• Sandblasting, bead blasting or abrasive blasting.....Is this the same thing? The short answer is yes! For many years the term sandblasting was used simply because the abrasive choice was sand. Well times have changed! We do not recommend using sand in any our blasters.

An abrasive blaster works on the principle of high pressure compressed air being used to force a mix of air and abrasive through a nozzle. The abrasive particles will quickly remove paint, rust, corrosion, dirt, and discoloration from many different types of surfaces. Just as there are many surfaces to be cleaned there are many different types of abrasive materials that can be used. Although there are many reasons, we believe there are three important reasons why we do not recommend using sand. The first reason is a health and safety concern. Sand contains silica which can cause serious respiratory illnesses. The use of a proper respirator with most abrasives will reduce your health risks. The second reason is due to the high moisture content and the impurities in sand. it can cause equipment blockages and other moisture related problems that can cause premature failure of your blast equipment. The third reason is sand just does not work as well as other abrasives. Sand used once in a blaster turns into a powder and loses its abrasive capabilities.Using the correct abrasive can make the job go quicker and using the right abrasive can give you a more desirable finish to the item you are blasting. Remember, time is money.

When choosing the right abrasive for the job, the size, hardness, mass, sharpness breakdown rate and reclaim capabilities should be considered.

We have gone as far as taking the word "sandblasting" out of our catalogs and printed materials. One could argue that sand is plentiful and easy to find. Many users do not know there are other options to sand so they have never invested the tome looking for anything else.Larger cities have multiple suppliers of abrasive for blasters. If you open your local phone book and look under sand blasting supplies you may be pleasantly surprised by what you find. For the computer user, a Google search of "abrasive supplies" may be very informative.

The following are a few common types of abrasives with some general recommendations for uses.

Coal Slag:

  • Used to remove rust, paint and scale from steel
  • Fast cutting and will not collect moisture
  • Economical

Steel Grit

  • Used to remove rust, paint and scale from steel
  • Fast cutting
  • Leaves a smooth finish

Silicone Carbide

  • Used to remove paint and rust
  • Stays sharper longer
  • Popular for glass etching

Glass Bead

  • Used for general cleaning
  • A very fine material
  • Is generally used with reclaim systems and cabinets
  • Leaves a satin or matte finish

Aluminum Oxide

  • Used in paint removal a bead and stays sharper longer
  • Is sharper that glass bead and stays sharper longer
  • Is generally used in reclaim systems and blast cabinets
  • Used in glass etching

Walnut shells

  • Used in cleaning and paint removal on delicate surfaces such as wood
  • Great for removing carbon and paint on aluminum
  • Leaves a very smooth finish
  • Its generally used in reclaim systems or blast cabinets

Plastic Grit

  • used for removing paint without damaging soft surfaces such as fiberglass
  • Very low dust
  • Used on aircraft parts and boat parts
  • Generally used in reclaim systems or blast cabinets

Corn Cobb

  • Used in cleaning delicate surfaces
  • Popular with the wood crafter
  • used in cleaning stone and glass


Products 1-48 of 49
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Benchtop Blast Cabinet  40390
Price: $690.00
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 40390 -

Made of tough LDPE polymer30" x 20" work areaOne-piece construction (no leaks)Self-adhesive underlayPistol grip trigger gun11666 Optional foot pedalOverside top window/door40338 Optional light kit available34 lbs.

Benchtop Blast Cabinet 40389
Price: $490.00
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 40389 -

Made of tough LDPE polymer 23" x 19" work area One-piece construction (no leaks) Self-adhesive underlay Pistol grip trigger gun Optional foot pedal Overside top window/door 40338 Optional light kit available 24 lbs.

Blast Cabinet Underlay Protective Lens (51913)
Price: $28.14
Availability: In Stock
Item #: 41913 -

Protective lens for the inside glass of a blast cabinet. This film is for a 10" x 22" window with a self adhesive strip.

Blast Cabinet Gloves
Price: $97.00
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 40250 -

Contractor Blast Machine System With Apollo HP Respirator Hood
Price: $10,871.00
Availability: In Stock
Item #: 21548 -

This high performance blast cleaning system removes corrosion, mill scale and coatings from most surfaces. Produces a uniform surface profile to increase bonding for coatings. This machine holds 4 cubic feet of abrasive for up to 20 min. of continuous blasting at 100 psi with a standard#6 nozzle (3/8-inch orifice)

Deadman handle Part# S50166
Price: $103.61
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 40166 -

This model comes with 1 sealing block installed on the unit. It does not come with any nozzles. If you are interested in nozzles and extra sealing blocks with purchase of the deadman handle please see product number S50167.

