Industrial Equipment 101: A Simple Guide

How To Choose The Right Portable Blast Machine

If you want to buy a portable abrasive blast machine, then you should look for models with the right features for your needs. If you spend a little time researching useful functions, you're more likely to make an effective purchase.

Which features are important?

Size And Capacity

Portable blast machines come in various sizes. Before you buy a machine, think about how and where you'll use it.

For example, if you simply want a portable machine to work on small indoor jobs where you might not have a lot of access space or room to work, then a compact blast machine is a good option. These models don't take up much space; they are light and easy to move from place to place.

However, the size of your machine also affects its capacity. Smaller models can't hold as much abrasive, so you will have to stop working to refill them more often. If space isn't a problem, then a higher-capacity machine with a larger footprint might be more time-effective.

Pressure Levels

The pressure capacity of a portable blast machine affects the work it can do. So, think about the types of blasting jobs you'll use the machine on.

Lower pressure levels only really work on softer materials like wood and on lighter stains on materials like softer stone. If you will blast heavily soiled or rusted surfaces, then you need higher pressure levels.

If you try to force a low-pressure machine to abrade on tougher jobs, then you won't get the results you need. You might also damage the machine by overheating it. So, look for machines with pressure levels that match your jobs.

The compressor size and hose/nozzle setup of a machine are also important here. Your compressor's abilities should match your pressure levels. Your hose and nozzles should also be capable of delivering media at the right capacity flow. If any of these systems don't match, then your machine won't deliver the results you need.

Blast And Recovery

While all portable machines allow you to blast a surface, you should also think about recovery features. Some machines leave you to clean up and collect used abrasives and debris after you've finished a job; others collect them for you.

For optimum flexibility, look for a machine that gives you a choice of options here. For example, you might sometimes need to set a machine to just blast, leaving you to vacuum up dust at the end of the job. Or, you can set it into blast and recovery mode. Here, the machine blasts and automatically vacuums as you work.

To find out more about these and other useful features, contact a portable blast machines supplier such as T-Texas Industries.