Sand Blaster

The Sand Blaster is located in the loud noise room. It is the big red box next to the door.

Using the Sandblaster:

Qs:

What materials are ok to use in the sandblaster? Any/all?

Link—insert link to other SOPs if available

Sandblaster Basics:

1. High pressure air runs to the machine through the blue hose on the right.
   1. If you want to change something inside the machine, but not turn off the compressor, you can shut off the air to the machine using the quarter turn valve on the blue hose.
2. Gun inside blows air and sucks up sand using the Venturi priniple. The vacuum lowers the pressure inside the chamber so sand doesn't leak out every crack.

Preparation:

1. Wheel out big blue air compressor (do not skip this step-this generates a significant amount of heat!)
2. Make sure the blue hose is connected
   1. Note: black hose that can be on the compressor connects high pressure air to anywhere the copper pipe has an output in that room.
3. Turn the knob to the highest-pressure setting (all the way to the right)
4. Get your hearing protection on and turn on the compressor
5. Wait for the compressor to get up to pressure, the compressor will shut off once it hits full pressure.
6. While you’re waiting, open the side of the machine and place the piece you will engrave inside, shut and lock the door.
7. Connect the shop vac’s hose to the hose below the desk (it connects on the lefthand side of the machine).
8. When the compressor is ready, turn the shop vac on as well.
9. Put on breathing protection (keep your ear protection on!)
10. Make sure blue hose valve is turned to “on” (on line with the hose)
11. Use the built in gloves to sandblast your piece, the gun inside works using the trigger, just like a typical air compressor tool.

When you’re done:

1. Shut off air compressor (no need to release the pressure, it will slowly decrease if you leave the blue hose’s quarter turn open)
2. Shut off shop vac and return it to typical spot
3. Brush off your piece inside sandblaster and take it out, then rinse it off in the sink!

Engraving with the Sand Blaster

The sand blaster can be used to engrave glass items. A mask made with the vinyl cutter is placed on the glass. The sand blaster will roughen the glass, but the vinyl will protect the sections that it covers. Design:

1. Know how to use the Vinyl Cutter
2. Using the vinyl cutter, cut out the negative image of what you want to engrave
3. Use transfer tape (usually on the bench behind the tool box) to transfer your design

CONGRATULATIONS—you engraved a thing!