I do some Cerakoting as a hobby and that has turned I to more than a hobby. I have the cheapest harbor freight blaster on a bench but have done a good job with central vacuum (another story), now looking to upgrade.
In talking to manufacturers, they are worried that 120 grit AO will jam up the vacuum, which may have happened as I have replaced vacuum parts as well.
I am looking for recommendation between $500 and $1,300for a freestanding 36” to 40” cabinet that won’t leak, has good light, good glass and a vacuum hook-up I think I have settled in 3 candidates.
- JP Tools 40” 940 Deluxe. I have to add an LED light. Fantastic construction, but includes a $280 vacuum that manufacturer recommends not using with fine abrasive media. Includes foot pedal. Free shipping, $1,200 after the added light. Comes 89% assembled.
- Harbor Freight or other cheap Chinese boxes on eBay fir $200, but now have to caulk, change out everything and add a foot pedal for another $400. At the end of the day, a box is a box, and I get JP nozzle, pick-up, etc. glass is still not so great. So, add 3 hours of assembly. Close to free shipping
-Eastwood B60. Looks great. Has mixed reviews. Rated mostly for up to 90 grit. $700, then add light and foot pedal, probably replace nozzle, so call it $850 and another $100 in shipping, and 4 hours of assembly. $950 in parts, good glass.
I am leaning toward JP and selling the vacuum if there is a market fir such a thing. I am at top dollar, and “a box is a box.”
What are others using for occasional blasting with fine grit media?