Frequently Asked Questions

• What should I look for in an air compressor?
  • For a list of “things you should know before purchasing an air compressor” click here.
• Is a respirator required during operation?
  • A respirator is not required for operation of any properly built sandcarving machine.  CrystalBlast sandcarvers do not require a respirator due to the efficiency of the dust collector filter and 100% welded cabinet construction.  Proper maintenance of the dust collector is required to maintain proper operation of the machine dust collector.
• Do you have to vent the CrystalBlast machine?
  • No, venting a blasting machine can reduce the dust collector blower efficiency. Always make sure any small room has proper air circulation. All dry dust collectors are allowed to pass some particles, count measure in grains/ cubic meter. Too small a room space with poor fresh air room circulation can cause the allowable dust percentage to increase.
• How much compressed air should I have for proper operation of the CrystalBlast sandcarver?
  • The standard sized nozzle, 3/32″, has a compressed air volume consumption just under 6 cfm (cubic feet per minute) when blasting at 30 psi, the most common blasting pressure. Most sand-carving machines use compressed air to operate the machine controls and it is important that a 90 psi line pressure be maintained at all times even though the blasting pressure is much lower. If your air compressor is marginal, pre-mature compressor failure can happen as well as loss of operating line pressure. It is advised a compressor volume of 10 to 12 cfm be supplied for normal machine operation.
• What are the electrical requirements to properly operate a CrystalBlast sandcarver?
  • The CrystalBlast sandcarvers operate on any dedicated 20 amp. 120 volt electrical outlet. Make sure the circuit does not already have other current usage or circuit overload may occur.
• What type of abrasive required for the CrystalBlast sandcarvers?
  • Silicon Carbide and Aluminum Oxide are recommended for use in CrystalBlast sandcarvers. Silicon carbide is a very effective abrasive as a new cutting edge is revealed each time it breaks down into smaller particles. It creates no static leaving your blasted object and sandblast cabinet window free of abrasive media. Aluminum oxide is an economical abrasive with good cutting ability and is used prevalently in the industry. It is reusable and provides a fine finish. Typical abrasive size range is 150 – 220 mesh.