Sandblast cabinet mod - mklotz70

[mklotz70]

I've had this cabinet for a couple of years at least. It's been set up in one of the sheds, but I've never used it. I finally brought it into the shop to use it to clean up the lower control arms I'm working on. I've shown one or two things with this cab in other threads, but I took a lot of pics, so I thought I'd just throw up a separate thread.

 

The lighting is so bright in the shop that I just couldn't see to blast parts. I could see awesome out in the shed since it was semi dark in there. I figured I needed some kind of curtain to block the light. I've been mentally building this in my head for weeks, but when I actually got started, it came out completely different. It was going to be fixed, but then I realized that I wanted to put it back in the shed when I didn't need it. Folding seemed like the best option. The rectangular tubing is leftover parts from the canopies I've put up. So's the round piece and the tarp.

 

The welding pic.....023 wire on 23-24ga metal.

On one round tube, I relocated the threaded insert. On the other, I figured I'd try something different and went with the nuts and washers. Once in place, you can't tell the difference.

 

This really isn't any kind of cool project or anything, but if someone get's one new idea or understanding, then it's worth it :) It really does work sweet blocking out the overhead lights!! Anyway....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mklotz70]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mklotz70]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mklotz70]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[flatcat19]

Very neat!

[wayno]

Hey Mike, I would put it in the shed, easier to keep the shop clean, and with a lightbulb in the cabinet, you can see good.

There is a trick I learned a long time ago to keep the glass clear, you clean the inside glass really good, let it dry, and then carefully put several layers of cling wrap on the glass, as you are sandblasting, and it gets hard to see, open the cabinet, remove one layer of the cling wrap and your good to go again.

[mklotz70]

Thanks guys. :)

 

Thanks for the tip Wayno. It has a removable/replaceable sheet on the window. I found some clear vinyl a few years ago at the fabric store that works really nice. I just might try the cling wrap.....much easier to change. I may come back to this cabinet and hinge the window just so that It's easier to change the protector on the window.

 

The shed is cold and damp and doesn't have any power. I'd have to haul the vac out there, run a cord, run an air line. I'm planning on putting a couple of handles on it and some wheels so I can move it around more easily. But, I may also rearrange the air compressor shed and put it in there. At least I'd have an air line handy :) If I'd just quit working on old rusty/dirty parts, I wouldn't need it!!!! lol

[mklotz70]

Well, I finally got around to finishing up the mods to this cabinet.  I may have to play with the height a bit, but for now, it's done!!!

 

[DRIVEN]

Geez Mike, maybe your user title should be changed from Beelzebub to just-can't-leave-well-enough-alone.  Cool upgrades!

[mklotz70]

LOL!!!  Well, if it was well enough already, I would have left it alone!!  :)

 

Thanks!

[Ratwagon1600]

Nice work.

 

I have two of these cabinets ( one for bead blasting and the other for sand blasting).

 

Looks like I now have another project to do damm you :)

[mklotz70]

Looks like I now have another project to do damm you :)

 

That's actually not the first time I've been told that! LOL

 

Thanks :)

[DaBlist]

Nice work. You are way more industrious than I am, then it's too bright for my welding helmet I just turn off some of the lights.

[mklotz70]

Thanks. :)

 

Only by necessity.  If I had a bigger shop and didn't have to roll the cabinet out of the way, I wouldn't have messed with it.  :)

[h190]

best mod youc an do to the harbor freight cabinet is to silicone every seam in the thing,  if you dont it will blow dust everywhere no matter how much vacuum you put on it. 

[datsunwizard]

The best mod that I did to the HF cabinet was installing the TP Tools upgrade kit with the carbide nozzles.  Made all the difference in the world. 

 

http://www.tptools.com/p/2320,18_USA-Cabinet-Gun-and-Pickup-Tube-Upgrade-Kit.html

[mklotz70]

Nice.  I just might try that.

 

My favorite upgrade was on the foot switch on the glass bead cabinet.