Shot Blasting Tools & Cabinets

About Shot Blasting Tools & Cabinets

Shot blasting tools and cabinets are essential equipment for removing rust, paint, corrosion and surface contaminants from metal components and other materials. Whether you're restoring automotive parts, preparing surfaces for powder coating or cleaning fabricated metalwork, these specialist tools deliver professional results by propelling abrasive media at high velocity against the workpiece. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks everything from portable shot blasting kits for mobile applications to fully enclosed cabinets for safe, contained blasting in workshop environments.

Shot blasting cabinets provide a controlled environment for surface preparation work, featuring integral dust extraction systems, viewing windows and sealed glove ports for operator safety. Available in bench-mounted, floor-standing and double-access configurations from leading brands like Sealey and Draper, these cabinets contain the abrasive media and dust generated during the blasting process, protecting both the operator and surrounding workspace. MyToolShed also supplies soda blasting equipment, which uses sodium bicarbonate as a gentler abrasive medium, perfect for delicate surfaces where traditional shot blasting might cause damage.

Applications

Shot blasting equipment serves a diverse range of professionals and enthusiasts across multiple industries:

• Automotive restorers: Classic car enthusiasts and professional restoration specialists removing paint, rust and corrosion from vehicle panels, chassis components and engine parts
• Fabricators and welders: Metal fabrication workshops preparing surfaces for welding, coating or finishing processes
• Powder coating specialists: Professional coating businesses requiring thorough surface preparation before powder coating application
• Agricultural engineers: Farm machinery maintenance teams restoring and refurbishing agricultural equipment components
• Plant and equipment maintainers: Industrial maintenance teams servicing heavy machinery, removing corrosion and preparing surfaces for protective coatings
• Marine engineers: Boat builders and repair specialists treating marine components subject to saltwater corrosion
• DIY enthusiasts: Home workshop users tackling restoration projects, garden furniture refurbishment and metalwork preparation
• Motorcycle restorers: Custom bike builders cleaning engine casings, frames and components

Choosing The Right Shot Blasting Tools & Cabinets

Cabinet size and configuration: Consider the maximum dimensions of components you'll be blasting. Bench-mounted cabinets suit smaller parts and workshops with limited floor space, whilst floor-standing models accommodate larger components. Double-access cabinets provide convenient loading from two sides, ideal for production environments.

Portability requirements: Portable shot blasting kits offer flexibility for on-site work, whilst cabinet-based systems provide superior dust containment and operator comfort for permanent workshop installations.

Blasting media type: Determine whether traditional shot blasting or gentler soda blasting better suits your applications. Soda blasting excels with aluminium, chrome and delicate surfaces, whilst traditional shot blasting with steel media provides more aggressive cleaning for heavily corroded ferrous components.

Air supply requirements: Shot blasting equipment requires a suitable compressed air supply, typically between 6-8 bar operating pressure. Verify your existing compressor capacity matches the equipment's air consumption requirements, usually around 14-15 CFM (approximately 400 litres per minute) for consistent performance.

Extraction and dust control: Effective dust extraction is essential for visibility, operator safety and compliance with HSE workplace exposure limits. Check whether cabinets at MyToolShed.co.uk include integral extraction fans or require connection to separate dust extraction systems.

Safety Information

Respiratory protection: Always wear appropriate respiratory protection when handling abrasive media and cleaning cabinets. Some blasting media, particularly silica-based products, pose serious inhalation hazards. Follow HSE guidance on respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and workplace exposure limits (WELs).

Dust extraction: Ensure extraction systems operate effectively before commencing blasting operations. COSHH regulations require adequate control of hazardous substances, including dust from abrasive media and removed surface coatings.

Eye and hand protection: Wear safety glasses when operating portable equipment or maintaining cabinets. Inspect cabinet gloves regularly for tears or degradation and replace damaged gloves immediately.

Compressed air safety: Verify all airline connections are secure before pressurising systems. Never direct compressed air towards yourself or others. Ensure compressed air supplies include appropriate filtration to remove moisture and contaminants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between shot blasting and soda blasting?

Shot blasting typically uses metallic abrasives like steel shot or grit for aggressive cleaning of heavily corroded components, whilst soda blasting uses sodium bicarbonate as a gentler medium. Soda blasting is ideal for delicate surfaces, aluminium components and applications where substrate damage must be minimised, such as classic car restoration work.

What size air compressor do I need for shot blasting?

Most shot blasting equipment requires a minimum of 14-15 CFM (approximately 400 litres per minute) at 6-8 bar operating pressure. A compressor with a tank capacity of at least 150 litres and a 3HP 240v motor typically provides adequate performance for intermittent use. For continuous professional applications, consider larger compressors rated at 200+ litres per minute.

How often should I replace the abrasive media?

Media lifespan depends on the abrasive type, blasting pressure and workpiece material. Steel shot can be reused multiple times until it breaks down into smaller particles, whilst soda blasting media typically has single-use applications as it dissolves during use. Monitor blasting effectiveness—when you notice reduced cleaning speed or inconsistent results, the media likely needs replenishing or replacing.