Do-it-yourself sandblasting from a freon bottle

I decided to make a sandblasting machine with my own hands, I suggest you take a look homemade photo, as well as a video of a sandblasting machine in operation.

I did sandblasting according to this scheme.

For homemade work I used a freon bottle.

The joints were treated with sealant.

I made a sandblasting nozzle from a spark plug.

The hoses were used from the compressor to the tanks using a regular compressor with quick releases. From the tank to the nozzle there is 8 mm oxygen, the air volume is not large, so this is enough.

I calcined the sand with a blowtorch and then sifted it through a fine sieve.

I use this compressor.

I tested my sandblasting on a channel and an empty can.

I’m very pleased with the result, I assembled the sandblasting machine with my own hands and it works, which makes me very happy.

This video shows a homemade sandblasting machine in action.

Homemade author: Igor Sivushenko.

Homemade sandblasting machine

The main disadvantage of a sandblasting machine is that you can’t get enough sand on it! It’s easier to make a cabinet with a conical bottom, a viewing window with replaceable glass, ventilation and lighting! Loading of parts is carried out through double doors with rubberized holes for hands so that sand does not get lost! The surface of the parts table is perforated so that sand constantly returns to the bottom of the cabinet! Sand enters the sandblasting gun through ejection in a rubber hose, at the lower end of which an iron tube with an oblique cut is inserted! The “gun” itself is designed extremely simply: a tube is welded to its body, through which the air stream is supplied, at 45 degrees, on which is attached a hose that sucks up sand from below! I worked on such a machine in production for several years, sandblasting hundreds of tons of parts! True, the sand there was from cast iron, with a fraction of 1.5 - 2 mm. ! Sandblasting of parts was carried out for their subsequent galvanization!

Sandblasting allows you to quickly and efficiently clean surfaces from dirt and frost glass. The first type of operation is in great demand in small auto repair shops and even private garages. The problem is that the equipment sets on the market are expensive. At the same time, let’s say a home craftsman has a fairly powerful compressor. In this case, you can assemble a sandblasting machine with your own hands, using, literally, discarded items and parts that can be bought at any hardware store.

Design and operating principle of a sandblasting machine

Do-it-yourself sandblasting can be assembled based on two design schemes that differ in the physics of supplying abrasive material to the output path. However, they will have almost the same list of significant nodes.

A compressor is the main device for pumping air.
A receiver that can be made from a gas cylinder.
The container for the abrasive material is of a fairly small volume, which is made from a freon cylinder or a fire extinguisher.
The pistol is the main tool of the installation operator.
Connecting hoses.

Important! To ensure long-term operation and stable parameters of the abrasive mixture, the sandblasting machine must include a moisture separator. If a piston compressor is used, it is recommended to install an oil filtration system in the air inlet path.

Any homemade sandblaster should produce a stream of air-abrasive mixture at the output. In this case, the pressure circuit uses pressure to supply abrasive to the outlet pipe, where it is mixed with the air flow from the compressor. A household ejector-type sandblasting machine uses the Bernoulli effect to create a vacuum in the abrasive intake path. The latter enters the mixing zone under the influence of the atmosphere.

How to choose the right model?

Before buying sandblasting machines, you need to familiarize yourself with a number of factors that affect the performance of the equipment:

Sandblasting devices must be equipped with thick-walled hoses to withstand prolonged exposure to abrasive and pressure.
The abrasive feed rate depends on the size of the hole on the nozzle.
It is not recommended to buy models with plastic parts, as they will quickly fail.
You need to evaluate the pen before purchasing so that it is convenient to work in the future.

If you need a model for your home, garage, or workshop, you need to buy a unit with a container for abrasive.

What can sandblasting be made from?

To understand how easy it is to make sandblasting with your own hands, it is enough to dwell on the operating features of each structural unit. In this case, the selection of available parts or finished products becomes obvious.

Mixing unit. Sand for sandblasting and compressed air from the compressor come here from two hoses. The output is a ready-made air-abrasive mixture. In this case, no requirements, for example, the volume of the mixing chamber, are imposed on the unit. On this basis, you can use a regular plumbing tee to make it.
Control devices. A normal manual sandblaster should be able to adjust the air flow and the intensity of the abrasive material. In this case, no requirements are imposed on the control device. At home, this role is well performed by water ball valves made of steel.
Connection points. To connect the hoses, conventional fittings are installed on the portable sandblasting machine. They can be equipped with clamps for secure fastening. All these components are easy to buy in stores.
Receiver. This part of the design is needed to facilitate the operation of the compressor and stabilize the pressure. You will definitely need a receiver if you want to get a powerful sandblast with your own hands. This device can be made from a powder type fire extinguisher with a large housing capacity. Another option is to make a receiver from a gas cylinder.
Abrasive chamber. The components for its manufacture may differ depending on the type of installation being created. For example, an ejector-type mini sandblasting machine is assembled with a plastic bottle for abrasive. A pressure installation will require a durable container made from a fire extinguisher or a freon cylinder.

Important! The connection diagram for moisture separation and oil collection devices depends on the specific product purchased for this purpose. However, most of the models on the market will only require the manufacture of an outlet from a plumbing tee onto which the hose fittings are mounted.

5 Engraving glass using a sandblasting device

First of all, you will need to cover the entire base of the glass with self-adhesive film. After this, you will need to draw the desired image and cut it out. The base of the resulting pattern must be carefully processed using a sandblasting device. After this stage of work is completed, the film will need to be removed. The drawing should be clear and bright. The master will be able to independently adjust the depth of the engraving by applying sand to the base several times. The image will look original both on its own and with LED backlighting. A homemade device can cope with the assigned tasks perfectly, and it will not be inferior to expensive products that are sold in specialized stores.

Using a sandblasting machine, it will be possible to cut holes on glass bases. To do this, you need to take a metal plate several millimeters thick and cut a recess in it. Next, you need to attach the sheet to the base and process it. This procedure will take 0.5 bottles of sand and a maximum of 5 minutes of time. The hole will be smooth and without chips. The sandblasting design shows excellent results in a variety of applications.

Making a sandblasting device yourself is quite simple. The main thing is to prepare all the necessary details and follow the sequence of actions.

Algorithm for making sandblasting from a gas cylinder or fire extinguisher

The simplest sandblasting design that you can do yourself is a pressure-type installation . To make it you will need (the principles of selection and purpose of the components are described above):

ball valves, 2 pcs;
freon cylinder, gas or fire extinguisher;
a piece of pipe to create a funnel for pouring abrasive into the chamber;
tees, 2 pcs;
hoses with internal diameters of 10 and 14 mm for releasing abrasive and supplying air from the compressor, respectively;
fittings and clamps for fastening hoses;
plumbing fum tape for connecting structural elements.

Sandblasting is produced according to the following algorithm.

The camera is being prepared. To do this, gas is released from the fire extinguisher or powder is poured out, and the contents are removed from any cylinders under pressure.
Holes are made in the cylinder. From above - for pouring abrasive (corresponding to the diameter of the selected tube), from below - for welding the tap.
The tap for adjusting the supply of abrasive can be tightly welded into the cylinder. Another option is to pre-install an adapter onto which the regulator is screwed.
After the tap, using fum tape, a tee and mixing unit are installed.
A tap is mounted on the cylinder valve, followed by a tee.

The assembly of the main structure is completed by welding wheels or carrying handles. Support legs will also help so that the sandblaster is not only mobile, but also stable.

Next, connections are made and the formation of supply and exit paths for the finished working mixture is carried out:

fittings are installed on the cylinder valve, lower tee;
an air supply hose with a diameter of 14 mm is located between the valve tee and the corresponding mixing unit at the bottom of the cylinder;
a compressor is connected to the remaining supply of the valve tee with a fitting;
The working mixture supply hose is attached to the free outlet of the lower tee.

How to choose the right model?

When choosing, pay attention to the following design elements of the pistol:

A set of nozzles and the material from which they are made. Sandblasting nozzles made from a hard alloy based on cobalt and tungsten carbide clearly have an advantage in terms of durability.
Method of attaching the nozzle to the body: the union nut can spontaneously unscrew during long-term operation, especially with vibrations, while the threaded pin is more reliable.
Ergonomic handle and convenient location of shut-off and control valves.
The presence of mounting holes on the gun body: this allows, having secured the device, to move the part to be cleaned with your hands relative to it.

Naturally, the performance characteristics of the purchased sandblasting gun must be consistent with the capabilities of the compressor. In particular, when constantly cleaning complex surfaces, the pressure of the abrasive-air mixture for which the device is designed should be as high as possible. It is recommended that the compressor have a pressure reserve of at least 15...20%.

What to make a nozzle and gun from

A homemade sandblasting gun is also not difficult. It can be made using a nozzle on a ball water valve installed at the end of the air-abrasive mixture supply hose. This output element is a clamping nut that secures the nozzle for ejecting the abrasive.

The last structural element - the nozzle - can be made of metal by turning the part on a lathe. However, it makes more sense to make the nozzle from a spark plug. To do this, the old part is cut with a grinder, separating the durable ceramic pillar from the metal structural elements and forming a suitable length.

Important! The process of separating the desired part of the candle inevitably results in the formation of a huge amount of dust and an unpleasant odor. Therefore, if you do not have the skills to work with an angle grinder and a workshop, it is recommended to buy a ceramic nozzle in a store.

It is worth especially noting: homemade designs often show better results than a ready-made sandblasting gun, many models of which are presented in retail sales. Therefore, it is wise to spend time creating your own solution, which does not require significant financial investments.

Alternative manufacturing methods

The many options for homemade sandblasting are determined by the needs of the owners and the different materials available. You can make your own effective installation using products intended for other work. For example, a high-pressure washer unit will help you assemble a dust-free sandblasting machine with your own hands. Below are several working and effective options for homemade installations.

From a pressure washer

You can assemble a sandblaster from Karcher. This car wash creates high water pressure with low water flow. To obtain an efficiently operating dust-free installation, you just need to assemble a special nozzle for the outlet tube. Required:

a self-made or store-bought ceramic nozzle;
reinforced hose;
mixing block, a tee with a suitable fit diameter is suitable;
feed adjustment unit, cylindrical type dispenser;
a tube for collecting abrasive, equipped with an air supply path into a closed container with sand or other material.

Water sandblasting from Karcher operates on an ejector circuit. High-pressure water passing through the mixing unit at high speed creates a vacuum in the abrasive supply path. Sand flows in and out with high pressure fluid.

The water sandblaster of this design has some features.

The flow intensity is high with low water flow. This allows the installation to be used for glass, frosting or other processing.
For stable feeding, an abrasive of uniform dispersion and small fraction must be used. For domestic use, fine, sifted river sand is suitable.

From a blow gun

Small and efficient - this is how sandblasting from a blow gun can be described. This device will allow you to carry out, for example, body work with fairly high efficiency. However, the performance depends entirely on the compressor used. To assemble the device you will need:

ready-made pneumatic blow gun;
plumbing tee;
ball valve for adjusting the abrasive supply;
outlet nozzle with clamping nut.

The design is not complicated. How to assemble it can be seen in the next photo.

Either a lightweight powder fire extinguisher bottle or a plastic bottle can be used as a container for abrasive.

Using a spray gun

You can create a homemade sandblast using a spray gun. For this you will need:

mixing valve from a conventional spray gun;
handle with air supply mechanism for the spray gun;
bottle for abrasive mixture:
tee;
ball valve regulator.

The operation diagram of the finished device is as follows:

To assemble the structure you will need:

sharpen the spray gun to use a nozzle of the required dimensions;
attach the mixing tee to the gun;
install and secure the supply and circulation hoses.

