Parts 07 - Motion gear
Hi,
In recent postings I mentioned that I was trying to find a way of getting the rods to look acceptable without paint.
I have tried Wet n Dry 1500 grade paper and whilst the finish is nice it is difficult to cover the surface 100% because of the indents.
I also suggested light bead blasting may also provide a acceptable finish.
See below the result of bead blasting at 50psi.
I still need to apply clear etch primer and probably matt lacquer.
I suspect this is the route I will now take for all the motion gear.
regards
Dennis

Hi Tomick,
Yes, pleased with overall effect. I may add a touch of black to lacquer coat. I ordered and received clear metal primer off
MDC, excellent service. Tamiya clear metal primer did not appear to be stocked in UK and postal charges from overseas
Were ouch!
Rgds
Dennis

Parts 07 Motion Gear

Following my previous posting I have now bead blasted all the motion gear.This included the cross heads and the motion bars. Removing the bars was a little messy due to available space when removing the screws.
All parts were degreased after blasting and then airbrushed with clear metal primer as previously mentioned. Finally all the parts were airbrushed with matt lacquer. I did add a very small amount of gloss black which has dulled the 'brightness' that was evident after blasting.
I must say holding the smaller items was difficult when bead blasting but the results are worthwhile.
Finished rods shown below.

regards
Dennis

Hi Peter,
Blasting of metals is a common way of preparing the surface of metals. When it comes to removing paint or rust then abrasive grits are used and high air pressures. Softer metals would suffer badly if blasted with these.
Blasting may be carried out on an industrial scale as open plan. However as we need to blast smaller items then cabinets are used whereby the medium is recycled to and from a type of spray gun.
Gentle blasting is used as a way of cleaning up metals such as alloy castings etc.
As we need a more gentle action then various 'grit's are available from soda ash to glass beads and many others. Grits that seem harmless normally when 'blasted' onto the item have an abrasive effect.
My main hobby is restoring old motorcycles and as such I have a small home built cabinet (see below). This has a glass window to enable the process to be viewed. A hinged/sealed door for access and a pair of sealed in long rubber gloves that enable the user to hold items with one hand and the blast gun with the other.
The base of the cabinet is angled downwards to encourage gravity to keep draining the used beads back to the gun via pipework and the air flow which as well as propelling the grit also provides a venturi action.
The air pressure can be varied, lower settings being less abrasive.
I am now happy with the results.

Always check threaded components for residual grit otherwise it may play havoc when inserting screws.

I Hope that helps.

I am sure searching online for bead blasting will also provide some guidence.

regards

Dennis

Hi Jade,

Thank you. I am pleased with the effect.

Regards

Dennis

Hi Andy,

After reading and seeing your own results I did buy some Alclad, steel paint but I just wasn't happy with the result.
I am used to the effect that bead blasting can produce. Except for looking light, which has been reversed it's worked well.If you need any help re bead blast in then let me know.
Thank you for your comments.

Regards

Dennis

Hi Andy,

If anything those two airbrush style units may be more appropriate. My own is somewhat unwieldy
On such small items.
The actual grit used and the pressure will produce varying results. Use a fine abrasive like glass beads. I know suppliers can be found even on eBay.
Don,t underestimate containing the grit from the spray.
You could simply use the gun outside and run total loss but that would be expensive.

Regards

Dennis

Hi Andy,

Always worth being self sufficient. It will be a useful tool.
Be careful I have used sand on a rusty motorcycle frame and it was fine.
However the result depends upon metal being blasted, type of grit, air pressure and flow.
On those alloy parts it may be too abrasive although the small gun will help.

Let me know how you get on?

Regards

Dennis

Hi Andy,

Not a big investment.
One thing is the nozzle through which the abrasive passes does wear.
I use ceramic nozzles and they still wear. Although limited use like small
parts should mean slow wear depending upon nozzle material.

Regards

Dennis

Hi Jase
The nozzle seams to be of metal construction looking at the enlarged pic on the one i have bought
regards
Andy