7 Best Sandblasters to Buy in 2022 – Buyer’s Guide

A sandblaster blasts pressurized sand or other abrasive material at hard surfaces, such as stone, glass, concrete, or brick surfaces, with high pressure to grind surfaces and provide a smooth finish. Also referred to as media blasting, sandblasters are known for stripping rust, removing old paint coatings, corrosion traces, stress, deburring, descaling, or eliminating rusts and other contaminants without causing damage.  The sandblasted surface becomes smooth and clean, and new paint lasts longer. Sandblasting also helps clean small complex metal parts and enables you to engrave on glass or wood and is becoming popular in the decorative processing of mirrors and glass furniture pieces. 

A sandblaster uses dry fine-grained materials such as quartz sand as an abrasive, while slag powders, glass, cast iron, or steel beads are also utilized for few jobs. 

A sandblaster is a pneumatic tool, and its working principle of sandblaster is similar to a spray gun, with the difference in the type of material used for surface treatment. These machines help you clean the surface before and after the project quickly and smoothly. Unlike other cleaning solutions that entail a lengthy process and take a few hours to do manually, But with the speed of the blasting gun that provides immense pressure sandblasting expedites the process exponentially. It doesn’t require any heavy-duty clean-up, harsh chemicals, or scrubbing.

A sandblaster is a versatile machine; thus, you can use it for different applications from large areas to the smallest parts, cleaning up dirty gears, trucks, tanks, or rusty fences. A sandblaster is non-toxic and harmless to the environment. The products utilized with this tool are proven safe even if people around inhale it, compared to other cleaning and coating products.

Types of Sandblasters

Several types of sandblasters are available in the market that differ in operation, construction, and performance. Below are the three main types of sandblasters.

Gravity-Fed-

As the name suggests, this type of sandblaster uses gravity for operation. Place the sand in a container called a hopper attached to the top of the gun. The gun is then hooked to an air compressor, and when you press the trigger, air blasts out of the nozzle and pushes sand from the nozzle at high speed and force. The next batch of sand flows from the hopper into the barrel for continuity. When you release the trigger, the hole between the funnel and the barrel closes to store the remaining sand inside.

Siphon Sandblaster-

A siphon sandblaster works on the principle of a large volume of air and high pressure passing through a venturi. Similar to gravity-fed, the container of the siphon sandblaster is placed below the nozzle. The sand is pushed into the nozzle and blasted out of the machine. A siphon sandblaster is relatively cheap and allows for continuous processing of sandblasting material, eliminating the need for refueling.

Pressure Sandblaster-

A pressure sandblaster utilizes highly pressurized sand containers. The sandblasting gun is hooked up to a canister. Sand or dry abrasive material is loaded into the hopper and sealed. The device applies pressure to the container, which pushes the abrasive material into the sandblast seal. The compressed air enters through the airline, mixed with the abrasive, and then the mixture is sent to the jet nozzle, from where it is ejected onto the treated surface. Pressure sandblaster is one of the easiest and effective choices for sandblasting.  However, it is costly. Also, you cannot refill the containers having the abrasive materials and need to purchase new containers when the one in the machine becomes empty.

Size of the Sandblaster

Sandblasters come in a variety of sizes that determine the uses of the machine. Below are some of the types of sandblasters available in the market.

Mini Sandblasters- Mini sandblasters are mobile and are designed for precision tasks and are ideal for working in tight spaces. They are the smallest sandblaster available and are suitable for use on vehicles to remove rust and old paint and to engrave distinct styles on glass.

Large Sandblasters- These machines are not very portable and need to be mounted to small carts with wheels for movement. They are commonly used for removing paint from houses, cars, open area projects, paint projects, etc.

Industrial Sandblasters- Usually mounted to a large truck and used for construction jobs like removing paint and rust from large buildings. These machines are robust, expensive, and cumbersome and may require more than one person to operate. They are primarily used for involving outdoor tasks like removing paint from huge buildings.

List of the best Sandblaster (With Reviews, Pros and Cons)

1. LE LEMATEC Portable Sand Blaster Gun Kit

Multipurpose Sandblasting Tool Complete with Connector, Extra Steel Tip and Media Mesh Filter

The Le Lematec portable sandblaster is a high-performance tool designed to outperform a gravity-fed reservoir to ensure more consistent work with a fully adjustable control valve that automates sand flow precisely.  The Lematec Sandblaster is ideal for stripping paint, rust, grime, dirt, and scale on automobiles, hot tubs, tile, pools, and other surfaces. Operating under 60-125 PSI with optimal operation within 90-100 PSI with 12 CFM, this portable sandblaster is convenient for restoration, cleaning, and corrosion prevention.