Important! The supply of sand or other abrasive from the container is started by simply pressing the trigger. The volume of the bottle is enough to treat small parts or surfaces for 20-30 minutes.

Safety precautions

Safety is of great importance when constructing and using sandblasting machines.

Machines and hoses should be checked from time to time for wear or blockage. You can watch a special video to see how this is done.

The work may result in sand bouncing off the surface, so equipment safety is of paramount importance. Respiratory hoods, protective clothing such as aprons and dust collars, and respirators with dust filters should be used.

You should not use quartz sand, which tends to disintegrate into small particles and enter the lungs, thus causing silicosis. Alternatively, metallic carriers such as steel shot, copper shot and zinc shot are used. Some people also prefer to use crushed nut shells and kernels.

Sandblasting is often a dirty job. Therefore, the rebounded sand can settle and even damage surrounding objects. It is worth making sure that sandblasting is carried out in an isolated, well-ventilated area and that all items nearby are properly protected.

Making your own sandblaster and using it is quite simple if a person knows how to do it correctly. However, it is important to follow safety precautions to avoid any problems. When in doubt when assembling a sandblasting machine, it is best to seek professional help.

If a person does not understand such mechanisms, then he definitely should not assemble them himself. It is worth noting that even an experienced DIY enthusiast needs to be extremely careful, and before assembling the device, view all the information from various sources, including be sure to watch several videos on the Internet on how to make a sandblasting machine.

The most popular sandblasters of 2022

Sandblasting machine AE&T T06505 19 l.

Sandblasting machine 17 l GARWIN 8866101

N33235 Sandblasting chamber 90 l. AE&T T06301 tabletop

JTC-5324 Sandblaster, 1/2″ hose, max. pressure 250PSI, volume 38l.

Sandblasting gun Fubag Sbg142/3

Design and operating principle of a sandblasting machine

If you want to get a sandblaster, you can assemble it yourself. All that is needed for this is two structural systems, which differ from each other in the physics of supplying material (abrasive) to the output stroke. True, their list of significant nodes will be almost the same.

The main device that will be used to pump air is a compressor.

You can make a receiver from a gas cylinder.

For abrasive material, a small volume container is used. It is made from a fire extinguisher or freon cylinder. The main tool of the installation operator is a gun. Connecting hoses.

At the output of any sandblast, a stream of air-abrasive mixture is formed. At the same time, the supply of abrasive by pressure is used by the pressure circuit. In the outlet pipe it is mixed with the air flow from the compressor. If a household sandblasting machine is of the ejector type, it uses the Bernoulli effect to create a vacuum (in the abrasive intake path).

There is a huge variety of drawings and diagrams that will help you assemble a homemade sandblaster at home. The reason for this diversity is the use of products that are at hand for such assembly. In this case, it is best to refer to the general principles of the structure of homemade sandblasting equipment.

We make sandblasting with our own hands from a plastic bottle

Now we'll see how you can make your own portable sandblaster using a blow gun and a plastic bottle. With the help of sandblasting, metal, plastic, glass, and wooden surfaces can be easily cleaned due to the air flow with sand, which is supplied under pressure. It is advisable to use this device in a repair shop to remove rust, scale and paint from parts made of different materials. Using sandblasting, it is convenient to sand surfaces to a smooth, mirror-like state.

Creating sandblasting at home is a very simple process. This apparatus is made of a blow gun, a water ball valve and a compressor. It has a very simple design - a tee is screwed onto the gun, and a 1.5-2 liter plastic bottle is screwed through a ball valve with a mixer. In sandblasting, only a ceramic nozzle is used, because if it is made of metal, the sand will quickly wear it off. At the end, the installation is connected through a thick hose to the compressor - and you can start working.

List of required materials:

• blow gun; • plastic bottle; • mixer; • ball valve; • compressor; • hose with reinforcement.

List of tools:

• spanners; • lathe; • drilling machine.