Sandblasting cabinet & cutting/welding table combo

[Canoe2fish]

Here's a couple of shots of the sandblasting cabinet I made to work in conjunction with my cutting/welding bench.

It started as a cutting/welding bench that I built from salvaged materials. The body of the tank was made out of some 1/4" plate cut outs that came off of a industrial dust silo penthouse. The grates are left over sections of bar grating that lift out for cleaning. I made it so it could be filled with water if I ever needed a quench tank. I also made a hopper for a cheapie sandblaster that I use for cleaning up small out parts. When not in use, they both roll under my main workbench for stoage (see the reworked handle on the hopper) as I only have a 1.5 car garage to work in and space is extremley valuable.

After trying various and ineffective methods to control the sand and dust from flying all over the garage, I decided to build a collapsable cabinet that sits atop the welding/cutting table. I used lexan sheets for the windows with clear, replaceable acetate sheets on the inside to keep the lexan in good shape. I lay a trouble light on the top window as a cheap light source. There is a dust port on the back that I hook up a cheapie fan I scavanged. Its not very powerful, but it keeps up with my undersized, often wheezing compressor. When not in use, I hang up all the panels on the wall out of the way for storage.

All in all, its a PITA to set up, too small for large parts and the sandblaster isnt very powerful...not sure it was worth the time and money to make, but eventually I'll finish it and work the bugs out yet. In any case, its the largest set up I can fit in my garage...so it has to do for now.

[bert the welder]

Don't you just hate not being satisfied with a project. Looks pretty good though. Nice size glove holes. Chitty when they are too small. Don't ask how I know.......
Good idea having the light on the outside with the window to shine through.
For the dust, have you tried a shop-vac? Ported out the back or side to hook it up to. Hepa style filter in the vac.
What are the "U" loops on the top for?
B

[usmcruz]

Very nice build!!

[Canoe2fish]

Originally Posted by bert the welder

Don't you just hate not being satisfied with a project. Looks pretty good though. Nice size glove holes. Chitty when they are too small. Don't ask how I know.......
Good idea having the light on the outside with the window to shine through.
For the dust, have you tried a shop-vac? Ported out the back or side to hook it up to. Hepa style filter in the vac.
What are the "U" loops on the top for?
B

Thanks, I only have a small shop vac, not sure it would be any better. When I replace it, I'll certainly give that a try. The tall loops on the top are for hanging the panels high overhead on the wall. I thought the tall loops would make it easier for finding the hooks in the wall, but the narrow profile makes them a nuisance. The holes in the top are to let air in as the doors and panels have tight seals. Was trying to introduce a downdraft to knock down the dust. With a more powerful fan or vacuum, that might work...not sure

now to get the blaster to be more effective...