Princess Auto sandblasting cabinet

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

Princess Auto sandblasting cabinet

harry the hammer · Veteran Member

I have the same one and once in a while it plugs off, check the nozzle for clean and tight,i think thats how it draws sand up. Shouldnt be hard to get going.
I hook a wet/dry vac on the outlet to cut down dust,also added another light inside to see better.
Found sand blasting in short sleeves will give an uncomfortable zap when touching the side.

cdnpont · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Same as yours carl, and did the same things Harry has done. An external vacuum is essential as well as a lamp.

One thing I've noticed that will slow the uptake is damp sand or glass. I've had it where I put a brand new load of dry sealed bead in and it takes off like a rocket. I also think that if the media is worn out (dusty) it will not work and draw like new product.

One other thing I've done when it has stalled is to change the end nozzle to a larger one. Also, make sure the rubber tube that attaches to the draw tube isn't pushed down so far as to block the down airflow. It needs equalizing air at the pickup point to up flow properly.

If doing a lot of blasting, dust your hands with linesman glove powder (to reduce sweat and odor). Always wear a respirator and ear protection.

Prefectca · Poncho Master!

I have the bench top version and if the filter on the side of the cabinet is plugged mine doesnt draw sand. I think that if the air cant get out quick enough it wont draw sand.

Paul

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

Okay thanks guys that gives me some things to check tomorrow. I gave up on it for today. I do know the sand is nice and dry because I dumped it out and I know that the tubes are all clear.

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

I have the same one. No issues with it drawing up sand (or glass beads when I currently have in it). I had to seal all the seams with caulk as I was getting sand leaks. As Mark said a better light and vacuum is a good idea. I also put clear acetate sheets over the glass on the inside to prevent it getting all scratched up.

Glenn Musgrave · Addicted!

I have the same one and previously posted how I modified mine and set it up. It works great!!! Another thing to check is the size of the beads you are using. It will only work with 30 - 60 grit, the other stuff is too heavy. I had to seal mine up on all the seams to stop the dust from sifting out. Make sure you have both the side cover, inlet, and rear cover, exhaust, off. Have your pressure regulator set in the 110 -115 range. I think the book also says if there is too much medium in the hopper it won't work. I can scan and send you the manual if you don't have it.

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

I currently have sand in it, about 40% of a 5 gallon pail when I dumped it out.

Yesterday I tried calling my friend who is selling it but couldn't reach him. He's on this site sometimes so maybe he will see this.

cdnpont · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Did you try manipulating the pickup tube in and out of the sand? Is the steel pickup tube clear down in the double wall? Not blocked.

BTW, sometimes they also just need a new gun assembly. They get worn out at the venturi in the gun body.

If you have an assortment of nozzles, try some different sizes. I got mine back working one time by doing that.

SGS Welding · Guru

I have the same cabinet. The odd time a chunk of stone or rust flake or

whatever gets stuck in behind the ceramic nozzle tip??

speaking of nozzles the only ones I can find are size 5 in packs of 2 at princess auto??

do you have another source Mark? Or have you upgraded to a different/better quality gun?

Pontiacanada · A Poncho Legend!

I have the same cabinet (I sound like a broken record biggrin ). I actually have an identical, brand new 2nd. cabinet that was given to me. I use glass in mine (it harbours less humidity). Some day I want to the above-mentioned upgrades to it.

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

cdnpont wrote:
Did you try manipulating the pickup tube in and out of the sand? Is the steel pickup tube clear down in the double wall? Not blocked.
BTW, sometimes they also just need a new gun assembly. They get worn out at the venturi in the gun body.
If you have an assortment of nozzles, try some different sizes. I got mine back working one time by doing that.

I blew back and forth through every hose, orifice etc and can't find any place that seems at all restricted. I tried calling my friend again today but no answer.

Lots of air coming through the gun and I'm not suspecting it's worn out because he said he's only used this cabinet a few times since he bought it new.

I didn't get any extra nozzles with it, so can't try that.

cdnpont · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Don't sweat it Carl. If he's giving it to you for a good price, just buy the thing. It's in your shop, and it's easier than hauling in a new one and assembling it.

Next time you're up to PA, grab a new gun kit and some fresh oxide. You'll get it working that much is assured. In the meantime, get your vacuum setup in order. You can't blast without one imop.

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

I'm thinking I may pass anyway, not because I can't get it working. I have limited space and after adding a torch kit and a press in the past year, it's getting a bit crowded anyway.

Right now I blast outside with my little blaster and I pick the windiest days to do it. Works pretty well and I clean up the driveway with the leaf blower afterwards.

rabbit64cs · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Behind the ceramic tip , I believe there's should be a steel orifice with a rubber gasket . This creates th pressure drop to siphon . Also . If there is a crack in the pick up hose , it won't siphon, had to tight .

I have the sameons too , added 3 lights and a squirrel cage fan , dust collector . No dust in the shop .

hawkeye5766 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

4SPEED427 wrote:
I'm thinking I may pass anyway, not because I can't get it working. I have limited space and after adding a torch kit and a press in the past year, it's getting a bit crowded anyway.

Right now I blast outside with my little blaster and I pick the windiest days to do it. Works pretty well and I clean up the driveway with the leaf blower afterwards.

I don't know....doesn't that blue go with the living room drapes?? You also need dry air, any moisture will pack the sand behind the tip.