How to make a sandblasting attachment

Anyone can make a simple sandblasting attachment that can be used with a cheap compressor and a blowing attachment.

Step 1 Getting started (design)

Sandblasting attachments can be fairly inexpensive ($30) in some cases, especially the hobby ones. The cost of a compressor is usually the limiting factor. I purchased a Wal-mart special for $90 or whatever it was, a couple of years ago. I have seen these little 3 gallon pumps for as little as $50 on sale. The main problem with miniature compressors is that you can empty them out in half a minute if you are doing anything that requires serious CFMs (cubic feet per minute).

What you'll need:
a short length of 1/2" copper pipe (~5" long)
a short length of 1/4" copper pipe (~5" long)
a length of plastic hose with 1/4" inside diameter
a drill and a 1/4" drill bit suitable for drilling in metal
a hacksaw or a tube cutter
a torch, flux paste and some plumbers solder

Optional but nice:
a drill press with a vice
a pipe flaring tool
a vice

If you intend to actually test or use it you need an air compressor with a blowing attachment.

Comments

[Vaelude]

Outta curiosity, do ya think sugar or salt would be? I mean, its course enough to rough up the glass. I just can help but think if it is hard enough to actually effect the glass?

[MadMechanicMike]

"NOTE: baking soda doesn't etch glass."

lmao

[jds1969]

You'd be surprised how much blog space I've read that has been wasted in that argument. Best I could tell is that baking soda is not good for anything to do with blasting other than to create a fine white dust over everything. I realize that it does seem an odd note but I thought I'd share my experience and save some people the trouble. I figured a few might find it funny which is also cool.

[stephenniall]

Cool