[CO2Solutions]

I have a chance to work with a guy that has a dry ice blast set up mobile with a 375 compressor airless and hydrostatic paint set ups and a shop for inhouse work, basicly he's looking for someone to do the work and he supplies all materials, equipment etc. he doesn't want an employee or to pay me an hourly wage he wants someone to run the show find the work and do it and take a percentage , I have a couple of questions since I know nothing about dry ice blasting, 1/ what are the pros and cons of dry ice and 2/ what are the main markets for dry ice comparied to regular blasting and how market and get the jobs 3/ what is the going rate for dry ice blasting. this sounds like a great opportunity but not if I can't find the work, it's very hard to get into the fire restoration side around here because they seem to use there own equipment or out of town companies, I have a "IN" at a mold removal company but he says he uses chemicals for 90% of his work

I'll try to answer your questions best I can - as well, use the search function and you should find tons of info in DIB.

1) cons - dry ice as a media is expensive BUT you should be able to get a decent rate from a local gases supply company (ie Praxair, Contenential Carbonic, Air Liquide etc.)
- short shelf life - sucks when you buy the dry ice and job gets postponed or canceled etc.

2) Food service industry is a huge market - most are using dry ice or have their own machines but I still find they like to sub the work out. Basically any manufacturing plant that cleans but doesn't want the mess of water or soda etc. My MAIN industry is Mould - most of my mould work consists of dry ice blasting (attics, basements, crawl spaces, Marijuana grow ops)

3) going rate varies depending on what you are doing, like most blasting work...I basically just do mould at the moment an I charge a square foot fee BUT because of the type of work (hazordous...not really but it is considered this) and other things involved before you even blast its a totally different charge.

Well, if he's only using chemicals he is certainly not a 'mould guy' and doing things incorrectly BUT if he follows all other guidelines and sprays (if thats what he does) and sands and physically removes the mould from the premises then he's ok...sorry, I come across that ALL too oftem when a "Mold Remediation Contractor" has been in before me and sprayed a chemical and charged an eroneous amount - LEAVING the mould there...it doesn't just vanish after spraying...lol.

 

[CO2Solutions]

Market yourself as the "green alternative" and target log homes in need of refinishing. Then, convert those that think Sikkens is the best thing for log homes and sell them the alternative ie., non-film building paints. Better yet, farm out the refinishing to someone else. Typically log homes are built in clusters, at least that is the case around here. Get to know what the capabilities are and sell, sell, sell. Big advantage to blasting is you get a uniform finish when done. No blotching due to color variations from old paint remaining. Second plus is environmentally safe and non toxic. Only thing you need to do is remove the old bits and pieces of paint from the site. Farm that out too if you want. I see the next generation moving into my area and they love the logs. They understand that they will have some maintenance on the exterior but they have no idea how much work it takes to keep these things looking good. Your rig is portable so take your show on the road. Find an area with little compitition. Float a trial ballon by putting an ad in the paper. Try and find a log centre that is used by the community, maybe the community centre or chamber of commerce. Do that and you have a reference people can easily go to to see your work. The town council will love you if you can push the environmental angle.

I've attempted Log (and cedar) in the past with Dry Ice and it doesn't work - have you had a different result? certain nozzle(s) possibly?