Sand for blasting

[Paul_]

stupid question time.....

 

How long can I keep re-using the same sand in my sand blasting box. It's still does the job perfectly but surely it's life isn't infinate. I've only been glass engraving for a few months so still getting my head around the best techniques.

 

I nearly didn't post this question as it may appear to be an obvious answer but surely this is exactly what forums are for.

[petercoulson]

If it still works ok keep using it. It is only a grit like a scouring band, the more you use it the less effective it becomes so you decide when to change

[Forest Cobbler]

My first bucket lasted for years. Occasionally I drop it all out of the bottom of the hopper, sieving it for stray bits and pieces, then put it back in again with a top up from the bucket. Anything that has become too fine to be effective gets drawn out by the extractor fan anyway, so the filter needs emptying out every so often as well.

 

Out of interest, where are you getting your stencils from?

 

Valerie

[Jay]

who do people get their supplies from for sandblasting?

 

I'm using Crystal Galleries

[Forest Cobbler]

The bucket of grit came from Crystal Galleries and we use them for most of our stencils as well, occasionally we get them from Crystal Engraving in Wales. But there doesn't seem to be that much choice.

 

V

[Graham]

The Glass Scribe in Dingwall also sell sandblasting supplies.

 

We do the same as Forest Cobbler

[Jay]

I've only been sandblasting 18 months & always use the green rapidmask for my stencils, Which I get great results from, but it's expensive. If your blasting larger glass plaques you can get through loads of the stuff.

 

Does anyone use a cheaper alternative to rapidmask with good results?

 

I use CorelDraw to make my artwork, print onto folex paper, stick it in the UV box on top of rapid mask & away you go.

 

Is this the method everybody else uses?