The Lematec sandblaster gun can connect to your air compressor and eliminate the worry of an additional hose getting tangled up in your materials or parts. The portable sandblaster is designed with a 600 CC / 18oz media container to eliminate the need to stay close to your abrasive cabinet, limiting your movement while sandblasting. This particular compartment can accept any media ranging from sand, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, steel grit, glass beads, soda, and black diamond.

Designed to outperform its gravity-fed reservoir, the Lematec Sandblaster ensures more consistent work. This rugged tool has more than enough power to tackle any job around the shop or home! The sandblaster also features a fully adjustable control valve that automates sand flow precisely. The portable sandblaster offers a compact design with a comfortable grip handle and a safety vented tank for optimal use.

In addition to the sandblaster gun, the Lematec package includes a ¼” NPT quick connector, extra steel tip, stainless steel filter, user manual, and media guide so you can be on your way to sandblasting quickly. The machine comes with a stainless steel filter for optimal performance and precise filling, boasting an easy pour feature for less mess.

Pros

• Portable and Lightweight
• Easy to use
• ¼” NPT quick connector
• Extra steel tip
• Stainless steel filter

Cons

• Grip/trigger is awkward to use, especially while wearing heavy protective gloves
• Nozzle bore diameter could be smaller for narrower streams.

2. Campbell Hausfeld AT122601AV Sand Blaster

Comes with 10 Foot Hose, Sand Blast Gun, and Wrench

Finish your projects faster and easier with Campbell Hausfeld AT122601AV. This Sand Blaster features a siphon-feed spray gun designed to deliver most abrasives, including glass beads, aluminum oxide, steel grit, silicon carbide, walnut shells, and more. The Campbell Hausfeld Sand Blaster is ideal for removing rust, scale, and paint from small parts and equipment.

The Campbell AT122601AV uses a 10-ft. hose that draws abrasive from a bucket or bag, leaving a satin finish ready for paint or further pre-treatment. You can use this versatile sandblaster in craftwork to etch glass and weather wood.

The Campbell AT122601AV package includes a Sandblast gun with ceramic nozzle, 10-foot hose, steel pick-up tube, and Allen wrench. The ten-foot hose lets you draw abrasive media from a bucket or bag, so you don’t have to fill a chamber or container to fit directly onto the gun. The product comes with a one-year warranty.

Pros

• The sandblaster does not clog and could remove almost 100 percent of abrasives from your piece.
• Versatile
• Easy to Use
• Long Hose
• Value for Money

Cons

• The unit has a smaller blasting media container

3. Red Sun Sand Blaster

BenchTop Sandblasting Large Volume Sand Blasters Cabinet

The Redsun gravity sandblaster can perfectly handle the surface of a large workpiece, suitable for the high-density surface treatment requirements, and is ideal for safely removing paint and rust and restoring parts and components. The machine has an air compressor delivery of 40-120PSI and CFM range of 15-25CFM with media size 60~120 mesh.

The Redsun sandblaster is made of sturdy steel; the powder coating can resist rust and corrosion. Depending on the situation, you can use the sandblaster with different media, such as glass beads, silica sand, alum oxide, and more. The oversized viewing rubber glass with a built-in LED tube for better visibility. The removable plastic film helps protect the glass from corrosion.

The Redsun sandblaster comes equipped with a blasting gun kit, a four pcs nozzle (4/5/6/7mm), and oversized rubber gloves for easier grip. The benchtop sandblaster comes with oversized viewing glass with a built-in LED tube for better visibility.  It also includes a removable mesh-design work surface tray and drains plug for easy cleaning.

The Redsun sandblaster is equipped with an 18-inch side access door for easy entry and exit of your workpiece or cabinet cleaning. The two sealed glove ports allow access inside the enclosed cabinet to operate the blast gun and move the parts being worked upon. The machine has a sand loading volume of 7.9 gallons.  

Pros

• Works with multiple media
• Sturdy construction
• Variable air pressure and CFM
• Oversized viewing rubber glass with built-in LED

Cons

• Some users have complained of the machine coming dented in packaging

4. Neiko 30068A Abrasive Air Sand Blaster Handheld Gun

The Neiko air Sandblaster gun is perfect for all your abrasive blasting needs. This power tool can remove stubborn discoloration, defects, and corrosion, clear away unwanted grime on car rims, fences, bikes, etches mirror and glass, removes metal rust, paint, oil, and oxidation, and cleans dirt from tiles and grout.

The Neiko abrasive air sandblaster gun features pressurized compressed air that powerfully accelerates gravity-fed abrasive media through a 5.0mm 2-15/16” x 7/32” DIA nozzle to cover a more significant surface profile. The operating pressure of the machine is 90 PSI, while air consumption is 7 SCFM.   You can control the rate at which the abrasive media enters the mixing chamber using the on and off knob, ensuring less wastage.

