In all the testing I have done, there are only two ways to speed up blasting parts (assuming correct media and pressure for the job):
- Increase the amount of CFM available.
- Increase the efficiency of your blast gun.
Let’s look at number 1, CFM available. Adding 5, 10, or 15 more CFM will drastically increase blasting speed, but at what cost? That much CFM equates to buying a new compressor with anywhere from 2 to 5 more horsepower! We all know how much compressors cost…thousands of dollars for a good unit!
An easier way to solve this problem is just to upgrade to a more efficient blast gun, that way you can keep your current compressor and spend less money to get the same result.
If you have a blast gun that resembles the one pictured below, then I am here to tell you that the HTMR Blast Gun works nearly 2x faster given the same air consumption. Even expensive retail vapor blasters come with guns similiar as pictured below, so you can upgrade your retail machine and make it RIP!
OK, so the “cheap gun” pictured above is very commonly used in vapor blasting and it just works…OK. This gun is actually a DRY BLAST gun, that just so happens to work OK for vapor blasting.
Cheap Gun Advantages
There are only 2 advantages to using this gun:
- It costs $30-40.
- It has a boron carbide nozzle (lasts forever).
Cheap Gun Disadvatages
Oh boy there are a ton of disadvantages:
- It leaks. Can be fixed, but leaks right out of the box.
- Usually ships with WRONG airjet/nozzle combination.
- Not corrosion resistant, will begin to rust internally.
- Bulky
- Scattered blast pattern, can’t see blasting progress.
- No precision. Airjet and nozzle bores are not concentric.
- Takes twice as long to blast parts compared to the HTMR gun.
- Nozzle design is not optimal for efficient blast pattern.
Below is a good example of the poor quality you can find when you buy and use one of these guns. The airjet and nozzle are not concentric, therefore efficiency is greatly reduced.
HTMR Blast Gun
So, for the past few months, I have been working on a blast gun that solves most of the disadvantages listed on the “cheap gun”.
Here is why the HTMR Blast Gun is better:
- CNC machined in the USA. This offers very precise dimensions.
- High flow.
- Airjet and nozzle are concentric.
- Anodized aluminum body for corrosion resistance.
- Capable of dry and wet blasting.
- Gun can be set up for fast “cutting” or “polishing” speed
- Standard media port thread.
- 1/2″ air hose
- 3/4″ media hose
- Tapered ceramic nozzle for better viewing of blasting progress.
- More efficient blast pattern.
What Is Your Time Worth?
Imagine if you can get the job done in HALF the time? What are you worth per hour? What if you make money vapor blasting parts and can get the job done quicker? That means you will be more profitable. Not to mention less wear, tear, and energy usage on your compressor. Yes this gun costs more, however you need to look at the big picture: a gun is a one time buy, while time/energy wasted can really add up.
HTMR Gun Sizes Available
Currently there are 4 sizes available to match 3, 5, 7.5, and 10HP compressors. You really need to look at the CFM spec @ 90psi and match a gun closest to that. For example, my 5HP compressor spec is 19cfm @ 90psi. So the 5hp gun which consumes 16cfm @ 60psi is a good match.
Can you consume more, or run a bigger gun? Sure, I do it all the time. However, your pump won’t be able to keep up and you will have to wait for the tank to fill up. Not recommend unless you blast small stubborn parts for short durations. You can always buy different airjets and nozzles and easily swap them out.
- 3HP gun – consumes 10cfm @ 60psi
- 5HP gun – consumes 16cfm @ 60psi
- 7.5HP gun – consumes 25cfm @ 60psi
- 10HP gun – consumes 37cfm @ 60psi
BUY The HTMR Blast Gun
DIY Vapor Blaster Builds
Make sure to check out the DIY Vapor Blaster build plans that I have. You can convert an existing cabinet, build one from WOOD, or even add features to a “base” model retail machine.
Harbor Freight DIY Vapor Blaster Plans
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