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Jake, A lot depends on what kind of substrate you are blasting. Common kiln dried blasting sand like you should be able to find at a building supply in 40 to 60 grit will work fine for sandblasting wood or foam. It is also a lot safer to use than some of the other blast media.
Silica sand is a bit more expensive, but it is sharper and cuts faster and cleaner. It also comes in finer grit and is more suitable for blasting glass. Wear a good respirator as this stuff can really mess up your lungs.
Aluminum Oxide blast media comes in a fine grit, cuts quite fast and leaves a smooth texture. Works well for preparing glass for glue chipping.
The most aggressive media is silica carbide. It's expensive but this stuff really cuts hard material like glass and granite. At eighty pounds blasting pressure, you can cut clear through a piece of quarter-inch glass in about six or seven seconds. It also requires a carbide nozzle.
Hope this helps you.
-------------------- Jerry Mathel Retired Grants Pass, Oregon signs@grantspass.com Posts: 916 | From: Grants Pass, OR USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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When Jeff says "It can really mess up your lungs", he means it. Silica sand dust in the lungs causes silicosis, an irreversible and fatal condition. A forced, filtered air respiration system is a must.
-------------------- David Harding A Sign of Excellence Carrollton, TX Posts: 5107 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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