Full Version: Sandcarving Equipment Advice
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#5]
19 Mar 2007
To: Don (HIGHDESERT) [#1] 19 Mar 2007
Sandcarving equipment has one of the quickest returns on investment than any piece of equipment in our industry.
Because of your location, you may also want to look at the systems from Etchmasters. They are located in Santa Fe, NM. http://www.etchmaster.com/
There are plenty of great cabinets out there from companies like Rayzist, Etchmaster, Photobrasive, Glastar, and more. Whatever your decision, I would suggest a unit that has the built-in pressure pot.
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EDITED: 19 Aug 2010 by DATAKES
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#6]
19 Mar 2007
To: Don (HIGHDESERT) [#1] 19 Mar 2007
I do not do any sandblasting so I would have to think about it exactly from your perspective.
As much as I love to put things together, I would have to ask myself this main question. Will buying a unit that has been tested and have full support earn me more than $2000 over stumbling along putting together a system with minimal support?
My answer would probably to spend the extra $2000 and be guaranteed the ability to return the investment faster. If I needed a second unit later on, the answer might be different with the experience of using a system for a while.
EDITED: 19 Mar 2007 by HARVEY-ONLY
From: Don (HIGHDESERT) [#7]
19 Mar 2007
To: Lisa (TROPHYUSA) [#3] 19 Mar 2007
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for the Info. I have also replied to Doug's kind Post. I thought I had decided to go for the Rayzist Cabinet, but I just read a response from Engravin' Dave and he suggested I take a look at a few others. So, before I phone Rayzist back I'm gonna take Dave's advice and have a look. However, Would you mind telling me which Rayzist Cabinet you have. Also, Which Air compressor would you recommend? And the big question, How well does Laser Tape and/or LaserMask work? And finally, Do I need the UV Exposure kit if I am planning on making my masks with my Laser Engraver?
Thanks Lisa,
Don
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#8]
19 Mar 2007
To: Don (HIGHDESERT) [#4] 19 Mar 2007
There are several laser mask products on the market. They are available from Photobrasive, Rayzist, Specialty Tapes, and Innotape. I personally use Laser's Edge from Specialty Tapes.
The one advantage to using photoresist material is that you can shape it, within reason, to items that are not just flat or perfectly cylindrical.
You can pick up a nice UV exposure unit cheap these days. Do a search on eBay for a nuArc 26-1K Mercury Exposure System.
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EDITED: 19 Aug 2010 by DATAKES
From: Don (HIGHDESERT) [#9]
19 Mar 2007
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#5] 19 Mar 2007
Wow, what great timing you have Dave.
I was reaching for the phone to call Rayzist back to talk about working out a deal and decided to check group one more time.... And there was your very helpful Post. I'm gonna have a look at those companies you suggested before I make my final decision. I looked at Rayzist at the ARA show in Vegas and was quite impressed with their cabinet but it just seems a littel prices at $3,995.00. I'm not saying I'm not gonna end up with one, but I am definately gonna have a look at those you mentioned.
I posed some other questions for Lisa and Doug. Would you mind having a look at those questions and let me know what you think.
Thanks,
Don
From: Doug (JDOUG5170) [#10]
19 Mar 2007
To: Don (HIGHDESERT) [#4] 19 Mar 2007
Don...I have the Rayzist 2034.
I cannot answer on the laser resist as I do not have a laser. I'll leave this for someone else.
I do have the exposure unit, but if you do some searching on the cutting edge, you will find that some folks there have made their own. My only complaint about the Letrelite is it is a bit cumbersome to use...at least for me.
I would not hurry to get into wash out film, I'm really enjoying the non washout avail from photobrasive. Even more than that, I am really getting some use out of my vinyl cutter...even though it takes time to do the weeding, it is so much less expensive to create the mask that the photo films.
I could see where having a laser to cut the masks could be a huge advantage on stuff like wine glasses, caraffes...should be much easier to aliagn the image.
Doug
From: Don (HIGHDESERT) [#11]
19 Mar 2007
To: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#6] 19 Mar 2007
Harvey,
That is some good advice. I have come to the same conclusion. After looking at the different units, I have decided to go with the Rayzist Cabinet.
Thank you,
Don
From: Lisa (TROPHYUSA) [#12]
19 Mar 2007
To: Don (HIGHDESERT) [#7] 19 Mar 2007
I have a 1924 cabinet that I bought as a package from Rayzist with the Vegas show special last year -- you might contact them (talk to Liz and tell her I sent you!) and see if you can get their East Coast show special package because it includes the starter abrasive, the UV unit, sample masking materials, tape, and sample glass -- I forget what else, but it was a great deal!
Like I said, it paid for itself in not time!
I also wouldn't use any masking materials aside from the Rayzist SR3000 -- it's very easy to use. Photobrasive has all kinds of materials with all different light sensitivities and exposures -- Rayzist's is very simple.
I looked at several of these units at the show and I came back to Rayzist.
