Vapor Vapour or Aqua Blasting, Is it worth the expense?

Post by **Sandblaster** » Fri Aug 29, 2014 2:50 am

Vapor Vapour or Aqua Blasting, Is it worth the expense?
I don't know but I am going to find out.
I have seen the youtube vids and read all the hype.
They have been using them in Europe for many decades but you never hear of them over here..
Here's some pics

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What is Vapor or Aqua blasting?
Instead of using just sand or glass beads it also uses water.
So instead of cleaning by impacting media onto the surface to be cleaned, it cleans by flow.
So it does not embed itself onto softer surfaces.
It actually peens the surface

Because of this cleaning by flow, you get a much smoother surface and also a shinier surface.

I purchased a Small Vixen Vapor Blaster that has been reconditioned.
Today I drove to Portland and picked up a compressor to run it.

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At 600lb it made my Yoda a bit top heavy.
After I get everything installed and running I will do some experimenting and post the results.
If it works as hoped I will start offering vapor blasting services.

foxx4Beaver · Post by **foxx4Beaver** » Fri Aug 29, 2014 11:06 am

judging by the looks of those pics of the engine pieces, it looks more than "worth the expense" to me...hell, if you find that your set-up works well, I might send you some parts to blast!

Post by **Sandblaster** » Fri Aug 29, 2014 2:08 pm

Yeah I'm sure there is a learning curve figuring out the correct media, which detergent, and also what corrosion inhibitor to use.
But I'm sure getting excited about it

Post by **Sandblaster** » Sat Aug 30, 2014 2:50 am

Got the compressor out of the truck and on to the floor.... But that's all I did

Here's my spoiled 15 year old kid standing next to it.

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Post by **Sandblaster** » Sat Aug 30, 2014 3:01 am

Vapor blasting process is suitable for aluminum, Bronze, Magnesium, Titanium, Brass, Copper etc... It will gently clean the surface without damage and leave a nice satin finish which is very easy to keep clean.
However, any item that rusts can not be done with this process as the item oxidizes instantly.

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Post by **Sandblaster** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 3:15 pm

The company that I purchased the vapor blaster from says that they should be shipping it to me on or around the 10th of this month.
I guess we'll see.
Just anxious to get this puppy in action