Deluxe Blast Hood
Price: $71.74
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 40339 -

Premium fabric hoodInternal bump capComplete head coverage40028 Lens 3" x 5"40029 Screen 3" x 5"Rear breather vents

l Station Abrasive Blast Cabinet, Autobody, Sandblasting, Media blasting, Media Blast Cabinet, Powder Coating, 41200
Price: $5,000.00
Availability: In Stock

This is the very best blast cabinet for blast jobs requiring large blast areas. With the Dual Station blast cabinet you have faster job completion enabling 2 operators to blast simultaneously with no long delays for moving blasted items. Each station operates independently with a siphon tube gun located at each station. There are 2 air pressure regulators for each station enabling independent control as well as 2 independent foot pedal controls Recomended blast media includes: Aluminum...

Economy Floor Model Blast Cabinet 40391
Price: $980.00
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 40391 -

100 CFM dust collector included with all steel cabinetsHD 14 gauge steel * - welded seams **Full width top doorOptional additional side doorOptional foot pedals or ALC pistol grip trigger gunHigh quality lined 24" glovesCushioned foam armholes

Economy Portable Pressure Blaster, 5 Gallon
Price: $213.72
Availability: In Stock
AllSource Item #: 41001 -

HD Deadman handle - all steelLarge ball valves and plumbing 3/8"8' 3/8" pressure hoseSafety pressure relief valve1 of each nozzles size is included: 9/64", 1/8", 7/64" and 3/32".Includes Blast hood and funnel

ExpressBlast Lite Rust Inhibitor, Autobody, Sandblasting, Pretreatment, Corrosion Preventative
Price: $205.00
Availability: In Stock

ExpressBlast Lite is a single component salt removing, flash rust preventing and degreasing additive. Used to remove all contaminants including salts, oils and blast residue. Use this product in conjunction with power washing. Power wash after dry abrasive blasting, wet abrasive blasting or waterjetting. ExpressBlast Lite is also effective when used with hand tool or power cleaning

Gloves For Blast Cabinet
Price: $98.00
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 40249 -

Gloves For Blast Cabinet, Pair 24" x 6"
Price: $74.00
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 40248 -

Premium blast gloves for all ALC steel cabinets24" x 6"Cloth linedSold in pairs

Large Abrasive Blasting Suit
Price: $188.15
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 41422 -

Light weight suit helps reduce fatigue & overheatingDurable nylon on front & breathable cotton on back helps to keep the operator coolExcellent choice for short term or intermittant blasting jobsAlso great for non-blasting persons working near the blast areaEasily handles painting & other messy projectsHook & loop closures and elastic waste band for sizing and comfortFront Velcro closure covers heavy duty zipperLarge collar helps protect the neck areaWashing instructions:Hand wash with mild...

Medium Abrasive Blast Suit
Price: $188.15
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 41421 -

Light weight suit helps reduce fatigue & overheatingDurable nylon on front & breathable cotton on back helps to keep the operator coolExcellent choice for short term or intermittant blasting jobsAlso great for non-blasting persons working near the blast areaEasily handles painting & other messy projectsHook & loop closures and elastic waste band for sizing and comfortFront Velcro closure covers heavy duty zipperLarge collar helps protect the neck areaWashing instructions: Hand wash with mild...

Optional light kit  Benchtop Cabinet Blaster
Price: $69.75
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 40338 -

150 Watt Max

Polymer Siphon Blaster 50lb
Price: $86.18
Availability: In Stock
AllSource Item #: 41017 -

50# siphon blasterPolymer containerWill not rust15 CFM @ 80psi1/4" steel nozzleMinimum 7 CFM @ 80psi

Portable Pressure  Media Blaster 150DM
Price: $1,400.00
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 40004 -

Manual pull up tank closureAdjustable abrasive flow valvePressure relief valve - 125 psiPressure gaugePressure relieving ball valveBlast hood with bump hatBlast hose - 1/2" ID x 15'Tank volume - 1.5 cu. ft.Wheels - 8"Welded steel frameASME certified tankApproximate capacity - 150 lbs.Automatic shut off if handle is droppedAbrasive flow is sealed at nozzle end by square sealing blockAbrasive hose remains pressurizedFull control of blasting at the handleHeavy-duty design, few wear components,...

