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Has anyone use Eastwood Small-Job SODA Blasting Systems . ($15) How long does it take to do a mech? Do you need to completely remove all parts or leave some attached to frame?
sm116

No matter what type of blasting system is used, you do not want to leave any parts together.
Every single part should be dismantled. With the exception of something that is riveted, or
pinned & peened. But those parts still have to be cleaned with solvent, to get rid of any grit
that may be lingering in-between. Also note, that many cast iron & steel parts have plating,
and other protective coatings, that can become removed after the blasting, and will result
in those parts rusting very quickly. Especially if the machine is in a damp environment. The
safest way to clean a mechanism, to avoid those problems, is with solvents, then do a wire
brush cleaning. Even though the blasting is much quicker, the later is the best way to go.

You can rest assured that every single piece will be disassembled. I have already had it 80% broken down and put back together. Completely reworked the clock. Now a truly "silent " machine. Same with payout slides and reel. If soda used can rust inhibitor spraying each piece be an option?
What solvents do you use?

Any steel parts that you have already blasted, would benefit with a coat of rust inhibitor, or
spray with clear-coat. I don't remember the mfr. of the solvent I use, as I always got it from
a bulk tank, into my own 5 gal. containers, and I pour it from those, into my recycling parts
cleaner tank. A friend has an automotive repair shop, and it is the standard solvent that he
has been using for years, in his parts-cleaning tank. Only problem now, is that it has tripled
in price, about 3 or 4 years ago. Another friend has been bringing some from Oregon, as it is
much more reasonable there.

For degreasing parts I have been using Simple Green Industrial cleaner. I have been leaving the parts soak for around 24 hours. This stuff cuts through pretty much everything. It's biodegradable and you can pick it up at local a hardware. You will still need to protect the parts from rusting.

Second that on the simple green

I found this product "Metal Rescue". http://www.metalrescue.com/home.aspx It works great on rust over night. It is not toxic and you don't need gloves. You can reuse and reuse. I found it especially good with rusted screws, bolts, nuts and washers. I put them in a small glass jar and agitated a couple of times and left over night. Probably everyone already knows about it but since is works so great on rust I thought that I would pass on.

I've been using metal rescue for about a year now. Its a little pricey but
It works incredible. I use it on everything with rust.

Would anyone care to recommend the clear coat spray they use, or are are they all about the same?

Thanks in advance,

Steven

What about the oil and grease on the mechanism, does it remove that also? Or should the parts be degreased first?