Media blasting tips

[brevity]

Need some advice from those in the know.

Blasting aluminum? What are the precautions and tips? What about clear-coating it after it's all shiny? Best products?

Any help is GREATLY appreciated!

[tc919er]

and here I thought you were going to tell us how to bash NBC!

[ideajones]

Blasting cast alum can expose pits and don't exspect it to be shiny!

[brevity]

Originally Posted by ideajones

Blasting cast alum can expose pits and don't exspect it to be shiny!

Good to know! What's the process? What media? What do I look for while doing it?

[2000TJ]

Chemical process may be more appropriate for a novice?

What type of parts?

[brevity]

Originally Posted by 2000TJ

Chemical process may be more appropriate for a novice?

I'm game if it gives me the same (non-novice) results! Got links?

[2000TJ]

What type of parts? Large or small? Cast or machined billet?

Any current finish on the parts or just oxidation?

[brevity]

Originally Posted by 2000TJ

What type of parts? Large or small? Cast or machined billet?

Any current finish on the parts or just oxidation?

CT70 002.jpg

CT70 003.jpg

The hubs, fork tubes, and 'triple tree' are aluminum. The rest is steel. Nothing is 'overly' rusty, but given the age, well, you get the idea.

[2000TJ]

I did a bit of reading. It looks like low pressure ""fine bead" blasting would work just fine. Don't take my word for it though. I'v never had to clean that much crud before.

[brevity]

Originally Posted by 2000TJ

I did a bit of reading. It looks like low pressure ""fine bead" blasting would work just fine. Don't take my word for it though. I'v never had to clean that much crud before.

I'm looking you up when I eat holes through the frame...

I did a little research, too. Looks like crushed walnut is the most user-friendly agent, and glass beads for the aluminum.

We'll see. I'll take it slow.

[2000TJ]

I was only talking about the Al13 as that's all you mentioned initially.

Feel free to call though. I'll buy you a beer for your troubles. After that we can go look at the new Ruckus you should be buying.

[2000TJ]

Soda blasting sounds cool too.

[brevity]

Not as 'cool' as the dry ice method.

[Kristen]

Rodney-
We have a bead blaster.
Come on down one afternoon after work and do it all at once,
OR- all of y'all come down one weekend (so I can meet the family). :001_smile:

[lmtdgov]

how exactly are you going to be doing any of this blasting? Is this something you are going to do at home or take to a shop?

[DR. J]

I would take Kristen up on her offer. Anytime a project can have the experienced at the helm you will have the better job.

Here is what I find: My sandblast guy does cement trucks and railroad repair vehicles. He sandblasts my frames and motors at the end of the day with used material. I have never had a problem with this. I identify the aluminum pieces and he takes it easy with them. This can leave things pitted if his sand isn't very soft. I have already had to sand out engine sidecovers with wet/dry paper to get the surface smooth enough to paint. He will blast a the frame and 25 small parts for about $100. I think he is very reasonable. He'll paint the frame and all the extra parts direct to metal black for an additional $125.

My little cabinet blaster with aluminum oxide will clean up sidecovers very well without pitting the aluminum. Again this doesn't bring you close to polished - it only gets the paint and corrosion off.

If Kristen is offering - go ahead and get the education. It is still more work than most people envision but you need the passion in this hobby.

Be sure to put bolts in holes and nuts on studs. Protect your vitals: Tape with removable Painter's tape (so you can get it off when done) covered with duct tape that is not penetrable by the product. I use fender washers and a long bolt for the steering stems. This seals them very well (preserve the bearing race)

[brevity]

Originally Posted by Kristen

Rodney-
We have a bead blaster.
Come on down one afternoon after work and do it all at once,
OR- all of y'all come down one weekend (so I can meet the family). :001_smile:

Cool! Thanks for the offer!

Originally Posted by lmtdgov

how exactly are you going to be doing any of this blasting? Is this something you are going to do at home or take to a shop?

See above.

Originally Posted by DR. J

I would take Kristen up on her offer. Anytime a project can have the experienced at the helm you will have the better job.

Great advice!

[shen]

brevity..I see you are from my area also...You working on a ct70?I just bought 3
and am in the process also...You have aany extra parts for sale/.?

[Bigdaa]

Originally Posted by tc919er

and here I thought you were going to tell us how to bash NBC!

Yup....me too!!!!!

[Pacojerte]

oh how did i miss this gem????????


blast the media with a shotgun .......

i have taken it upon myself and ask others to do the same when you see a reporter on the side of the street do what ever you can to ruin what they are doing... but don't touch them... that is assault... but if they touch you, you will get free money from them.. and the channel they work for.. and the network they are shown on....

we have to stop the media... they are ruining the country for our kids....

side note.... use kristens advice and do the bead blasting....


carry on.......