Portable Pressure Blaster 100DM, w/Soda Blaster Attachment
Price: $1,002.12
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: S50002SB -

Manual pull up tank closure Adjustable abrasive flow valve Pressure relief valve - 125 psi Pressure gauge Pressure relieving ball valve Blast hood included Blast hose - 1/2" ID x 8' Tank volume - .9 cu. ft. Wheels - 6" Welded steel frame Approximate capacity - 90 lbs. Installs in minutes Removes paint and graffiti without harming the surface ...

Portable Pressure Blaster 110DM
Price: $1,249.00
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 40003 -

Manual pull up tank closureAdjustable abrasive flow valvePressure relief valve - 125 psiPressure gaugePressure relieving ball valveBlast hood with bump hatBlast hose - 1/2" ID x 10'Tank volume - 1.1 cu. ft.Wheels - 8"Welded steel frameASME certified tankApproximate capacity - 110 lbs.Automatic shut off if handle is droppedAbrasive flow is sealed at nozzle end by square sealing blockAbrasive hose remains pressurizedFull control of blasting at the handleHeavy-duty design, few wear components,...

Portable Preessure Media Blaster 110DM, mW/Soda Blaster Attachment
Price: $1,424.00
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 40002SB -

Manual pull up tank closureAdjustable abrasive flow valvePressure relief valve - 125 psiPressure gaugePressure relieving ball valveBlast hood with bump hatBlast hose - 1/2" ID x 10'Tank volume - 1.1 cu. ft.Wheels - 8"Welded steel frameASME certified tankApproximate capacity - 110 lbs.Installs in minutesRemoves paint and graffiti without harming the surface2 year warranty ...

Portable Pressure Media Blaster 300DM
Price: $2,400.00
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 40005 -

Manual pull up tank closureAdjustable abrasive flow valvePressure relief valve - 125 psiPressure gaugePressure relieving ball valveBlast hood with bump hatBlast hose - 1/2" ID x 25 FtTank volume - 2.5 cu. ft.Wheels - 10"Welded steel frameASME certified tankApproximate capacity - 250 lbs.Automatic shut off if handle is droppedAbrasive flow is sealed at nozzle end by square sealing blockAbrasive hose remains pressurizedFull control of blasting at the handleHeavy-duty design, few wear components,...

Portable Pressure Media Blaster 65DM
Price: $1,268.00
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 40001 -

Manual pull up tank closureAdjustable abrasive flow valvePressure relief valve - 125 psiPressure gaugePressure relieving ball valveBlast hood with bump hatBlast hose - 1/2" ID x 10'Tank volume - .65 cu. ft.Wheels - 6"Welded steel frameASME Certified tankApproximate capacity - 65 lbs.

Replacement Deadman Handle
Price: $137.09
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 40167 -

The S50167 comes with 4 sealing blocks totalTwo - 1/8" Nozzles One - 3/32" Nozzle

Siphon Gun Complete For Foot Pedal
Price: $68.50
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 11665 -

ALC Siphon Gun Complete For Use With Foot Pedal Type CabinetsComes standard with one 1/4" Steel Nozzle

Siphon Head / Nozzle & Air Jet
Price: $26.36
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 40139 -

For use with model 40013Includes 1 - 5/16" Ceramic nozzle and 1 - 5/32" air jet

Small Abrasive Blast Suit
Price: $188.15
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 41420 -

Light weight suit helps reduce fatigue & overheatingDurable nylon on front & breathable cotton on back helps to keep the operator coolExcellent choice for short term or intermittant blasting jobsAlso great for non-blasting persons working near the blast areaEasily handles painting & other messy projectsHook & loop closures and elastic waste band for sizing and comfortFront Velcro closure covers heavy duty zipperLarge collar helps protect the neck areaWashing instructions: Hand wash with mild...

hand held spark plug cleaner
Price: $39.00
Availability: In Stock
AllSource Item #: 40364 -

Cleans any size spark plugCan blast with or without abrasive40124 1# abrasive

Spot Blaster S5001344
Price: $109.00
Availability: In Stock
AllSource Item #: 4001344 -

