Best Sandblaster Cabinet (Reviews & Guide) – A Must-Read
Finding the best sandblaster cabinet for the money can be a real challenge, especially in today’s market. Some models can be very expensive, and if you don’t know what features you should focus on, you might risk spending your hard-earned cash on something hardly usable.
To save you a bit of time and effort, we’ve put together a guide and a selection of some of the most critically acclaimed units in this line. Check it out below!
Top 5 Sandblaster Cabinet Reviews
1. Redsun Sand Blaster Bench Cabinet
As one of the most popular units in this line, the sandblaster cabinet by Redsun will give you the features you need for a rather affordable price. The air compressor delivery that it comes with is between 40 and 120PSI at 15 and 25 CFM.
This means that the unit is highly recommended for amateur and medium applications. With the oversized viewing glass that the model is outfitted with, you will be able to keep an eye on what’s happening within the cabinet at all times. There’s even a plastic film (that can be removed) that protects the glass from becoming corroded.
When it comes to the durability of this model, you have nothing to worry about as its steel construction guarantees that it can stand the test of time. A number of accessories are included in the deal, so you’ll save money by not having to buy them separately.
Features:
- Removable mesh work surface tray
- Comes with blasting gun kit, oversized rubber gloves, and four nozzles
- Air compressor delivers 40 to 120 PSI at 15-25 CFM
- Measures 29.7 by 19.5 by 28.3 inches
Pros
- Large viewing screen lets you have complete control over your task
- Includes a variety of accessories
- 7.9-gallon sand loading volume ensures good efficiency
- Can be used with a range of abrasive media from silicon carbide to aluminum oxide
Cons
- It’s not exactly portable since it weighs in at 58.4 lbs
- Can’t be used for professional applications
2. Central Pneumatic 40 Lb. Capacity Floor Blast Cabinet
If you need a heavy-duty option that allows you to work on more serious projects, the Central Pneumatic unit should be a model that you should keep in mind. It comes with an abrasive capacity of 40 lb, which can’t even compare to that of other cabinets in the same line.
The fluorescent lighting system does a pretty good job when it comes to allowing you to visualize what’s happening inside the sandblasting cabinet. The screen is large enough for you to have complete control over your tasks, but it is slightly smaller compared to that of other units.
Being made of 19-gauge steel, durability is not something that you will have to concern yourself with if you invest in this choice.
Features:
- Weighs in at 40 pounds
- 125 PSI maximum working pressure
- Comes with a fluorescent lighting system
- Heavy-duty steel construction
Pros
- The unit recycles the sand and glass beads, so you can use it time and again
- Can be converted into a vapor blaster
- Works great for semi-professional projects
- Very effective, although you do have to clean it regularly
Cons
- The hoses that accompany the unit are less effective than the cabinet itself
3. Shop Fox M1114 Benchtop Sandblaster
Since it offers as many as 10 pounds of abrasive media and it comes with a large enough workspace, this Shop Fox model is another you should bear in mind. It’s capable of handling medium to large projects.
One of the most significant benefits ensured by the design is that it gives you a better capacity compared to many of its competitors. The uniquely engineered side access doors enable you to fill your sandblaster cabinet with any components and with as little effort as possible.
Also, the M1114 comes with a rubber glove system for excellent protection. The spray gun and nozzles are, of course, included, and the unit works on 110 VAC with a 12 VOC transformer.
Features:
- 2 16-inch wide access doors
- Large 9 by 10-¾-in window
- 10-pound abrasive capacity
- 60-100 PSI air pressure requirement
Pros
- Compact footprint gives you plenty of workspace
- Easy to use thanks to its side access doors
- Its design allows for comfortable viewing of what’s being processed
- Includes a number of accessories
Cons
- It tends to cost a bit more than other models
- Comes with fluorescent lighting (instead of LED technology, which is more efficient)
4. Grizzly Industrial T27359 – Mini Sandblaster
If you need a compact and very ergonomic sandblasting cabinet, this Grizzly Industrial model should be right up your alley. It’s a bit heavier than expected, seeing as it’s not as large as some of its competitors, but its steel construction guarantees durability over time.
The built-in blast gloves take the cake when it comes to ensuring the protection that you need. Plus, the model is outfitted with a fluorescent lighting system. We’d argue that LED technology would have been better, but this one is pretty good, too.
As for the sand capacity it comes with, it’s 12 lb, so you aren’t going to be able to use this product for professional projects. It’s still worth considering for the occasional DIY-er, though.
