Eastwood 51117 - User Manual

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Summary

Safety Information

Read Instructions

Thoroughly read and understand this manual before using the blaster. