Basic Functions of a Sandblasting Pot

Sandblasting Pots

• A sandblasting pot consists of two basic parts, the pot and the nozzle. The pot of contains an abrasive material -- usually sand -- and highly compressed air. You need some sort of pneumatic system to provide this air to a sandblasting pot. This combination of air and sand comes shooting out of the pot though the nozzle at high speed. A control on the pot allows you to select the desired ratio of sand to air coming through the nozzle; the more sand that comes out, the more abrasive is the mixture.

Engraving

• Engravers use sandblasting pots in their day-to-day work. Engravers make use of the abrasive properties of sand shot and high velocities to erode the surface of materials to create patterns, images and words. Glass engravers, for instance, use sandblasting pots when creating patterns such as those found on stained glass windows. Wood engravers may also use sandblasting pots on large projects such as wooden signs. However, when creating small, detailed works, wood engravers usually defer to small precision tools.

Cleaning

• Sandblasting pots serve the basic function of cleaning surfaces or areas. If you need to use specific types of metal for a job, for instance, a sandblasting pot can clean surface grime, scum and other accumulated filth from the surface of the metal. Keep in mind that you can only clean a material with a sandblasting pot if the material itself resists erosion under pressure from sand. Otherwise, you risk destroying your material during the process of cleaning it.

Finishing and Stripping

• Sandblasting pots help finish and strip materials in a number of applications. If a material contains a finish, laminate or coating you want to get rid of, you can use a sandblasting pot to strip this finish away from the material. If used properly, by practiced hands, sandblasting pots can also function like extremely powerful sandpaper, creating, flat, even attractive and natural surfaces. Always exercise caution when using a sandblasting pot to create a finish because overuse of this method can completely erode the material you're blasting.