Full Version: Sandcarving Equipment Advice

From: gt350ed [#21]
 20 Mar 2007
To: Lisa (TROPHYUSA) [#20] 20 Mar 2007

My settings are the same as what I would set for the substrate to be lasered, with my focus adjusted to compensate for the additional thickness of the mask (minimal). All you are going to do is frost one or two passes worth of substrate (as if the mask were not there). It really doesn't matter because you are going to blast the piece anyway.

If you turn the power down much below what would be typical for the piece, the passes might not penetrate the mask sufficiently. This creates unintended problems.

From: Nick (NICKIONPOE) [#22]
 3 Apr 2007
To: Lisa (TROPHYUSA) [#20] 3 Apr 2007

I got into this business after purchasing a sandblaster in 2003. It was a big bulky inefficient system, unlike the Rayzist and the Photobrasive miracle machines. I eventually got rid of it cabinet, pressure pot, all of it because I couldn't handle the mess. Then I bought a laser and there is not a day that goes by that I don't miss my sandblaster so I am sure that you will thoroughly be happy with your purchase. I would like to someday add one of the new fangled cleaner units that have been praised in this discussion. My suggestion is to stay away from the wash out film, I found it unreliable. If you have a vinyl plotter, it's a really inexpensive way to make stencils and holds up very well to blasting. The quality that you get from sandblasting IMO is far more superior to laser engraving. Being able to utilize both with give you a great advantage. Good Luck and happy blasting with the new machine

From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#23]
 3 Apr 2007
To: Don (HIGHDESERT) [#9] 3 Apr 2007

Don,

Well, having read the entire thread and discovered that you already bought your's I'll just say congratulations and good luck. ( I deleted the part about owning a CrystalBlast 3624) You will have lots and lots and lots of fun......

EDITED: 3 Apr 2007 by C_BURKE

From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#24]
 3 Apr 2007
To: Nick (NICKIONPOE) [#22] 3 Apr 2007

quote:
from the wash out film


Nick,

What washout film were you using? I use Photobrasive's washout film exclusively as my photoresist material of choice. I have only had one letter blow out in all my years of sandblasting, and that was on a slate award which provided very weak adhesion.

I have found that the newer washout films can even be repositioned most of the time if they are not pressed down.

From: Nick (NICKIONPOE) [#25]
 3 Apr 2007
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#24] 5 Apr 2007

I hve to admit that I never tried Photobrasive's wash out version. I really should have thought of that because I purchased all the rest of my supplies from them. I bought my system from SCM or SMC? not sure which way that goes. (Not a company I would recommend either) I got fairly frustrated with the washout quickly... probably should have been more patient but loved the Rapidmask and stuck with that. Anyway the moral of the story is that I should have done my homework a little better before I jumped and bought that system. Of course the crystal blast and the others that are similar weren't out yet.... oh well live and learn.

From: Barbara (RGILE) [#26]
 5 Apr 2007
To: ALL

Hello Everyone,
We have a large sandblasting unit, that I would like to start using with my business.
My question is this, I have never used a sandblaster and I do not know what to buy for this unit. My husband says that I will need a smaller blaster, but then I hear you guys talking about sand carving, and I don't know what to buy. Is it a big learning curve. (husband says I do not know what I am getting into). I laser a lot of glass products now, and would love to offer sandblasting because everything I have read about it, says it is better looking that just lasering it.

I am going to go to the website that someone offered to Doug, and read more, but maybe some of you will have some advice for me. (I already have a cabinet and compresser, just not the smaller blaster. Set up is in the shop behind my house and will not be at the store.
Any advice will be appreciated.
Barb :/

From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#27]
 5 Apr 2007
To: Barbara (RGILE) [#26] 5 Apr 2007

Barbara,

If you use your laser machine to create masks for flat items, your learning curve won't be too steep.

Learning how to manipulate artwork for application to curved surfaces, especially those with compound curves, will present a steeper learning curve.

For the easier applications, if you can spary a water hose on a sidewalk, you can sandcarve. :-)

From: Barbara (RGILE) [#28]
 5 Apr 2007
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#27] 5 Apr 2007

Well, I am a pro at watering my gardens, so I guess I will be ok with the sandblasting.
I still do not know what type of nozzles to buy. Any suggestions?
Barbara :-)

From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#29]
 5 Apr 2007
To: Barbara (RGILE) [#28] 5 Apr 2007

Barbara,

My stint as a sandcarver was short-lived, so I don't know what nozzles are available/desireable for various applications.

I had a rather weak siphon system, with a pencil tip, which didn't help build my enthusiasm for the process. :-)

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