Introduction: Sand Blasting the Rust Away on Garden Tools

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I took the sandblasting class at TechShop http://www.techshop.ws. The official title was "media blasting" since there are options to use other media such as walnut shells or glass beads. It is set up with the more typical aluminum oxide. I loved it and was eager to go back and blast something else. I have plenty of rusty tools.

Step 1:

I grabbed 3 that were close to hand on my potting desk and brought them to the TechShophttp://www.techshhop.ws.
I got the key from the front desk which is used to turn on the machine.

Step 2:

This is a picture of the sandblaster which resides in the 'grinding room' at the TechShop. Unless someone messes with the set up, when you turn the key on the machine not only is the machine powered and the light goes on, but also that large vacuum you see to the left of the machine is powered up.
I appreciate that there is a platform step for those of us on the short side.

Step 3:

I opened the side door and put in a wooden stand that was nearby. It is there to place your items on for easier reaching. I shut the door and latched it.
Then I put my hands into those big heavy gloves. (it reminds me of an incubator)

Step 4:

The blaster is a basic point and shoot.  It reminds me of a garden hose attachment. It has a trigger. I worked my way back and forth watching the rust disappear. The 'sand' falls through the bottom grid and is recycled back through the hose. We were told that if the hose loses power just put the point up to the glove and blast to clear the nozzle. I didn't take a picture through the window because with all the media that has been blasted it is kind of cloudy, but was clear enough for me to see what I was doing.
In this picture you can see the aluminum oxide that was sitting on the saw blade.

Step 5:

They look so much better and I only spent minutes on them. They are the same old tools, but now they are more  . . . inspiring. I find sandblasting really enjoyable - I am on the lookout for what I can take to the TechShop http://www.techshop.ws  next.