Sandblaster wanted

[ps_bond]

That's the cabinet I have. The compressor is one of these AFAIR - http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/pr...air-compressor
(and yes, they are *very* noisy - that's why I have the silent compressor too)

[art925]

Thanks Peter & James, I have a little 5litre / 8bar compressor, but agree this is insufficient. I have also seen this on German ebay, which looks to take up less space and offers the range of abrasives in 3 hoses. http://www.ebay.de/itm/3-Kammer-Sand...item3a75d7c00f
I have contacted the manufacturers in Italy this morning for more info on the item before I go ahead with bidding.

Once again thanks so much! I will let you see the results of my activity.
Lesley

[Dennis]

I know I’m being a pain Les, but what worries me is that the route you are taking is expensive and space consuming, yet not very versatile.
For instance, blasting is brilliant for cleaning anything in a straight line of fire, but not around corners. It will produce a beautiful matte effect on metal, but the appearance is not sustainable.

What I mean by that is that any rub with a hard object will leave shiny lines which can only be removed by blasting again, in other words not by the customer. This might just be acceptable on reticulated surfaces, but little else.

I had access to this equipment when I began, but soon gave it up for the above reasons. Could you not achieve what you want by tumbling with needles, ceramic chips, or with a magnetic device?

Regards, Dennis.

[art925]

Hi Dennis, I appreciate your comments as always. From what I understand an abrasive with a size of around 100/200 microns will leave a fine, scratchable surface. But when you start to move up in particle size especially with a higher pressure the indent is deeper. Most of the systems only go upto 250 microns, I can purchase abrasive upto 850 microns quite readily so the right system is important.
The results of tumbling will indent the whole piece and that is not the effect I am looking for. My Research continues...

[Goldsmith]

May I ask what effect you are looking for, I have experience of many forms of texturing and may be able to suggest different methods. I would be interested in seeing whatever you intend sand blasting or a photo of something that shows the finish you would like to achieve.

James

[art925]

May I ask what effect you are looking for, I have experience of many forms of texturing and may be able to suggest different methods. I would be interested in seeing whatever you intend sand blasting or a photo of something that shows the finish you would like to achieve.

James

Thanks James, I have spent the last day to try to find photos, this is the best I can find...http://www.utedecker.com/fairtrade_gold_h2.html
The gold here is quite pitted, and not a fine finish. The texture is regular in structure across the piece.

[Goldsmith]

Hi Lesley, My sandblaster would not achieve such course texture, the machine that Peter has would be a better option. I would say that the jewellery would need scratch brush polishing after such blasting as sand blasting leaves a dull matte finish. If you had patience you could achieve a similar effect by texturing with a hammerhead attachment in a flexshaft drill. I use my hammerhead when texturing carved animals and such like. The same effect can be achieved with chasing tool punches and a hammer. I also use my scratch brush, a rotating brass bristle brush, when creating a fine matte finish like the background to this crest.

James

[Dennis]

Thanks James, I have spent the last day to try to find photos, this is the best I can find...http://www.utedecker.com/fairtrade_gold_h2.html
The gold here is quite pitted, and not a fine finish. The texture is regular in structure across the piece.

Being argumentative to the bitter end, this can easily be achieved for the price of a sheet of sandpaper, grit of your choice, in a rolling mill. Only a bash with a mallet will shut me up. Dennis.