What blast media do you use for cleaning pellet stove parts - just got these 3 ??

[Don2222]

Hello
Just had a consultation on types of blast media, their aggressiveness and type of finish for cleaning black carbon and white calcium on dirty rust parts (Burn pots, baffle plates and augers...etc) with different blast media and it’s re-usability!
Which should I use for steel and which for cast iron?
I came up with 3
1. Black Diamond from Tractor Supply
Medium grit that is somewhat reusable. $8 50lb bag
Semi rough finish but cheapest by far
2. Glass Beads from Kramer Ind. $70 for 50lb bag
Medium / Fine grade and is re-usable
Smoothest finish but less aggressive so more passes to get a clean finish.

3. White aluminum oxide
90 Mesh
Tougher finish but more aggressive so less blasting time to clean.
See pics
Pic 1 - Black Diamond also called Black Beauty made of coal slag
Pic 2 - description of glass beads & white aluminum oxide
Pic 3 to 5 - Glass beads 50 lbs
Pic 6 to 8 - White Aluminum Oxide 50 lbs

Here is one comparison between Black Diamond vs Glass Beads

 

[Overfireinthehole]

Are you talking for refurbing stoves? I can’t imagine trying to do this in a customers home or carrying every other stove outside to service it, although it would really be the best way to get it clean. It’s just not very practical.

 

[Ssyko]

I use glass bead. And walnut shells. Both take a lil bit longer to get the caked on stuff off but they don’t deform and warp thin metal like black beauty and sand.

 

[Don2222]

I was thinking glass bead may be better for thin metal and aluminum oxide for iron and heavy steel?

 

[Don2222]

Well now it is out with the Black Diamond Coal Slag and in with the more expensive$$ White aluminum Oxide!

So far it seams the AO2 is better for this heavy rusted Quadrafire Top Baffle Plate!

Thanks Everyone for all your Help!!

 

[Overfireinthehole]

Are you doing that inside? How messy is it?

 

[Ssyko]

its in a blast cabinet. all self contained

 

[Don2222]

Are you doing that inside? How messy is it?

Hi OFH
The Harbor Freight Blast Cabinet is only 19 Guage!
I picked up a 14 Guage commercial Blasting Cabinet Trinco 24 BP & Dust Collector made by Trinity Tool Co in Michigan on Craigslist for $150 and refurbished it! They sent me new parts and gave me support!
How does it look now?