[R-390] RE: Panel Engravings and bead blasting

[Dan Merz]

Dave, the term "bead blasting" probably originated when glass beads were
used as the propelled agent rather than sand or other more angular abrasive
grits.  I think the term is used more loosely nowadays.  In the process,
the media is propelled by compressed gas,  typically air,  onto the surface
being treated,  to remove paint, oxide, or other material on the surface or
to smooth or etch the surface.  I've never had such equipment at home but
see you can buy somewhat inexpensive equipment to do this,  for instance a
glove box to contain the particles during blasting as well as the
gun/hopper.  I would guess some of the guys here have the equipment,  or
have access to it.  The lab where I worked had bead blasters to clean and
treat surfaces used in vacuum processes and to remove errant deposited metal
from reusable shields  We had a small pencil shaped blaster that could be
used for more intricate application of the beads to small areas.  This
gadget would be the ticket to clean paint out of panel lettering but I never
tried it and don't have access to it.  I suspect if you live near an
industrial area,  you could find shops that would do bead blasting or
blasting with abrasives.  I think plating shops or enameling shops might
have abrasive blasting equipment to prepare surfaces.  A related technology
is used to "etch" designs on glass.  A more advanced technology called water
jet cutting uses high pressure water to propel an abrasive such as garnet to
do actual cutting of metals, rock, wood, concrete and various materials.
This equipment is out of the price range of most hobbyists.  Dan.   

-----Original Message-----
From: r-390-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:r-390-bounces at mailman.qth.net]
On Behalf Of Dave Maples
Sent: Wednesday, May 11, 2005 5:38 PM
To: R390list
Subject: RE: [R-390] RE: Panel Engravings and bead blasting

All: I'm curious about the bead blasting; I've read references to it but
don't really know anything about it.  Is this something you guys set up to
do at home, or do you hire it done, or ???

Sorry for the ignorance, but I don't guess I'll learn if I don't stick my
neck out there...

Thanks,
Dave WB4FUR


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