Karl,
I got my blast cabinet from TIP last year and I don't think you have anything to
worry about concerning metal guage. Half of restoration is metal working and
patching. Cross that bridge if you ever come to it. I agree with the comment
that a blast cabinet can make a world of difference in a project. Generally
bigger is a good thing but even a small cabinet would be useful. Available air
compressor volume in CFM is important no matter what the size cabinet. You can
blast with a small compressor but you will beat it up. When I was shopping I
was told 18 CFM was the recommended minimum compressor output. Prior to the new
compressor I was blasting outside with about 6 cfm and had to frequently stop
and let the compressor cool down. It would not have lasted much longer under
those conditions.
After a year the desirable cabinet features seem to be: amount of available
light, window size, door opening size (how big a piece can you actually get in),
and interior dimensions (how can you move the piece in the cabinet). Tip had a
new (then) taller cabinet that I wanted but it was more than I was ready to pay.
If your anywhere near Northeastern Ohio you might find the trip to TIP
interesting. I found that the in-store price was a little cheaper because it
did not have the shipping costs built in that the catalog has. It's a nice tool
store. If you have not gotten one yet you can order their catalog through their
web site.
Jack McCarrick
Susan and John Roper wrote:
> I've had a good sized(maybe #950) blast cabinet from Tip for 10+ years and
> have no complaints. John
>
> Karl Vacek wrote:
>
> > I've decided to take the space-eating plunge and buy a sandblast cabinet.
> > For decades I've seen the TIP ads in Hemmings, and assumed they were fine.
> > Upon investigating, I find that most of their competitors advertise much
> > heavier-gauge construction, and after re-reading TIP's ads, it does sound
> > like theirs is a little thin and maybe not as sturdy as I'd like,
> > particularly the interior rack. They do seem to have a comprehensive line
> > of accessories.
> >
> > What experiences do the listers have?
> >
> > TIA
> >
> > - Karl Vacek
> > '66 TR4A - IRS
> > '64 Amphicar
> > '16 Ford T Touring
> > '46 Piper J-3 Cub
|