranty service, you must contact MMLJ, Inc.’s customer service representative.
Any parts determined to be defective must be brought to the attention of MMLJ, Inc. within 6 months of delivery of equipment. You
must prepay any shipping charges, export taxes, custom duty taxes, or any other charges associated with transportation of the parts or
product. In addition, you are responsible for insuring any parts or product shipped or returned. You assume the risk of loss during the
shipment. You must present MMLJ, Inc. with proof-of-purchase documents (including the date of purchase). Any evidence of alteration,
erasure, or forgery of proof-of-purchase documents will be cause to void this warranty.
The warranties listed above do not extend to any product that has been damaged or rendered defective (a) as a result of accident,
misuse, or abuse (b) by the use of parts not manufactured or sold by MMLJ, Inc. and/or (c) by modication or improper installation of
the product. Product on which the serial number has been defaced or removed is not eligible for warranty service. Should any product
submitted for warranty service be found ineligible, an estimate of repair cost will be furnished and the repair will be made if requested
by you upon MMLJ receipt of payment or acceptable arrangements for payment. Except, as expressly set forth in this warranty, MMLJ
makes no other warranties, expressed or implied. This is the only express warranty applicable to Dustless Blasting® branded products.
MMLJ does not assume, nor authorize anyone to assume for it any other express warranty.
BLAST POT, LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY:
This warranty applies only to pressure vessels manufactured by MMLJ, Inc. under the Dustless Blasting® brand name. This product is
backed by a limited lifetime warranty, excluding only expendable parts such as gauges and valves (which are covered by manufacturer
other than MMLJ, Inc.) and paint.
This Limited Warranty does not extend to any product that has been damaged or rendered defective (a) as a result of lack of
maintenance, accident, misuse, or (b) abuse by the use of parts not manufactured or sold by MMLJ, Inc. and/or (c) by modication or
improper installation of the product.
IMPORTANT: Third Party Warranties
For parts that are not covered by MMLJ, Inc., please contact our ofce and report the defect. MMLJ, Inc. will then proceed with the
warranty process for the affected item on your behalf. All items not covered by MMLJ, Inc. will fall under a limited one year warranty
free of manufacturer defects.
II
For more warranty information, visit www.DustlessBlasting.com/legal/warranties.
Please call our ofce for any questions on warranties or warrantied items.
Toll Free: 800-717-5707
International: [phone]
[email protected]

1
MODEL DB150 FIGURES
1. Blast Outlet
2. Fill Port
3. Compressed Air Inlet
4. Blowdown Valve
5. Air Inlet Valve
6. Compressed Air Pressure Gauge
7. Pressure Regulator
8. Vibrator Valve
9. Vibrator
10. Nozzle Head Shutoff Valve
11. Abrasive Control Lever
12. Abrasive Control Knob
13. Bottom Flange
Carefully read the INSTALLATION, OPERATING, and MAINTENANCE directions supplied with the machine from the factory.
If you do not have a copy, please contact your employer (supervisor) or the MMLJ Inc. Company.
This system will mix clean water, rust inhibitor, and abrasive together. The DB150 is designed to hold:
• 5 gallons of clean water
• 7 oz of Rust Inhibitor
• 50 lbs of Abrasive, mesh size approx. 40/70
INSTALLATION AND
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATING
10
4
1
9
2
7
11
6
5
12
13
8
3

2
39
40
38
38
27A
27K
27M
27N
27P
27Q
27R
27F
14
13
12
9
11
1
8
13
7
7
6
10
8A
2
3
4
5
15
17
16
37
36
NOTE:
ITEMS 36 & 37 ARE INSTALLED ON
THE INSIDE OF TANK.
CONNECT ITEM 41 TO ITEM 40.
27D
27
27B
27C
27E
27G
27H
27J
27L
34
35
27S
27T
33
41
28
29
29
28
30
32
31
22
21
20
19
18F
18E
18D
18C
18B
18A
18
26
25A
25
24
23
6A
6A

