Newbie

a1restoration

Gentleman,

While not new to the trades, I am new to researching and potentially getting into the blasting business and I am very glad to have found this site. I have been researching portable blasting for months and this site is the most comprehensive and honest that I have found. I have read through all of the posts from the beginning and have to say that I thought I had a decent handle on the business side, but now I realize, I do need more preparation. So thanks for all of the informative posts.

My business partner has been a drywall/painter/tuckpointer/pressure washer for more than 16 years. He is starting to break down so I have been looking at ways to maybe make a few bucks, make it easier on him to work in the trades while still using his knowledge, and also because I think there is decent potential in blasting and renovating.

I do have experience in cabinet blasting as I own a Trinco master model 48x36 with a 5/16 inch blat nozzle on it. I run mostly glass and steel grit. I guess it depends on the final finish that I want and the object that needs to be done. I have not used this machine for commercial purposes but rather for my own purposes to blast and refinish machines for powder coating for my other business.

I was thinking that I would like to go mobile and saw some of the other people's rigs from a few months ago. It got me to thinking about my own research.

I know that most have a pull behind trailer carrying their diesel fuel compressor and then a few have their diesel compressor's mounted inside of their vehicles.

I was wondering if anyone had done research on getting a PTO unit for their trucks. AS far as I can tell, a PTO unit (brands most often mentioned from Superduty Truck dealers are VanAir, V-Tech, and maybe BOSS) can supply the necessary CFM output and be fitted with an air cooler and moisture seperator. You can configure it a few ways based on your truck but it saves space and runs off of the truck motor, and not a seperate engine. It might also save on insurance as you are not pulling a trailer behind you.

I know that I am new and will have some more questions in the future, but I thought if I could maybe put something out there for you to ponder and it is legitimate, then you will not mind more of my questions in the future.

Thanks again for all of the input in past posts and I look forward to getting into this in the future.

Have a good and prosperous day.

Regards,

Mike

knothole

Welcome......

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gran_national

A1, glad to have you. For some reason, there is next to no posting on here in the last couple months. Keep us updated on things you're doing. We always love to see that kind of thing. Pictures are great.

ibsocal

A1 ok great idea(pto)pondorable. it had not crossed my mind until u brought it up.it looks do able,less weight,cfm's are there,no compressor trailer to tow or mount and license or register or insureand i checked around on craigslist they are out there but just got to find the right one.i have a old mitisibushi mighty max turbo diesel longbed mini pick up truck that i think could be a great canidate to convert for such a project.

a1restoration

Thanks ib and gran.

My thoughts exactly on the insurance, trailer, etc.

One issue with the pto seems to be its expense. New, they are about 8k for a 210 CFM and you have to have the right vehicle. I have a f350 Superduty from 2001 and it is a problem to fit onto my truck for some years. They do not like to keep making mounting brackets for different truck congifgs every year, so you might want to check the manufacturer to see if you can get a bracket for your brand of truck. Although, this is the undermount system. You can get a few different configs to match your needs.

I originally was thinking about being strickly soda, but then after reading the posts, it seems clear to be able to be diverse and thus use glass, steel grit, etc.

So back to more research.

killzoneq2

Good idea, but I am only running a 1500 Ram 4x4. Doubt they make one for it. And welcome to the site!!!

killzoneq2

http://www.vmac.ca/index.php?underhood

Oz man

Hi Gran national, How's business these day's? Have been following your posts.

gran_national

Oz Man, things are in limbo right now I guess you could say. I still have all of my equipment and if you've been following my posts, you may have noticed that I found a guy locally who I may be helping out with some blasting for his coating business. He's a family friend and has a knack for turning anything into gold. He called me about a week before the holidays to see if I'd come to his new business and take a look at his blasting equipment, but I didn't get a chance that week since my family has been in from St. Louis all week. We've been doing all kinds of hunting (small game, big game, etc.) so it's been CRAZY. I want to get to his business sometime this week to see what he's looking for me to do. I'd be happy using someone else's equipment and getting paid a nice flat rate without having the hassle of ordering media, setting prices, etc. Also, he said about working something out that I can do some work for him and then borrow his compressor whenever I want. That'll save me $84 to rent one which will be a nice addition to profit. I'll still figure like I'm renting it though when I quote a job. I haven't advertised and probably won't until Spring. I guess we'll just see how it goes.