We bought our air compressor at Northern Tool in the $3-400 range. Whoever's system you go with I would ask their suggestions for air compressor, then get some comparisons. Grainger is probably the best, but I have had zero problems with the machine I bought.
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#13]
19 Mar 2007
To: Don (HIGHDESERT) [#11] 19 Mar 2007
This may be the next toy on your list. LINK
EDITED: 19 Mar 2007 by DATAKES
From: Don (HIGHDESERT) [#14]
19 Mar 2007
To: Lisa (TROPHYUSA) [#12] 19 Mar 2007
Hi Lisa, Harvey, Doug, & Dave,
I did it!!! I just phoned Rayzist and bought their Model 2034 Cabinet. I spoke with Art. Liz was right next to him. They gave me the ARA Vegas Trade Show Special of $3,995.00 Delivered which also included their Complete Mask Making Kit. They tried to charge me an extra $50.00 for sending a truck with a liftgate but when I baulked they waived the extra charge.
Thanks once again for the info. You all were a big help.
Now the adventure begins..... I'll be back soon with more help needed...
Don
From: Lisa (TROPHYUSA) [#15]
19 Mar 2007
To: Don (HIGHDESERT) [#14] 19 Mar 2007
From: gt350ed [#16]
19 Mar 2007
To: Don (HIGHDESERT) [#14] 19 Mar 2007
I have a commercial-grade vertical compressor purchased from Sears many-moons ago. At least 800cfm. Works like a charm.
When I started, I was making my own stencils, developing film, performing washouts, etc.
Then I discovered the ease of using one of my lasers to laser a mask. Now it's just a matter of getting the mask to stick to the substrate, laser the mask, apply protective tape to the product and blast. It's a snap. I use Photobrasive's LaserMask. If the substrate is not smooth and flat, I use Rayzist white adhesive and a foam brush to compliment the adhesive that is already applied to the mask material. It comes in a bottle. Just brush it on- 1 or 2 coats, as necessary.
"Art", at Rayzist is my rep. As you will find out, it's a family-run business; although Art "married in". Great people!
One of the main reasons I went with Rayzist initially, is because I wanted somewhat local service and support. I'm in Southern California, as are they. With you being in Arizona, Rayzist is essentially "local". When time and budget allow, take one of their classes. It will give you a big jump-start. Ask Art about classes.
And they are only about 15 minutes from the Pacific Ocean. B-)
From: precisionlaser [#17]
19 Mar 2007
To: Don (HIGHDESERT) [#4] 19 Mar 2007
Hi Don
I have the PhotoBrasive Crystalblast 3624 cabinet and love it. Sand blasting is the only thing I have left which isn't automated or controlled by a PC, and I get a lot of enjoyment out of simply doing the blasting. One thing you may want to think about (or perhaps not if your user name is indicative of where you live) is a moisture filter. We are located in Memphis where it can get a tad "moist" at times, so a moisture filter is a necessity for us. In my opinion, the best filter available is by MotorGuard. These are used by many commercial painting shops and it has done a good job for us.
Good luck with your cabinet...I know you'll really enjoy using it.
From: Don (HIGHDESERT) [#18]
19 Mar 2007
To: gt350ed [#16] 20 Mar 2007
Thanks for the Info Ed.
I was wondering how well my new Laser would work to laser a mask. My first look at Sandcarving was at the ARA show in Vegas last month. It looked very interesting. They let us do some blasting on round glass pieces. I did a Lakers Logo. Really had no intention at the time of getting into it but showed the sample to a few of my customers when I got back home and they were very impressed. A couple of them wanted prices to do stuff for them. That's when the wheels started turning. I showed a few more customers my sample blasted piece and they were also impressed. One customer asked if I could do something for her daughters wedding in June. By then the wheels were turning at full speed. And here I am with my Rayzist Cabinet ordered and waiting for delivery.
I've got a lot to learn, but it looks like a rewarding business. Both personally and monetarily.
Your post was a big help to me.
Thank you again,
Don
From: Don (HIGHDESERT) [#19]
19 Mar 2007
To: precisionlaser [#17] 19 Mar 2007
Hi Mark,
Thanks for the helpful tip. However, moisture is not much of a concern here except for a couple of months during the summer when we get out Monsoon rains. Other than that the humidity is very, very, low.
My mother was from Memphis. She was born in Germantown. Most of my Uncles and Aunts on my mothers side are gone, but my favorite Uncle still lives in Southhaven, Ms. And I have several cousins that still live in or near Memphis. When I was a teenager I would go to Memphis every Summer and every Christmas vacation. I really loved it there except for the humitity in the Summer. I had some very serious thoughts about moving there a few years ago.
Thanks again for the moisture filter info. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated.
Don
From: Lisa (TROPHYUSA) [#20]
20 Mar 2007
To: gt350ed [#16] 20 Mar 2007
From: gt350ed [#21]
20 Mar 2007
To: Lisa (TROPHYUSA) [#20] 20 Mar 2007
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
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
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.