glass bead or glass grit?

[canadamatt]

Gotta clean up some aluminum parts for my 02 in the blast cabinet, and want to be very carefull with surfaces. Should I be using glass bead, or can I get away with glass grit? The grit is almost twice as much $$ which isn't a huge deal... but since I only have 1 cabinet I'd like a 'do it all" abrasive. But I am thinking grit may be too harsh on soft aluminum, especially on mating surfaces.

I have no idea what this means, but what is available to me is

- 30/40 Glass Grit

- BT7 Glass bead

thoughts?

Matt

[jerry]

although i am not familiar with either nomenclature,

as an educated guess i will assume that 30/40 refers to grit size and would be considered very coarse. more suitable for removing carbon buildup on exhaust manifold internal surfaces and heavy rust on thick walled sections.

stick with glass bead for general use. it is typically around 220 grit

set at 40-80psi and you should be fine.

clean off all grease and oil first to prolong life of media. oily grit is worthless and doesn't flow well.

[TobyB]

The question for you is- what finish do you want?

The bead gives a smoother, more pebbled appearance,

and the grit is rougher, less shiny, and 'whiter'.

The grit works a bit faster, too.

Neither would hurt any non- precision surface,

but neither should be used on any bearings.

Some people glass- bead pistons to clean them.

I've never been lucky enough to have a used piston worth the effort!

t