[rod kent]

Just wondering, what do most find best for media in a glass bead cabinet. I currently have glass beads, but not sure if thats the best thing to use. Used mainly to clean engine parts, sometimes to remove paint off small parts. thanks

[001mustang]

I am not sure what engine parts you are blasting?

Baking soda would probably be the best for cleaning engine parts (if you are rich and patient) since there is little risk of leaving agressive residuals that could possibly damage engine.
The problem with soda is: it is not aggressive, not good for rust removal, you should buy special soda bin to attach to your cabinet , is expensive since you can't use over and over.

Glass beads are useful for softer metals and for applications where aggressive media is not required. The problem with glass beads is they don't form a crisp blast profile and paint does not always adhere well. Glass beads take a long time to remove thick paint or rust.

When you mean business, use 80 grit aluminum oxide (not for engine parts). It is aggressive and leaves a crisp deep blast profile. I have found the blast profile to be invisible under my paint systems. Blast profile may show thru some paint systems. This is my fav media as I am not that patient.

I would recommend aluminum oxide grit around 120 for general purpose metal blasting (not for engine parts). It produces a crisp blast profile that will not show thru many paint systems. It is also fairly aggressive.

For softer materials there is a variety of media available. Media like walnut shell would not likely damage engine parts. I am not patient enough to use anything less aggressive than glass beads.

Coal slug works (not for engine parts) but does not last like aluminum oxide. Coal slag can produce more dust than AL Ox.

I bought cheap aluminum oxide from discount tool store. It was absolutely horrible. The dust produced opacity near zero visibility. I had to wash that media before I was able to use it.

Do buy media from your local professional sand blast company; Often cheaper than on line.

Sorry but I don't know what media to use for removing chrome or ceramic coatings from headers?

[rod kent]

thanks man! that pretty well explains it.