I worry that the casual user will not remember to shut the air valve causing the compressor to run extra cycles. If they forgot to turn the agitator air line on, they will think the abrasive cabinet don’t work properly.
If a prototype turns out to be effective, it’d be simple enough to wire one switch for cabinet lights and air solenoid(s).
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I was thinking about that, but was being lazy about solenoids.
The wide belt was upgraded to a solenoid for this exact reason.
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I was thinking about adding an air solenoid valve to the main air supply to alleviate Joe’s concerns about casual users. Utilizing a coil that operates on 115VAC will simplify wiring. It is essential to ensure that the solenoid/actuator are either sealed or housed within a separate enclosure with effective sealing, as abrasive media will adversely affect moving parts. Wouldn’t need more than one - the media bubbler and its regulator could be fed downstream of the solenoid from the main line.
Additionally, incorporating an appropriate media sifter would be prudent to remove larger clumps or debris. JD suggested using a pizza screen we could try that or invest in a sifter specifically designed for this application—available on Amazon for around $20.
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I’ve scheduled general metal shop time following Sunday’s welding class. During this time, I plan to conduct a more in-depth inspection of the media blaster, which will likely involve unloading the current media. I’ll bring a couple of buckets to store the media temporarily.
Do I need approval before proceeding with this?
I’m not the metal shop steward. I think @ethan would appreciate the thorough inspection.
I think there is stainless steel screen. I like to place that on top of the bucket and see what it catches. I would like for people to have a better experience. I’m happy to see this happen.
You pretty much had my approval after our last discussion. 
Go for it. Just be aware of breathing safety for you and anyone around you.
I’m not aware of any appropriate size screen for filtering though.
I forgot about one more thing to check. I have a vacuum breaker/ mixer on the bottom of the inverted pyramid. It should have a 1/4-20 bolt that allows some air in to increase reliable flow. There is 3 holes drilled into it allowing adjustment. Once the inspection is done. I think adjusting that might help with reliable suction.
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Throwing another thing into this discussion: Joe had recently mentioned the item linked below as a possible upgrade for the abrasive blaster. It would replace the vacuum with a system that recycles the media more effectively. It’s only one such possibility (but the cheapest). Dan, if you can look through all the options and make a suggestion for the best path forward, that would be great. I can help with that after October 1 (i.e., after the Ballet).
Dan, for your reference regarding breathing safety, this is the media in the cabinet now: Amazon.com
It seems much safer than silica based abrasives. I haven’t found any hazard warnings about handling it, thought I would certainly wear breathing and eye protection and possibly gloves. There are gloves in the stewards closet and on the shelves in the annex.
I didn’t know an actual screen exists. Amazon.com
Thanks for your input and helpful insights.
I’ve looked into the breathing hazards for aluminum oxide. While it’s generally safer than silica-based abrasives, there is still a breathing hazard with long-term exposure, especially with fine particles. I’ll bring a proper mask for the inspection. If it seems like too much of a risk, I’ll postpone that element of the work to a time when other members aren’t present, e.g. late in the evening.
Regarding the “Media Control Valve” Joe mentioned, I’ve read up on its function, and it’s clear that it needs to be operational and adjusted correctly for reliable media flow. I plan on making that a priority during the inspection.
The screen sounds good, and we should anticipate media contamination, especially if we get the system working more effectively. One of the reasons I plan to remove the media is to measure the hopper for adding a screen, which would help keep debris and clumps clear of the feed line.
The media reclaimer/dust collector system looks like a solid upgrade. It would ease maintenance and improve overall efficiency.
I’ll put together a plan and share it with you so we can discuss the best path forward.
Looking forward to working through this with you both.
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Media Blaster Station: Repairs and Upgrade Plan
Repairs:
- Status: The media blaster is currently operational - tested again today…
- Issue: The media control valve was closed, preventing air from entering the pipe, which is essential for creating the venturi effect that propels media into the gun feed.
- Resolution: This valve is typically not user-adjustable. However, adjustments may be necessary when switching media types or for specialty blasting.
Recommendations:
- The current valve is fixed at two points (similar to the picture below) and not continuously variable. Replacing it with a variable model would offer more flexibility. A clear “Do Not Adjust” sign could be posted to discourage user interference.
- Estimated Cost: $25 - $50 for a variable media control valve and fittings.
- Upgrading the media flow tube could reduce clogs. A tapered tube design ensures smooth media flow without blockage at pipe joints.
- Estimated Cost: $30 - $70 for the replacement flow tube. This one is $63.50 and includes a non-adjustable media control valve.
Improvements:
Each suggested improvement should be evaluated for its cost-benefit ratio.
- Sifting Screen:
Installing a screen to filter contaminants (oils, grease, rust, etc.) from the media would reduce clumping. It should allow easy cleaning and could be incorporated into a routine user clean-up task.- Estimated Cost: $20 - $40 for a suitable screen, plus minor mounting hardware.
- Benefits: Low cost with high impact on maintenance and media quality.
-
Air Duster:
Adding a compressed air duster inside the cabinet could help clean parts while vacuuming is active, keeping the work area clean and aiding in minor media reclamation.- Estimated Cost: $30 - $60 for a small air duster kit.
- Benefits: Medium benefit for cleanliness and efficiency. A full cost-benefit analysis needed.
-
Media “Bubbler”:
A small air hose at the hopper bottom could prevent media compaction by agitating it, eliminating the need for manual hammering. It would ensure consistent media flow.- Estimated Cost: $40 - $70 for materials (air hose and fittings).
- Benefits: Medium benefit by reducing blockages and improving overall flow.
-
Media Cleaner Reclaimer:
This aligns with Eathan’s suggestion and would further improve media quality. It would complement the sifter and enhance the system’s efficiency. This would require cabinet modifications.- Estimated Cost: $100 - $200 depending on the complexity of the reclaimer system.
- Benefits: High impact on media cleanliness and longevity, though a higher upfront cost.
Summary of Costs:
- Repairs: $55 - $120 (variable valve and flow tube replacement)
- Improvements: $190 - $370 depending on selected upgrades (sifting screen, air duster, bubbler, reclaimer)
This plan outlines necessary repairs and potential upgrades for long-term improvement, pending a full cost-benefit analysis.
Dan
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I’ll look at this all in full detail next week after the ballet is over. But I currently see no reason not to do all of this.
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I was checking on the progress @mgi2212 and @mgmoore. I am working on the steward closet light for the upcoming work day. I was checking if the abrasive blaster needed some help to finish?
I haven’t gotten around to looking at the proposal, so we haven’t gotten anything we need yet. We do need to find either of the replacement window protectors, which are somewhere in the stewards closet. One is a set of sheets, the other is apparently a long roll.
I would like to order the sifter to help clean the abrasive that is in there now. I can take a look at installing screen protectors for the window. Let me know any other items I can work on Sat?
@mgmoore I know you are busy. I can order the sifter?
@mgi2212 do you think you will be able to install the bubbler during the work day?
I ordered the sifter for my blasting cabinet setup. I will bring it by to sift the abrasive at Asmbly.
I have a vibrating motor setup that I had set aside for another project. I no longer need it. I can install it. The power supply has more than enough amps to run the motor and led lights.
Is that in line with the proposal @mgi2212 made above? Is that vibrator in place of the bubbler he proposed, or in addition to it? If the former, what are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
I’d been meaning to give the go ahead for his proposal but hadn’t gotten around to it. @mgi2212, do you have specific links for any of the items we need to get? I have a lead on the media reclaimer but not the rest.