How can I tell when.....

the glass bead in my blast cabinet is needing changed? The design of my cabinet doesn't hold a lot of abrasives, and I've been working it pretty hard lately. I also have a vacuum port at the top of the cabinet, so I imagine that the dust is what the vacuum picks up and the good abrasive lands at the bottom. What I originally put in still strips the paint off of an ammo can pretty readily, but seems a bit slower lately. I have to wonder after all the dirt, rust, paint, and crud gets mixed in how effective the stuff stays. How do you guys tell?

Also, what kind of respiratory gear are you wearing when you blast? I've been using a heavy mask designed for drywall/plaster and want to make sure that it's enough.

 

I've read that when it starts getting dustier than usual and harder to see, that means your media is broken down and needs replacing.

Here's the one I want...:drool: :drool: http://www.tptools.com/product.asp?...No=1&mscssid=4G33A9BG3HBW9LS4BVP1N08B97WEBN58

 

What Ron said and that it is somewhat personal preference. If you don't mind standing there a while longer, you'll get more life out of your media. If your in a hurry all the time, you'll have to change it out more often. The one I use at work is hooked up to a dust collection system so we don't need a mask.

Ron, It's on sale man, GO FOR IT!!!!

 

Thad ther should be no leaks and no reason to wear a mask.

 

I know it's on sale, but I don't have the extra dough to buy it with, and no place to put the thing!!!