Features:
- Working pressure 80-115 PSI at 7 CFM
- Weighs in at 30 lbs
- Works with a 110V/60Hz or 230V/50Hz power source
- 3.5-mm ceramic nozzle
Pros
- The mini sandblasting cabinet design renders it portable and convenient
- Very easy to use thanks to its built-in protection gloves
- The screen is large enough for you to have complete control over the operation
- Made of steel for excellent durability
Cons
- It’s a little heavier than what some customers might expect
- Not the cheapest in the line
5. Parts-Diyer 25 Gallon Bench Top Sandblasting Cabinet
Are you looking for a budget-friendly alternative that still gives you the efficiency and performance that you need for your home projects? If that’s so, the Parts-Diyer option might be the right one for you.
It’s made of durable materials, which is why it has a good chance of standing the test of time. Moreover, it’s compatible with a wide variety of abrasive media from silica sand and aluminum oxide to glass beads.
The screen is wide enough for you to have perfect control over what’s happening. Additionally, the protective gloves are part of the deal, and so are the differently sized nozzles. So, you aren’t going to have to buy any of these accessories separately.
Features:
- Weighs in at 33 pounds
- Measures 25.2 by 20.08 by 21.06 inches
- Air compressor delivery of 40-80 PSI at 5 CFM
- 25-gallon capacity
Pros
- Compatible with a broad range of abrasive materials
- Perfect for small to medium tasks
- Made of high-quality steel
- Compact design guarantees portability
Cons
- Some users received the unit already dented as if the defect happened in the manufacturing facility, not while it was shipped
Buying guide
Choosing the right sandblasting cabinet is a decision that you shouldn’t make lightly since these units tend to cost a pretty penny. Here are some of the most important aspects that you should take into account before making up your mind about a particular model.
Capacity
What type of projects are you looking to use your sandblaster cabinet for? If you have a lot of media to process and you want to use the unit day in and day out, you probably need a bigger capacity alternative.
On the other hand, the model needs to be sized appropriately depending on your physical capabilities, too. You aren’t going to be able to manipulate the cabinet properly if it’s simply too heavy and large for what you have in mind.
Type
There are two main kinds of sandblasting cabinets currently available. Wet media ones have a lower chance of leaving any profile whatsoever, and they are also more affordable compared to their dry media counterparts.
The latter, on the other hand, are popular with professionals. They offer excellent results when it comes to cleaning. Unfortunately, they can leave an abrasion profile, and they’re also pricier than wet media cabinets.
If you intend to use your sandblasting cabinet for professional tasks, it might be a better idea to pick a dry media cabinet since it’s very reliable in the long run and it can be used for anything from medical tools to electronics.
Suction feed or pressure feed
Pressure feed systems take the cake when it comes to efficiency, even though they are more expensive compared to suction feed sandblasting cabinets. With the first, you aren’t going to have to get rid of as many contaminants as you would when using the second.
On top of everything, suction feed systems don’t have the best reputation when it comes to handling thicker, more dense abrasive materials (including steel). If you need to process this type of media, a pressure feed system is the right choice for you.
Construction quality
As we have previously noted, sandblasting cabinets aren’t exactly cheap, so it’s crucial for you to choose the best quality model that you can afford.
A sandblaster cabinet can be either light or heavy-duty, and you might have already figured out that you can use each of these for different tasks. Plus, you can expect different types of durability from each.
The models that are made of molded plastic are considered light and portable, but they are also less rugged and tend to last less time. By contrast, heavy-duty units are powerful, durable, and very solid, but their drawback is that you aren’t going to be able to haul them from one location to the next.
Media
Just what do you plan on using your sandblasting cabinet for? Whatever your media of choice is, you need to know that the cabinet can handle it. That’s why it’s better to pick a model that’s advertised as being flexible and versatile.
The more options you have available, the less stressed you are going to be when it comes to switching media and limiting contamination.
Accessories
While a number of sandblasting cabinets are accompanied by built-in gloves, you will have to purchase a pair of neoprene or rubber cabinet gloves with cheaper options.
Every sandblasting cabinet needs an air compressor in order to do its job properly. You’ll have to check whether one is included in the purchase or if you have to buy it separately.
Make sure that it’s not too small since if that’s the case, it’s not going to be able to produce enough force to blast the media appropriately.
In general, the smaller the cabinet and the smaller the air compressor, the more time you’re going to need to perform any task. High-power machines are going to work a lot faster.
User safety
It definitely wouldn’t hurt if you checked two important details on the model you are considering. First of all, every sandblasting cabinet will produce some type of dust, and you need to protect yourself against that by wearing a mask and goggles.
But there are models that are better at containing the debris inside the cabinet rather than allowing it to escape and creating a health hazard for the operator. If you can afford it, get one of these.
The other safety-related detail you need to check on is the amount of noise that the machine produces. Even with those that tend to make less noise, you will most likely have to invest in a high-quality noise-canceling pair of headphones.
The headphones will make it impossible for your sense of hearing to be affected by the operation of the sandblaster cabinet. Don’t underestimate the noise that such a piece of gear can make — if it goes anything beyond 125 dba and you don’t wear any ear protection, you can risk becoming deaf.
