Black diamond abrasive

[Brianstick]

Has anyone tried the Black Diamond abrasive that Tractor Supply sells? I was wondering, is it like the glass beads, or more like aluminum oxide? Thanks.

[papaharley03]

If it's like the Black Beauty I got at Northern Tool, it's actually coal slag. A much safer, low silica alternative to sand. I used it on my welder restoration project and was pleased with the results. It won't be as smooth as glass bead.

Papa

[Oldiron2]

Originally Posted by Brianstick

Has anyone tried the Black Diamond abrasive that Tractor Supply sells? I was wondering, is it like the glass beads, or more like aluminum oxide? Thanks.

I believe this is the MSDS for that product:

http://www.ati-blackdiamond.com/new/...fety4B5222.pdf

I haven't used any so can't give you an opinion about it.
Are you planning to use it in a blast chamber, or outside? Just curious.
I didn't look to see what grit sizes are available. We don't have any Tractor Supply stores out here, but I assume Black Diamond sells through lots of other outlets.

[tigmusky]

very course, works good for heavy rust. may have to up your tip/nozzle size.

What are you blasting?

Daye

[Brianstick]

I'm using glass beads now in my blast cabinet but it just isn't course enough. I'm looking to get something to cut faster, I blast mostly rusty steel.

[Fegenbush]

Originally Posted by papaharley03

If it's like the Black Beauty I got at Northern Tool, it's actually coal slag. A much safer, low silica alternative to sand. I used it on my welder restoration project and was pleased with the results. It won't be as smooth as glass bead.

Papa

Close, Papalion. It is fly ash slag. They burn the coal, and sift the ash. Black Beauty is a specific size of that ash. The big stuff they grind to be the right size or use it to make asphalt shingles, the small stuff is landfilled. I used to work near a plant that sifted it. I was never quite sure how they stayed in business...

[ironmangq]

A lot of that fly ash is ending up used in concrete these days to replace portland cement, I think some farmers are also using it as a cheap fertilizer, I know a lot of power plants are getting paid for the stuff now when just a few years ago they were paying to dispose of it