3
Item No. Description Part No. Stock No. Qty.
1 Fill Funnel 134125/001 1
2Fill Cap Hold-Down Screw AB-8 73464/001 1
3 Fill Cap Hold-Down Bar C-11-1 131066/001 1
4 Fill Cap C-14-1 131414/001 1
5 Fill Cap Gasket C-13 131142/001 1
6 Abrasive Control Lever AB-9 73500/001 1
6A Abrasive Control Lever Washers FBA 4
7 Connecting Link w/ Cotter Pins AB-10 131133/001 1
8 Rocker Arm Adusting Screw AB-8 73464/001 1
8A Rocker Arm Acorn Nut AB-8-N 134687/001 1
9 Rocker Arm M-3 73481/001 1
10 Abrasive Lever Clevis Pin w/ Cotter Pins AB-11-S 131070/001 1
11 Pedestal Clevis Pin w/ Cotter Pins AB-12-S 131069/001 1
12 Rocker Arm Hinge Yoke AB-75 131113/001 1
13 Pedestal Locking Nut/Fill Cap Hold-Down Screw Locking Nut AB-75-C 22926/001 2
14 Rocker Arm Hinge Yoke Adusting Nut AB-75-E 131094/001 1
15 1/2" Blow-Off Valve C-30-AV-1 131385/001 1
16 1/2" Close Nipple 78251/001 1
17 1/2" 90 Degree Street Elbow C-30-L-1 131869/001 1
18 Outlet Elbow Assembly Complete M-17 72974/001 1
18A Outlet Elbow Cap Bolts (4) M-17-D 82563/001 1
18B Outlet Elbow Cap M-17-C 131054/001 1
18C Outlet Elbow Cap Gasket M-17-G 131227/001 1
18D Outlet Elbow Insert Gasket M-23-G 131147/001 1
18E Outlet Elbow Insert M-23 73602/001 1
18F Outlet Elbow Body M-17-B 80789/001 1
19 Elbow Adapter Flat Gasket KF-17-G 131149/001 1
20 Elbow Adapter, w/ Gasket KF-17 80790/001 1
21 KF Series Coupling Gasket KFG 131148/001 1
22 Elbow Adapter Bolt KF-17-B 23858/001 2
23 Coupling Nut M-5-1 131102/001 1
24 Coupling Nut Gasket M-13 131226/001 1
25 Gasket M-5-G 131225/001 1
25A Seal (manufactured after 5/15/13) M-6-S 131226/002 1
26 28" Outlet Pipe (1 5/8" O.D.) NS-58-OP 131092/001NS 1
27 Air Inlet Assembly HC-30-PR2 72886/002 1
27A Gauge SB-30-G 134366/001 1
27B 1/4" Tee RC-19 131865/001 1
27C 1/4" Close Nipple 77094/001 1
27D 3/4" x 1/4" Bushing 131839/001 1
27E 3/4" Tee HC-30-T 131866/001 1
27F 3/4" Crowfoot 132172/001 1
27G Crowfoot Gasket AMG-2 73850/001 1
27H 3/4" x 3" Nipple 131392/002 1
27J 3/4" Regulator 132055/001 1
27K U-Bolt w/ Nuts HC-29-3M 131585/001 2
27L 3/4" x 4" Nipple HC-30-N 131392/001 1
27M 3/4" Ball Valve AB-61-C 70239/001 1
27N 3/4" Close Nipple RC-23 131859/001 1
27P 3/4" Check Valve 133051/001 1
27Q 3/4" Hose Assembly 72846/002 1
27R 3/4" x 1" Bushing AB-61-A 131860/001 1
27S 1/4" 90 Degree Street Elbow RC-16 73813/001 1
27T 1/4" Air Cock WH-21-C 73163/001 1
28 Air Inlet Body Lug Bolts (2) AB-47-B 23879/005 1

4
Item No. Description Part No. Stock No. Qty.
29 Air Inlet Body Lug AB-47 131231/001 2
30 Air Inlet Body ABHD-1 73478/001 1
31 3/8" Air Inlet Nozzle AB-1-NHD 131127/001 1
32 Air Inlet Body Gasket AB-1-G 131228/001 1
33 Wheel Washer C-33-W 72849/001 2
34 Wheel Cotter Pin C-33-C 72848/001 2
35 Wheel C-31-2 133730/001 2
36 1/2" 300# 90 Degree Elbow C-16-T 132706/001 1
37 1/2" x 4" Nipple 131929/001 1
38 Vibrator Bolt, Washer, Lock Washer & Nut 2
39 Vibrator 133811/002 1
40 1/4" 90 Degree Street Elbow RC-16 73813/001 1

