This document outlines the essential safety and operational tips for using a sandblaster effectively. It emphasizes the importance of appropriate safety gear, selecting the right media for surfaces, and proper techniques to avoid damage and injuries. The document also notes the potential mess and noise associated with sandblasting and suggests preventive measures for these issues.

2. When used properly, a
sandblaster is an
incredibly useful and
powerful tool. But
when used incorrectly,
it can easily cause
injury and damage
property. Before you
use a sandblaster, be
sure to avoid these
common mistakes…

3. It is absolutely essential
to use the proper safety
gear when operating a
sandblaster. Users should
always wear goggles,
gloves, an apron, and ear
and mouth protection,
without exception.

4. Despite the name, sandblasters
can spray more than just sand.
Media include everything from
small pieces of plastic to glass
beads to ground nutshells.
Using the wrong media on the
wrong surface can cause
damage, or make the job
harder. Be sure to check with
the manufacturer to learn
what surfaces each medium is
best used for.

5. Rather than spraying rust,
paint, or other surface
elements from straight
ahead, try spraying at an
angle. Most of the time,
approaching from an angle
will get the job done faster
than trying to blast a
surface from straight on.

6. Sandblaster media create a
lot of friction when they
bounce off a surface, which
in turn creates heat. When
spraying a metal surface,
too much heat can cause
the metal to warp and
bend. If you hear a popping
sound when spraying metal,
it’s time to stop and let the
metal cool.

7. Many novice sandblaster
operators seriously
underestimate just how
much mess they’re going to
end up making. Before you
start, make sure you’re
prepared to clean up a lot
of dust and sloughed-off
material, and that you’ve
taken steps to keep air
pollution from spreading.

8. Another thing about
sandblasters that novices
fail to grasp is just how
noisy they can be. Most
sandblasters are noisy
enough that if you don’t let
your neighbors prepare for
them, you can get slapped
with a noise complaint from
the city. Be polite and let
your neighbors know you’re
going to be making a lot of
noise while operating.

9. When a sandblaster is in
use, heat and moisture can
build up in the hose,
causing the media to clump
together. Whenever you
take a break, be sure to
flush the air line by
spraying air through the
hose to clear out the
moisture and keep the
media from getting moist.

10. Big A’s Place LLC has all the sandblaster
supplies you need, from replacement sprayers
to safety gear. To view our entire online
inventory, visit www.sandblaster-parts.com.