This Instructable is going to show you how to make a Highly Versatile Soda Blaster that you can use with different types of abrasives such as baking soda, blasting media, and sand or different combinations of these abrasives depending on your need. For those of you who aren't quite sure what what a soda blaster is, it is sorta like a light duty sand blaster that uses baking soda in place of sand. It is used to clean small metal parts such as nuts, bolts, and jewelry. Most of the parts used are available at Lowes for under $25.

Step 1: Parts/Tools

Parts

Mason Jar with lid
6 Washers
1/8"x3" galvanized nipple (You can also use brass, I had galvanized laying around.)
1/8"x1 1/2" brass nipple
1/8" Close nipple
1/8" tee
1/8" Coupling
Part of an old R/C remote antenna aprox. 3-4" long
Tubing ( I don't know exactly what size as long as the OD is just smaller than the 1/8" coupling)
Air gun that has 1/8" connector
Electrical Tape

Tools

Drill Press
Drill Bit 25/64"
Drill Bit 11/64"

Step 2: Vacuum Adjust Air Flow Nozzle

Wrap one end of the antenna in electrical tape until it fits firmly into the 1/8"x1 1/2" brass nipple.

Step 3: Blasting Nozzle

Connect the 1/8" Close nipple,1/8" tee, and the 1/8"x3" galvanized nipple as shown in the pictures above.

Step 4: Jar

Drill the 25/64" hole close to the center of the Mason Jar's lid. Next drill 4 11/64" holes around 25/64" hole. (it does not matter the size of the 11/64" holes they are just vents so experiment with different sizes to fit your need)

Step 5: Jar Part 2

Next put the lid on the close nipple be sure to put the screw ring around the nipple first (or else you'll be taking it apart). Then put the 6 washers on the nipple and then tighten the coupling to sandwich everything together. Lastly insert the tube into the coupling (if your tubing is tight enough to stay in by its self go to the next step). Then tape around it to seal and hold the tube in place.

Step 6: Done! (Video)

You now have a highly versatile soda blaster that you can use with different types of abrasives such as baking soda, blasting media, and sand or different combinations of these abrasives depending on your need.

How To Use

SAFETY INFO: Please be sure to wear eye protection and a respirator before starting.

First put baking soda in the mason jar then screw it on to the blaster
Next take off the galvanized nipple off the tee and slide the antenna tube in and out to adjust the flow of baking soda.
Hook up to an air supply and go!

Troubleshooting

Not enough baking soda coming out? upgrade to a larger tube.
Not enough vacuum? add a longer nozzle

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12 Comments

elliandtheguysx5

4 years ago

I have an old (I think working) hobby air brush paint system, can I fill the paint reservoir with soda and use that?

abadfart

6 years ago

very nice I need one of these for my comicon cosplay to do paint prep

kidharris

8 years ago on Introduction

Gonna hazard a guess here...the taped up inner tube is just to create a venturi effect to create your "vacuum"? So did you do any testing to see how far past the hole to the jar the end of the tube had to extend for max "vacuum"? I suppose it also keeps the air from flowing into the jar and blowing the contents out the vent holes. Also what air pressure and cfm are you using? Cool, quick way to create a cheap venturi.

I wonder if poking some small tubing thru the vent holes almost to the bottom of the jar would add some agitation to the soda & help it get started moving around & help solve your feed problem.