Warranties, customer support, guarantees, and costs
Most tools are covered by a warranty, and their duration can vary largely from one brand to the next. Some companies offer 30-day return guarantees, and we’d suggest considering a model in this category just to make sure that you’re satisfied with the way it works.
Heavy-duty sandblaster cabinets can get pretty expensive, with some models costing as much as fifteen hundred dollars or more.
Smaller, portable units, on the other hand, will cost around three to five hundred or less, but you do have to use them judiciously so that you don’t affect their durability in the long run.
As for customer support, even in this case, you get what you pay for. If you choose a sandblaster cabinet from a completely unknown brand and one that doesn’t even make or ship its products locally, you have a better chance of experiencing customer service or warranty-related issues.
Taking care of your sandblast cabinet
Cheaper sandblaster cabinets call for a bit more care and maintenance in the long run while their heavy-duty counterparts will require less effort on your behalf.
Regardless of the model you have picked, you’ll have to create a schedule for regular maintenance. This practice will allow you to make the most of your unit in the long run.
Clean the filter
Maintaining the dust collector in top shape should be one of your priorities. To make sure that it’s perfect for operation and fully clean, you’ll have to remove the debris every once in a while.
Naturally, the frequency of the cleaning routine depends on how often and how intensively you use your sandblasting cabinet. In most professional shops, the filter has to be cleaned at least every quarter of an hour.
Home users might do with just one cleaning process per day, especially if they don’t use their cabinets intensively.
Check the parts
It’s perfectly normal for some parts to sustain wear and tear as time goes by and you utilize the unit more. To make sure that your sandblasting cabinet doesn’t become fully unusable, you should check on its parts every once in a while.
This includes taking a good look at anything from its work grates and nozzles to its inlet filters, separator, and even its view windows. All of the parts that have been affected by the abrasive action of the unit will have to be replaced before they sustain significant damage.
Keep everything clean and tidy
The window should be kept clean so that you aren’t forced to bring the object closer to it and risk damaging it with abrasives.
The abrasive scalper screen also has to be cleaned regularly as otherwise, it might prevent the abrasives from coming back to the mixing valve and gun, therefore affecting the model’s efficiency.
Replace the abrasives
Even though you might tend to recycle abrasives to save a bit of money, the fact is at one point or the other, you will still have to replace them.
If you keep using the same, they’ll get smaller in size and they’ll also have less speed, so they will make the sandblasting cabinet less efficient.
FAQs
1. How does a sandblaster cabinet work?
Every sandblasting cabinet comes with a built-in blast gun that directs the abrasive media through a nozzle toward a workpiece or a particular surface.
The abrasive material will clean the surface of paint, rust, or any unwanted contaminants.
2. What equipment do I need for sandblasting?
The core parts of any sandblasting gear setup include air compressors, pressure blast tanks, a nozzle that directs the abrasives at the right angle for the surfaces, a moisture trap and separator, hoses, deadman switches, abrasive media, and blasting respirators.
All of these parts are, in one form or another, included in the design of a sandblasting cabinet.
3. How dangerous is sandblasting?
Sandblasting can cause significant health problems if you aren’t careful when handling abrasive media or if the unit you have purchased doesn’t seem to be able to contain them properly.
For example, crystalline or silica sand are some of the most commonly utilized media for blasting. If the material gets out and you breathe it in, you might not feel anything wrong over the short term, but in the long run, you might end up suffering from severe respiratory issues.
Consistent exposure can even lead to lung cancer. Make sure you use protective gear and a quality sandblaster cabinet.
4. Can you reuse sand after sandblasting?
Unfortunately, sand can easily get contaminated. Therefore, it’s not a good idea to reuse it, especially time and again. It can attract some parts of the materials, but you can at least recycle sand into other materials, such as concrete or cement (if you really want to rework it).
Several examples of media that can be recycled are steel shot, glass beads, as well as garnet, as all of them can be screened and individualized from the mix of shot and dirt material.
5. How big of a compressor do I need for sandblasting?
The short answer to this question is that it depends on your application. For small sandblasting tasks, you can get a unit that comes with an air compressor producing anything between 10CFM and 20 CFM.
On the other hand, if you need a unit for a larger task, you might have to get one with a compressor within the range of 18CFM to 35CFM. Industrial sandblasters have air compressors with a CFM between 50 and 100, for instance.
Also read: 6 Best 3-Point Quick Hitch
Conclusion
We hope that our sandblaster cabinet reviews were able to assist you in finding the right unit for your needs. Make sure that you consider the factors that we’ve mentioned in our guide.
Don’t forget about regular cleaning and maintenance as it can really make a difference when it comes to the durability of your sandblasting cabinet. If you don’t care for it, some brands might not even want to replace it if they find out that it’s been damaged by your lack of maintenance.