5
Connect Blast Hose
Connect Air Hose
A NOTE TO BLASTER
Before blasting, it is recommended that user reads through
the entirety of this manual for proper operating procedures
and important maintenance instructions.
Always inspect machine, nozzles, hoses, and couplings
prior to blasting.
STEP 1. Connecting blast hose
Unroll blast hose and screw nozzle head shut off valve onto
the blast hose. Then screw your chosen nozzle into the
nozzle head shut off valve.
Getting Started
STEP 3. Connect hoses and adjust abrasive lever
Attach blast hose to blast hose connection and insert
safety pin. Connect the compressor air hose to the air
inlet and insert safety pin.
Turn abrasive adjustment screw so that 3/4” to 1” of
pipe is visible (this will not stay up until machine is
pressurized).
STEP 2. Filling the blast pot with abrasive
The DB150® is designed to hold:
• 5 gallons of clean water
• 7 oz of Rust Inhibitor
• 40 lbs of Abrasive, mesh size approx. 40/70
Unscrew and remove the ll cap lock and then remove the
ll cap. Insert the ll funnel into the ll opening and pour in
5 gallons of water, 7oz of rust inhibitor (if blasting metal),
and 50 lbs of recycled bottle glass or other blast media.
Remove the ll funnel and replate the ll cap.
Note: Your machine will use any type of abrasive or
cleaning medium that sinks in water and is not water
soluble.
Close Blow Down Valve Open Air Inlet Valve
SLOWLY
Remove Fill Cap
Connect Nozzle Head Shut
Off Valve and Nozzle
STEP 4. Power up your compressor and start blasting
• Please refer to your compressor manufacturer’s manual
for operating instructions and start up your compressor.
• The gauge will show pressure. Adjust the operating
pressure with the valve behind the lower gauge.
• Open the vibrator valve and adjust until you feel
maximum vibration on top of the machine. Make sure the
blow down valve is closed and open the air inlet valve.
• Wear appropriate PPE gear.
• To activate blast hose, slowly pull back and hold the lever
of the nozzle head shutoff valve.
Note: For best results, try different blast patterns and
angles to nd the best work ow.
Pull Back Lever And Hold To Blast

6
Open Blow Down Valve
Close Air Inlet Valve
STEP 5. Shutting Down
While the compressor is running, close the air inlet valve
and open the blow down valve to release the pressure.
Let the blast pot fully depressurize before turning off the
compressor.
Note: If you turn the compressor off rst, the pressure in the
pot will backow air, water, and media into other parts of the
system, causing them to fail.

7
Maintaining your Blast Pot
CONSUMPTION CHART
No damage to the machine will occur by leaving water and media inside of it. However, due to the organics in the media, a
foul smell can occur when left stagnant for longer than 24 hours. For this reason, when the machine will not be in use for
an extended period of time, it is recommended that you remove water and media from machine either by blasting it out or
by removing the bottom ange, air inlet jet, and gasket, and allowing it to drain.
BLASTING WEAR PARTS
Certain parts wear faster than others and will require regular maintenance and inspection depending on the method of
blasting you are using as well as the abrasive you are blasting with. These items should be inspected for damage or wear,
and replaced an average of 400 hours if dry-blasting, or 2000 hours if wet-blasting.
Wear items include but are not limited to:
FLUSHING BLAST POT OUT
Regularly ushing the pot avoids buildup on inside walls, which could inhibit the system. Once a month or so, you should
rinse the pot out:
1. Fully depressurize machine.
2. Remove 2 bolts and 2 air inlet body lugs from bottom of machine.
3. Remove air inlet jet and gasket.
4. Push air inlet body and air hose out of the way.
5. Flush out inside of equipment with water.
6. Once nished, replace the gasket, inlet jet, and lugs and bolts.
• Hardened Elbow Insert
• Hardened Air Inlet Jet
• Hardened Pipe
• Flat Backed Pinch Hose Coupling
• Inlet Jet Gasket
• Elbow Insert Gasket
• Elbow Cap Gasket
• Nozzle
MEDIA BUILD UP INSIDE POT - ADJUSTING VIBRATOR VALVE
On the left side of your blast pot, a small brass petcock valve controls the vibrator speed. This vibrator valve must be open
during blasting. Adjust it so that you feel maximum vibration at the head of the machine. This will ensure that all of the
media gets “shaken” to the bottom of the tank.
Over time, you could experience abrasive buildup inside the pot which actually changes the harmonics of the pot. If the
system is not feeding right, adjust the valve by turning it towards the off position to slow the vibrator down, allowing the
pot to rattle more.
ABRASIVE NOT FLOWING CORRECTLY - Assuming proper Installation, air pressure, and abrasive.
Check media quality. Your machine is made to run with clean, high quality abrasive or media. Dirt will get muddy and clay
will harden.
NOTHING IS COMING OUT OF THE NOZZLE
The blast nozzle may become clogged with debris or blast media. If this occurs, put the machine in the blowdown
position, then remove the nozzle and inspect for a rock or other foreign material.
Troubleshooting
Please call the manufacturer directly with any additional maintenance questions.
1-800-727-5707 | suppor[email protected]