Self recycling dust free One pound of abrasive included 5/16" steel nozzle Perfect for small jobs Optional head accessories available

Spot Blaster (F-6)
Price: $131.81
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 40013 -

Handheld unitSelf recycling - DustfreeOne pound of abrasive includedCeramic nozzle - 5/16"20 CFM@80 psiPerfect for small jobsOptional head accessories available

Standard Hood with Bump Cap Standard Hood with Bump Cap, Sandblasting ALC, Media Blaster
Price: $47.15
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 40024 -

Complete fabric hoodComplete head coverage40025 Lens 5" x 6"Rear breather vents40024 Internal bump cap

Steel Blast Cabinet  40402
Price: $1,746.90
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 40402 -

100 CFM dust collector included with all steel cabinets HD 14 gauge steel * - welded seams ** Full width top door Optional additional side door Optional foot pedals or ALC pistol grip trigger gun High quality lined 24" gloves Cushioned foam armholes

Steel Blast Cabinet  40413
Price: $3,900.00
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 40413 -

100 CFM dust collector included with all steel cabinetsHD 14 gauge steel * - welded seams **Full width top doorSide door accessFoot pedal controlHigh quality lined 24" glovesCushioned foam armholes

Steel Blast Cabinet 40403 Steel Blast Cabinet 40403, Media Blasting, Sandblasting
Price: $2,950.00
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 40403 -

This durable 36in. x 24in. ALC Steel Blast Cabinet is constructed of 14-ga. steel with heavy duty steel legs. The fully-welded design has no seams to leak. Comes fully loaded with a foot pedal, light kit and polymer dust collector with filter bag to help make the job cleaner and easier

Steel Blast Cabinet with Foot Pedal
Price: $3,450.00
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 40411 -

100 CFM dust collector included HD 14 gauge steel * - welded seams ** Full width top door Side door access Foot pedal control High quality lined 24" gloves Cushioned foam armholes

Allsource Monster Pressure Abrasive Blaster Cabinet
Price: $4,200.00
Availability: In Stock
AllSource Item #: 41800 -

The Allsource Monster Pressure Abrasive Blaster Cabinet is constructed of 14-gauge steel for strength and durability. It features a built-in dust collector and large 46in. x 34in.D work area to handle bigger pieces. Foot pedal control and side-mounted light switches for easy control.

XL Abrasive Blast Suit
Price: $188.15
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 41423 -

Light weight suit helps reduce fatigue & overheatingDurable nylon on front & breathable cotton on back helps to keep the operator coolExcellent choice for short term or intermittant blasting jobsAlso great for non-blasting persons working near the blast areaEasily handles painting & other messy projectsHook & loop closures and elastic waste band for sizing and comfortFront Velcro closure covers heavy duty zipperLarge collar helps protect the neck areaWashing instructions: Hand wash with mild...

XXL Abrasive Blast Suit
Price: $229.76
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 41424 -

Light weight suit helps reduce fatigue & overheatingDurable nylon on front & breathable cotton on back helps to keep the operator coolExcellent choice for short term or intermittant blasting jobsAlso great for non-blasting persons working near the blast areaEasily handles painting & other messy projectsHook & loop closures and elastic waste band for sizing and comfortFront Velcro closure covers heavy duty zipperLarge collar helps protect the neck areaWashing instructions: Hand wash with mild...

XXXL Abrasive Blasting Suit
Price: $229.76
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 41425 -

Light weight suit helps reduce fatigue & overheating Durable nylon on front & breathable cotton on back helps to keep the operator cool Excellent choice for short term or intermittant blasting jobs Also great for non-blasting persons working near the blast area Easily handles painting & other messy projects Hook & loop closures and elastic waste band for sizing and comfort Front Velcro closure covers heavy duty zipper Large collar helps protect the neck area Washing instructions: Hand wash...

XXXXL Abrasive Blasting Suit
Price: $317.76
Availability: In Stock
ALC Item #: 41426 -

Light weight suit helps reduce fatigue & overheatingDurable nylon on front & breathable cotton on back helps to keep the operator coolExcellent choice for short term or intermittant blasting jobsAlso great for non-blasting persons working near the blast areaEasily handles painting & other messy projectsHook & loop closures and elastic waste band for sizing and comfortFront Velcro closure covers heavy duty zipperLarge collar helps protect the neck areaWashing instructions: Hand wash with mild...