FAQs  Frequently Asked Questions

Abrasive Cabinet Questions and Answers

Q. How does a Skat Blast Cabinet work?

Q. What are Glass Beads?

A. Glass Bead is a type of abrasive made primarily from soda-lime glass. It looks like salt or sugar and is a favorite abrasive for use in cabinet blasting, giving a satin finish to metal.

Q. Can other abrasives be used?
A. Glass Beads and Skat Magic are preferred for most automotive components: fuel pumps, carburetors, valve covers, nuts and bolts, but any abrasive can be used. You can easily change the abrasive through the spring-loaded trap door at the bottom of the cabinet funnel. You can also use 1st Choice, Speed Bead, or most any other abrasive.  Skat Blast has now developed a new Soda Blast Attachment that can be fitted to most of their cabinets.  For information on Soda Blasting, ask for a Free Catalog from TP Tools by calling 1-800-321-9260, or checking the TP Tools web site at www.tptools.com

Q. How do I add Abrasives to the Cabinet?
A. Simply pour in through side- or top-load door. We suggest pouring abrasive through a Sifter Screen to remove impurities.  Normally the funnel should be filled to about the 1/3 full mark, as adding too much abrasive can result in compaction of the abrasive and poor flow.

Q. How long does the abrasive last? When should it be replaced?
A. All Skat Blast Cabinets recycle automatically, so abrasive can be used again and again (exception Soda Blasting, which is a one-time process).  Eventually, the abrasive will break down and turn to "dust". At this time, it must be replaced. Worn abrasive does not cut well and creates poor visibility.  It is not economical or practical to attempt to blast with worn out abrasive. 

Q. How does the abrasive recycle automatically?
A. When you press the foot pedal or pull trigger of power gun, abrasive is pulled up through the pickup tube, through the siphon hose and to the power gun where it hits the rusty object. Abrasive then drops through screen and into the funnel for recycling on a continual basis until abrasive finally breaks down and must be replaced.

Q. What is the Pickup Tube?
A. The Pickup Tube is one of the most important components in a cabinet. Skat Blast has developed a high velocity, dual pickup tube with controlled openings to provide more power and eliminate "surging" during operation. You get a smooth, even flow of abrasive to the Power Gun at all times. Pickup tubes should be replaced occasionally as they will wear the same as the nozzle itself.  We suggest annual pickup tube replacement for average shops.

Q. What is the Power Gun?
A. The Power Gun holds the nozzle and provides the abrasive blast. Skat Blast Power Guns have large, direct air passages, resulting in better suction and blast ... true high velocity. In addition to a "full-hand" design, our inner nozzle holder has a case hardened insert for long life. This is important, since the nozzle holder is exposed to the abrasive stream and softer metals wear quickly.  Power Guns in Skat Blast Cabinets are Made in USA and are built to last for many years.

Q. Why do some cabinets have Foot Pedal Controls?
A. Trigger Guns are used in most smaller cabinets. Larger cabinets are usually equipped with a foot pedal control. When you pull the trigger or press the foot pedal, the result is the same: abrasive is pulled up through the gun and "blasted" at the part, instantly removing rust, paint, and scale.  The results are the same, but for more than occasional use, we recommend the use of a foot pedal control to minimize operator hand fatigue.

Q. What size nozzle and how much air do I need?
A. The nozzle and air jet size determines the air requirements. The air jet fits inside the power gun and controls the amount of air leading to the nozzle. Nozzles and air jets can be changed, depending on your air compressor. If you have a 3 HP compressor (7 cfm), your best choice is probably the small nozzle. If you have a 5 HP compressor (15-20 cfm), use a medium nozzle. For a 10 HP or larger compressor, use a large size nozzle. Remember, nozzles and air jets must be changed in sets (small with small, etc.) and are available in steel, ceramic and carbide.  Nozzles and Air Jets are always in stock at www.tptools.com

Q. What is the Vacuum System?
A. A vacuum is required to remove dust created in blasting and improve visibility. For smaller cabinets (850 and under), a shop vacuum can be used. However, these vacuums have a small filtering area, so visibility may be reduced. Also, abrasive can work into filter, causing motor damage or failure. For more than light work, we recommend our Vac-35, or Vac-36 Vacuum. For commercial or industrial use, we recommend several Dust Collector systems designed to remove dust while cabinet blasting.  All of our Vacuums and Dust Collectors are also Made in USA and are very quiet in operation.

Q. Why do Skat Cabinets include a floodlight, not fluorescent?
A. A fluorescent light provides dim lighting inside the cabinet. A floodlight is better, in that an intense beam of light is directed at the part. This is similar to fog lights in a car, which penetrate through the fog. All Skat Cabinets use a floodlight for improved visibility.  These floodlight bulbs can be purchased at any local hardware or lighting store.

Q. What makes Skat Blast Cabinets better?
A. Superior operation is determined by the type of pickup tube, power gun, vacuum system, funnel angle, door seal, method of holding lens and gloves, etc. (Skat Blast Cabinets are fully assembled, feature molded holders for both lens and gloves, and do not leak.) While not always visible, these features make a better product. We have thousands of satisfied customers all over the world.  Over 25 years of building a succesful product is your assurance that a Skat Blast Cabinet provide the help that you need on a steady basis.

Q. I see cabinets are now sold in "Kit" form. What is a Kit?
A. Beware of the word "Kit" in cabinet ads. Usually, you receive a "knock down" unit: steel panels, hundreds of rivets, bolts, nuts, hinges, caulking, etc. These kits can cost as much as a fully assembled cabinet, and you have to build the unit yourself.
Compare specifications and price. You'll find a fully assembled cabinet from Skat Blast is a better investment -- Years of experience in building a trouble-free abrasive cabinet.

Q. Are Skat Blast Cabinets Made in USA?
A. With the exception of a small bench-top unit and one other small cabinet, all Skat Blast Cabinets are made in Canfield, Ohio, using USA steel and components.  This means that an owner of a Skat Blast Cabinet can be assured of parts and service for many years, unlike many imported products that do not furnish support or replacement parts. Skat Blast started the manufacture of their line of Abrasive Blasting Cabinets in 1982 and parts for their first units are still in stock.

Have a question? Call 1-800-321-9260, ext 96. We'll be happy to answer it for you.  Or for more information, pictures and prices, see www.tptools.com