[RHClarke]

I think that after my experiences this past summer with portable and older style sandblasters, I can comment with some authority on this issue. There are risks involved with this type of DIY project - respiratory and abrasion risks have already been mentioned. Other risks include exploding hoses (due to damp sand, unserviceable pressure relief valve, and old hoses) and dehydration.

If you factor in the cost of the compressor, IPE and pot rental, sand costs, time and effort, it become very evident that the best way of handling the big job is to leave it to the professionals.

We (the S&P Museum) tried both methods. Using our old equipment and hauling in the necessary sand, we spent about two months on weekends trying to blast one frame. Techncial glitches, equipment malfuctions, damp sand, poor weather and
constant refueling, screening and trouble shooting kept us so busy that we decided that our time was worth more than the effort we put in to that point. Even though we were familiar with the equipment things did go wrong. Our exploding hose only managed to shower us with sand and take a few years off of our lives.

After admiting defeat, we called a local mobile sandblasting chap. He rolled in at 0900 hrs on a Saturday morning with his nice shiney truck, with its great diesel compressor, huge pot, supply of sand and variable output remote control nozzle. By 1800 hrs, he had blasted a Bren Gun Carrier complete, a HUP frame and body, a C15 cab and frame, a jeep frame and quite a few miscellaneous parts. Note, that different types of sand were used by our pro for different finishes.

In the end, it cost us a bit more than it did for fuel, sand, supplies, repairs and servicing of our blaster, but the job got done. We got to sit back, chug beer, rustle up parts for blasting and spray paint the freshly stripped and cleaned metal. In one day, the pro had accomplished more that we had over almost eight weekends.

If you are a patient man and experienced blaster, who is very familiar with the ins and outs of sandblasting, has access to nearly new and serviceable equipment and supplies, indoor facilities and a team to help you clean and paint, then I would recommend the DIY course of action.

If not, swallow your pride, pony up the $s and call in a pro. How much is your health worth to you and your loved ones??