8
CONTAINMENT
To capture the blasting byproducts use heavy plastic or a tarp. Lay out your plastic and weigh the corners down, placing
your project in the center. You can sweep up media or use simple curtains or barriers.
MASKING
Mask off any glass, chrome, rubber seals, wiring, electrical, or moving mechanical parts and anything else that looks
delicate or like it shouldn’t have water and grit inside it. Tape works the best for protecting small parts and pieces.
BLAST PATTERN ADJUSTMENTS
It is important to use the proper nozzle to achieve the best blasting results. Nozzle size is based on air compressor size.
NOZZLE KNOWLEDGE
SLV Nozzle
• Wide blast pattern
• All purpose nozzle
ST Nozzle
• Straight bore nozzle
• Tight blast pattern
• Detailed precision nozzle
Fan Nozzle
• Spreads blast pattern out to cover a rectangular area
• Perfect for brush blasting
• Low impact compared to other nozzles
XL Performance Nozzle
• Increases abrasive particle velocity
• Allows for increased standoff distance while improving production and efciency
CLEANUP
Depending the amount of media used, plastic may be too heavy to move all at once. Cut it into sections and roll it up, or let
the water evaporate to sweep or vacuum.
Containment, Masking, and Blast Pattern Adjustments
BLAST WET, DRY, OR WITH SODA (AIR DRYER AND COOLER REQUIRED)
To prepare your machine for dry blasting:
1. Blast all media and water out of machine.
2. Remove ll cap.
3. Turn on air dryer and cooler.
4. Open air inlet valve halfway and let air circulate through machine for 5-7 min or until completely dry.
5. Put ll cap back on machine and pressurize tank.
6. Run air through the machine just like you were blasting for 2-3 min.
7. Shine light in machine to be sure all moisture is gone from the bottom.
8. If no moisture, ll with 1 bag of dry abrasive. Fill the remainder of the way.
Note: Using media such as plastic bead, walnut shell, corn cob, or soda requires dry blasting.
Switching from Wet Blasting to Dry Blasting

9
STORING MACHINE
If leaving unit for extended period of time, you should blast the water and media out of machine OR:
1. Fully depressurize machine.
2. Remove 2 bolts from bottom ange of machine.
3. Remove 2 lugs from bottom ange.
4. Push air inlet body and air hose out of the way.
5. Remove air inlet jet and gasket.
7. Flush out inside of equipment with water.
Once media and water are out of machine, reverse procedure:
1. Put gasket on air inlet jet.
2. Insert air inlet jet and gasket.
3. Put air inlet body up to bottom of machine.
4. Use lugs and bolts to secure casting.
STORING MACHINE IN WINTER
If storing your machine for the winter months, it is advised to take the following precautions to prevent damage from
freezing.
• Open all of the ball valves on your unit to prevent moisture from freezing and expanding in the valve.
Note: If wet blasting in the winter time, consider the following:
• At 32°F add rubbing alcohol to the water tank at roughly a 1:100 gallon ratio.
More alcohol can be added if necessary, up to 1:20 ratio.
• With a tarp, create a tent around the pot, pump, and moisture separator. Place a space heater inside the tent to
keep warm.
• Empty tank and blow out hoses.
Storing Machine

