Vaxix Posted May 16, 2022 Share Posted May 16, 2022 Is this worth getting as my first sandblaster for small specimen or should I look at building my own? Also, has anyone used this or just the air pen before and give me their opinion or if there is a better option for me out there? I see that some people here will use there mobile pen and attach it to their sand blasting chambers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ptychodus04 Posted May 17, 2022 Share Posted May 17, 2022 I have the Mobile Problast, the precursor to the Mobile Sandstorm. It works well with some caveats (it is a low cost system after all). The hopper needs to be no less than 80% full and no more than 95% for optimal use. Anny less, and the powder flow is spotty, any more and you get a massive stream of powder that is useless. Also, the stock tip is too big for detailed prep. I swapped it for the medium carbide tip and it works well. A DIY cabinet provides more versatility. If you need something larger, simply make a new one. A self contained system limits your use. I'm about to make a large cabinet for working on the big slabs from the turtle prep I have just begun. 3 Regards, Kris Global Paleo Services, LLC https://globalpaleoservices.com http://instagram.com/globalpaleoservices http://instagram.com/kris.howe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TOM BUCKLEY Posted May 17, 2022 Share Posted May 17, 2022 Another point to be aware of is that not all powders can be used with the Vaniman system. I've found that some powders are "sticky" and clog the orifice. I can't use dolomite nor crushed glass. Glass beads , pumice, AtH, and Sodium bicarb work well. It's not a matter of particle size but rather a function of the powder's "stickiness" vs. flowability. 2 AVOCATIONAL PALEONTOLOGIST STROKE SURVIVOR CANCER SURVIVOR CURMUDGEON "THERE IS A VERY FINE LINE BETWEEN AVOCATIONAL PALEONTOLOGY AND MENTAL ILLNESS" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TOM BUCKLEY Posted May 17, 2022 Share Posted May 17, 2022 Another point. Vaniman recommended against that model with the built-in filter for fossils. They said that the vacuum and filter would be overwhelmed. They recommended the two tank model with an external vacuum like a ShopVac. AVOCATIONAL PALEONTOLOGIST STROKE SURVIVOR CANCER SURVIVOR CURMUDGEON "THERE IS A VERY FINE LINE BETWEEN AVOCATIONAL PALEONTOLOGY AND MENTAL ILLNESS" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hadrosauridae Posted May 17, 2022 Share Posted May 17, 2022 I'll give you the same advice I got. Build your own blast box. ITs not hard, its not expensive (not nearly as much as what that premade on will run) it just takes a little time and thought. You can do a search here in the forum and find lots of talk and some great instructions from the older threads. @Malcolmt layout is great and has been the basis for lots of builds. The Vaniman is a great start into micro-abrasion prep, and I have been using their problast for a couple years now. You WILL need a box/cabinet/chamber to work in, and you WILL need a vacuum system to keep both the work space clear as well as the air youre breathing. 1 "There is no shortage of fossils. There is only a shortage of paleontologists to study them." - Larry Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vaxix Posted May 17, 2022 Author Share Posted May 17, 2022 Very informative! I will probably start planning a build in that case after I move. Thank you all for the responses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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