Blasting Media - Grizzly G0714 Owner's Manual

Media Amounts
Loading only enough media for the job at hand will
help you prevent over-using or having to screen
excess media. Use just enough media to cover
the suction tube opening at the bottom of the
hopper by 6" to 8". Experiment with using the least
amount of media as possible. The result of using
less media is that you will have less material to
screen or discard and more fresh media for mixed
projects. Store media in a dry place.
Recycling Media
Screen used media with a series of wire mesh
screens to refine it to one consistent size.
Air Pressure Settings
Most operations are done with air pressure settings
between 60 –80 PSI. However, the optimum air
pressure is derived from a trial-and-error process
based on the factors discussed in the
Media section. If required, refer to that section
for help.
Air Pressure Exceptions
When blasting thin materials made of aluminum,
copper, brass, wood, or other delicate parts,
select a fine or soft media and begin blasting
at a low pressure, such as 45 PSI. Next, slowly
increase the air pressure until you achieve the
finish required. When using glass bead media,
you may have to keep the operating pressure
between 50–80 PSI, or the media will shatter and
break down prematurely. However, if using media
like silicon carbide and aluminium oxide, you can
keep pressures between 100–125 PSI.
Preventing & Clearing Clogs
During blasting operations the gun may periodically
clog or become restricted with workpiece debris.
If this occurs, cover the blast tip hole tightly, and
press the foot valve. Air pressure will be diverted
back through the suction circuit in the gun and
piping, blowing out the clog. Blasting operations
can be resumed afterwards; however, if clogging
persists and the cause is other than workpiece
debris, refer to Troubleshooting on Page 31 for
further solutions.
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Some of the common blasting media types are
listed in this section with the MOH scale hard-
ness value listed in parenthesis. All media have
benefits and drawbacks, such as the quality of
surface finish, media life, toxicity, and the precau-
tions that must be taken to prevent environmental
damage or personal injury to your respiratory
system. However, all media presents a health risk.
Never use media that contains free silica as this is
linked to silicosis.
Media Cost vs. Productivity
It is a common assumption that using low-cost
media such as basic builder's sand or play sand,
is an economical option for blasting. However,
since sand is a "dull media," the velocity at which
the media must strike the workpiece must be
Blasting
much higher than what is required for "sharp
media."
Another requirement when using sand is that the
hole in the blast tip must be larger in diameter
to avoid clogging caused by the inconsistent grit
size, and to prevent caking of other minerals and
organic matter mixed in with the sand.
Given the conditions above, the compressor must
deliver a high CFM of airflow maintained at a
high air pressure, which can generate increased
wear and can overheat smaller compressors.
Compressors that operate for extended periods at
maximum output have higher maintenance costs
and a shorter life, not to mention the increased
hazard of silicosis for the user and bystanders.
With correct research, excellent productivity can
be achieved using sharp media with a smaller tip
and less air pressure than with dull media at a
higher pressure. Below is a list of Grizzly media
that works well in our blast cabinets.
Grizzly Blast Media Part Numbers
G6535: 15 lbs. Aluminum Oxide 220 Grit.
G6536: 15 lbs. Aluminum Oxide 120 Grit.
G6537: 15 lbs. Aluminum Oxide 60 Grit.
G6538: 15 lbs. Glass Bead 50-Micron Grit.

Blasting Media

Model G0714 (Mfd. Since 05/22)