10
BLAST PRESSURE
Different materials and coatings call for different pressures or blasting distances. Thick metal can handle a lot of
pressure, while sheet metal could be dented by using too much pressure. Simple paint may come off nicely with the
nozzle far away, while tough undercoating may come off better with the nozzle closer.
The distance you hold the blast nozzle from the material affects the harshness and speed of the blast and changes the
"blast pattern" size. If you hold the nozzle too far away, the blast pattern will be big, but the coating will come off too
slowly. If you hold the nozzle too close, the coating will come off quickly, but the blast pattern will be small. With a tiny
blast pattern you'll have to move your arms a lot more to cover some area, which is inefcient. The best things is to nd a
nice balance between blast pattern size and removal speed.
ADJUSTING BLAST PRESSURE
The Dustless Blasting®system allows you to easily change the blast pressure by turning one simple knob. The higher the
pressure is, the higher your productivity. Obviously lower pressures are more gentle on whatever substrate you're blasting.
If you need to blast on softer material or very thin metal, lowering the pressure is a good idea to prevent damage.
A clockwise rotation of the pressure regulator knob will increase the pressure, while a counter clockwise rotation will
lower pressure. If you try to lower the pressure while the blast tank is pressurized, you'll need to either have someone blast
simultaneously, or just open the blowdown valve slightly to release some of that pressure.
COMMON GUIDELINES
Marine
On thick steel like ship hulls, you can operate at about 150 PSI. Fiberglass requires a lower pressure — about 70 PSI —
with a larger standoff distance.
Automotive
For most automotive uses, 120 PSI is ideal. Find a balance between blast pattern size, and speed.
For thick aluminum like a large trailer, you can blast at up to 150 PSI.
Grafti Removal
For removing grafti from a brick wall, use about 100 PSI so you don't etch the brick. The grafti will still come off quickly
at this low pressure.
Here is a chart of some suggested blast pressures:
*The closer the nozzle is to the blast surface, the smaller the blast pattern.
Fiberglass
Boats
Blast Pressure
Blast Distance
Blast Pattern
70 PSI
18-24 in.
Large
Metal
(Auto)
100-120 PSI
12-14 in.
Medium
Aluminum
120-150 PSI
12-20 in.
Medium-Large
Steel
150 PSI
10-14 in.
Medium
Brick
100 PSI
18-24 in.
Large
Choosing Blast Pressure

11
For example, if you are stripping a car to be repainted, you'll probably want to leave an anchor prole for the new paint
to adhere to. If you are simply cleaning calcium deposits from a pool — which will not be repainted — leaving a prole is
unnecessary.
ABRASIVE SIZE
Most abrasive is measured with mesh size. During production, it gets
shaken through various screens. These screens might have as little as 20
holes per square inch, or as many as 100. This means that 40/70 glass ts
through the 40–70 holes per square inch screens. 20/40 glass is coarser
than 40/70, and 60/100 glass is ner.
An anchor prole is a fancy way of describing the rough surface
created during the blasting process. These peaks and valleys are
usually measured in mils (1/1000 of an inch). One of the main causes
of premature coating failure is an insufcient anchor prole. It’s a good
idea to understand from the customer what he/she expects when you
are done. Some people prefer an anchor prole, while others will want a
smoother surface.
WHAT IS ABRASIVE?
Abrasive (also called media) is mixed with water inside the blast tank. When blasting, you propel this mixture towards a
surface at high speed, to remove paint, rust, and other coatings.
TYPES OF ABRASIVE
Dustless Blasting®allows you to use a wide variety of abrasives, either wet or dry. For wet blasting, any abrasive that sinks
in water and is not water soluble can be used. However, abrasives that are dirty or have a very inconsistent particle size
can cause problems, such as sputtering or clogging of the machine.
We largely recommend crushed recycled bottle glass, because it's clean, inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and suited
for a wide variety of jobs. Sometimes different abrasives are available simply based on geography.
A common question we get is "Can I use play sand?" The answer is NO. Play sand is not an industrial product, so it's not
controlled and graded the way abrasives are. It won't behave predictably in your equipment, and you could wind up in
loads of legal trouble, from the EPA to local municipalities. Most bags of play sand are explicitly marked "Not to be used
for sandblasting".
ABRASIVE SHAPE
Basically, there are two different shapes: angular which has sharp edges, and round with no edges.
Angular abrasive has sharp edges which will cut into the substrate, leaving an anchor prole for the new nish to stick to.
Examples of angular shaped media would be crushed glass, slags and garnet abrasives to name a few.
Round media is used mainly for cleaning or stripping while leaving the surface smooth. It will not rough up the surface or
leave an anchor prole. Examples of round media would be glass beads, sugar sand and plastic pellets.
Looks Like
20/40
40/70
60/100
ANGULAR ROUND
Choosing Abrasive

