Glass bead machine refurb

[Kawtriplefreak]

I went out to the shop yesterday to prep and bead blast the top case for the white RZ and when I opened up the doors to put in some fresh beads the 20 year old foam tape door seals fell off into the floor. Since silicosis isn't on my list of fun things to have I had to fix it before use.


I had a good amount of left over EPDM sealing tape from my topper install on the 90 GMC in two thicknesses. After wasting one piece of the thick tape next to the hinge and realizing that the door wouldn't close I put the thin tape next the hinge and the thick tape on the other three sides and Bob's your Uncle. Cleaning the old glue off with brake clean was the biggest chore. Total time expended 1.5 hours.



Airtight and good for another 20 years.

[Twill864]

Any tips on glass bead size? I have a skat blast I bought and am switching from sand to glass. Tips as well.

[Kawtriplefreak]

I use # 80 glass beads. I get mine at Harbor Freight.The parts need to be cleaned and free of petroleum residue before they go in the cabinet. Scrape as much of any gasket remnants off as possible. Mask off or put bolts in any threaded holes. Limit air pressure to 80 PSI or you will waste the media. I do one pass at 80 PSI and one pass at 40 PSI to knock the shiny off and help close the pores of the metal. Blow off the work with an air hose. Spray down good with brake kleen and blow off again.

[Brad-Man]

I just get my glass beads from Harbor Freight.  They work great.