Sandblasting Issues - Blasting Media & Filters

[NIB-98TJ]

OK, I bought one of these small Speed Blaster sandblasters. Now I’m trying to figure out the safety issues associated with using it.

Apparently I not supposed to use silica sand as the blasting media. Apparently breathing that stuff can give you silicosis.

So, can I get sand that isn’t silica sand? Or should I be using something else all together.

From what I’ve ben able to find on the Internet, apparently normal dust masks don’t filter out the silica dust.

Any help or advice would be appreciated,
NIB

[Timmay]

I saw that too when I was blasting some parts using a friends. I got some garnet medium from Tractor Supply. I think it was $20 or so. It worked great, just make sure you have a face shield and some welding leathers on, that shit hurts.

[Loose07]

if it a total loss try black beauty it like 5 bucks for fifty pounds

[yager]

yup get some black beauty or similar (it will clearly say no free silica or something similar) but if your just free spraying it, id get a mask or resparator.

[yota_kid]

black beauty is where its at. BUT if you have heavy rust to get off, the medium grit will more than do it, its a great all purpose sand. the fine is just dust which sucks because it makes a total freakin mess, much worse then the medium grit, and the coarse grit is like friggen throwing rocks at the part.