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A common misconception is that the coarser glass will help you get through a job faster. It is true that 20/40 glass is
slightly more aggressive than 40/70. However, because it's so coarse, you're only getting half as many particles of glass in
the same size bag. You'll end up using twice as many bags to get the job done, which is not only expensive, but inefcient!
It's a much better idea to increase abrasive density if you want to complete the job faster.
ABRASIVE DENSITY
Understanding the weight or bulk density of the media you are using will also help decide which is best for the process.
The heavier the media, the more impact it has on the surface you are blasting. Imagine a golf ball and a ping pong ball.
They are the same shape and size, but the golf ball is more dense. If you threw them at someone, the golf ball would hurt
a lot more.
Crushed glass has a bulk density of 75-80 lbs per cubic foot— while garnet weighs around 145 lbs per cubic foot. So, the
two abrasives at the same mesh size and blast pressure will have different results. A 40/70 crushed glass will be more
“gentle” on the surface than the same mesh size of garnet at the same blast pressure.
The harder and heavier the abrasive is, the rougher the prole will be. Using larger, more coarse abrasives will decrease
the run time in your machine. For example, if you are blasting with 40/70 crushed glass and decide to use a larger mesh
size of 20/40 you will notice a decrease in run time. If both bags of abrasive are 50 lbs, there are fewer particles in the
20/40 mesh size bag than the 40/70. A larger mesh size will be more aggressive so it will have more of an impact to the
surface you are blasting.
ABRASIVE HARDNESS
Generally, the harder the particle, the deeper the prole it will impart. Softer abrasives, like organic materials and plastics,
are good for removing dirt, oil, grease and paint without removing any of the substrate or creating a prole.
ADJUSTING ABRASIVE SUPPLY
You will need to adjust media ow from time to time, when you are using different types of media or when you are
switching between wet and dry blasting.
When wet blasting, start with outlet pipe 1/2 inch above locked position, and adjust in 1/16 inch increments until media
runs out before water. Coarser media will require a higher outlet pipe setting.
When dry blasting, start with outlet pipe 3/8 inch above locked position and adjust in 1/16 inch increments until you reach
the desired productivity to use ratio. Setting will be closer to 1/8 inch for ne media and up to 3/4 inch for coarse media.

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Aluminum Oxide
Description Surface
Profile
Speed Surface
Removal Hardness Bulk Density
Crushed Glass
Glass Beads
Silicon Carbide
Plastic Abrasives
Steel Shot
Steel Grit
Corn Cob
Walnut Shells
Sharp, long lasting
media for fast etching
& profiling Fast High Etch Yes 8 - 9 110 lbs/ft3
Silica-Free, 100%
recycled glass;
efficient; economical
stripping
Fast Medium-High
Etch Slight 5 - 6 100 lbs/ft3
Round, soda-lime
glass produces bright,
satin finish; minimizes
stress on part
Medium
Fast No Etch Satin Finish Slight 5 - 6 95 lbs/ft3
Very hard, aggressive
cutting media; ideal
for stone, glass, and
hard surfaces
Very Fast Very High
Etch Yes 9 - 9.5 90 lbs/ft3
Soft media designed
for automotive &
aerospace applications Medium No Etch
Stripping Slight 3 - 4 50 lbs/ft3
Carbon Steel, round
spheres designed for
polishing and peening Medium No Etch No 40 - 51
HRC 230 lbs/ft3
Angular, carbon steel
for fast stripping &
aggressive cleaning
Medium
Fast High Etch Moderate 40 - 65 HRC 260 lbs/ft3
Organic, soft media
ideal for soft surfaces
such as wood Slow No Etch No 4 - 4.5 40 lbs/ft3
Angular, organic grit
for mildly aggressive
stripping without
damage to surface
Medium
Slow Low Etch Very Slight 4.5 - 5 50 lbs/ft3
Blast Sand
Angular, sharp edges
that cut into substrate
and leave an anchor
profile
Medium
Fast High Etch Yes 7 100 lbs/ft3
Sugar Sand Round media used for
cleaning and stripping
surface
Medium
Fast High Etch Yes 6 - 7 100 lbs/ft3
Garnet Angular hard abrasive
commonly used in
place of silica sand Very Fast Very High
Etch Yes 7.5 - 8.5 85 lbs/ft3
Soda Bicarbonate
Medium-sized
abrasive used to blast
smooth and strip
suraced
Slow No Etch No 2.5 61 lbs/ft3
Coal Slag
Angular by-product of
coal; used for removal
of coatings from steel
and concrete
Medium
Fast High Etch Yes 6 - 7 85 lbs/ft3
COMPARISON CHART
Understanding the impact of different abrasives will help in deciding the best media for the job. The following chart will
explain the characteristics of various media types.

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RESOURCES
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