Silica vs. Play Sand

[Nik]

I've seen some posts about using play sand to blast parts before parking. I use #60 silica sand from the local Home Depot. I would like to know whether the play sand is finer grained than the #60 silica. The #60 works fine but is a bit coarse for my taste. In true WECSOG fashion, I'm trying to avoid going to a specialty shop and getting the correct blasting media.

[50 cal]

Play sand is extremely rough, about 36 grit. Your rifle will look like it was dragged through a gravel yard when you are through blasting it.

60 grit is a good media, I have used 120 grit carbide and aluminum oxide mixed 50/50 for a really good looking finish. The nozzle will wear out in short order though. If you plan on doing a few rifles, you may want to invest in a Boron/Carbide nozzle.

[sixplusone]

[ September 04, 2001: Message edited by: sixplusone ]

[Ricketts]

Make sure you wear a mask or respirator when blasting with the silica or play sand. You won't know it right away, but this could give you a great raging case of silicosis (like a cancer of the lungs) in about 10 years. REALLY nasty!!!!

[LarryB]

Ricketts is right. I had to retire because of it! Bad Stuff :(

[W.E.G.]

More info on silicosis at http://www.silicosis.com

[jeffrey]

At Menards, way back in the corner, where all the sacks of mortar and concrete mix are
kept, I found a pallet of stuff called Black
Magnum Blasting Crystals. It's made out of
coal slag.Says it's low on "free silicas".
Works great.