This sandblaster by Neiko comes with a handheld frame that provides a firm grip. The machine is constructed from high-quality ABS material, which is durable and robust.  The device is ergonomic, lightweight, and portable, ideal for heavy-duty industrial work and home appliance maintenance. The portable sandblaster accepts multiple media types, including silicon carbide baking soda, sand, Aluminum Oxide beads, glass, and walnut shells.

Pros

• Easier to use for particular scenarios with faster, more precise control of media flow
• Lightweight and portable
• Replaceable Steel Nozzle

Cons

• The tiny hopper empties within a couple of minutes, requiring work stoppage to refill it.

5. Eastwood EW 100lb Pressure Abrasive Blaster

The  Eastwood EW “High-Flow” Pressure abrasive blaster features high-volume, extra-large valves, which means more air volume and more abrasive flow for faster removal of rust and paint.

The Eastwood EW is constructed with a sturdy all-steel welded top-loading hopper, 1/2″ heavy-duty nozzle, heavy-wall blast hose, and safety pressure-relief valve making it rugged, durable, and very efficient. The pressure blasting machine can completely strip the average frame in less than a day. Designed for high flow with minimal air input, the device can be paired with a compressor producing a minimum of 10cfm at 90 psi.

The Eastwood EW’s 100-Lbs blaster comes with large and high-flow valves to speed rust and paint removal. The machine comes with an 8 Inch heavy-wall blast hose with dead-man valve.   The abrasive blaster features large wheels for easy transportation. Use clean, dry, 80-grit, or finer abrasive media for best results and the most efficient operation. The manufacturer recommends not to use silica-based sand and walnut shell media.  The machine comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

Pros

• Powerful
• Easy to control
• High-Volume
• Large & High-Flow Valves to Speed Rust and Paint Removal
• 100 LB Capacity

Cons

• The pressure hose is slightly short

6. Speed Blaster – Gravity Feed Media Blaster

The Speed Blaster is designed to be easy to use and is perfect for all your small to medium-size sandblasting jobs. The machine has a blasting media capacity of 26oz and generates operating pressure in 60-125 PSI while working pressure ranges in 100-125 PSI. The air consumption of the machine stands at 12 CFM at 125 PSI.

Speed blaster’s lightweight, long-lasting comfortable design employs gravity to force the media into a hardened steel chamber. Compressed air then forces the particles through the top-grade alumina ceramic nozzle at extraordinary velocity.  The machine is self-contained and small for easy storage in a small toolbox drawer. You can use the machine with various blast media that do not exceed 14 grit, including sand, glass beads, and aluminum oxide.

Speed blaster’s gravity-fed safety vented reservoir tank eliminates tubes or siphon hoses that can easily clog. The machine can run continuously and virtually-clog free with correct media and moisture-free air.  The device comes with a safety vented tank, alumina ceramic nozzle, and adjustable material control valve that meters sand flow precisely. The Speed Blaster is designed, tested, and manufactured in the USA.

Pros

• Powerful blast delivery
• Easy to Use
• Safety vented reservoir tank
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Runs out of abrasive quickly

7. Black Bull SFSB90 90 Pound Gravity Feed Abrasive Blaster

Remove oxidation, paint, and rust with the Black Bull gravity feed abrasive blaster. Designed for contractors and serious DIY enthusiasts, this steel sandblaster allows you to easily clean a variety of different surfaces, including metal, wood, brick, or concrete.

The Black Bull SFSB90 features heavy-duty all-steel construction, making it durable and able to handle demanding conditions. The machine features a steel hopper with a 90 lb. capacity that delivers approximately 150 minutes of blast time, ideal for demanding industrial cleaning jobs. The siphon feed sandblaster comes with a long 8-foot blast hose that lets you get into out of the way and hard-to-reach places.

The Black Bull SFSB90 can operate at a maximum pressure of 120 PSI; however, the optimal working condition is 80 PSI at 7CFM. The machine should be used with 80 grit or smaller diameter abrasive. The sandblaster includes a pair of 10-inch rubber wheels and a rubberized handle that is easy to grasp and move the blaster around to enable portability.

The Black Bull SFSB90 includes four ceramic nozzles, 8-foot x 3/8 inch blasting hose, a pistol grip blast gun, and a protective hood. The different sized nozzles deliver abrasives on various blast forces allowing flexibility. They are constructed using a high-quality ceramic material, durable and able to resist abrasions. The steel-based blast gun is durable and can withstand the blasting materials. It has an ergonomic handle for a good grip when working.

Pros

• Sturdy Steel Construction
• Multiple Nozzles
• Large Capacity and long blast time

Cons

• It does not come with a lid that can lead to debris falling into your hopper.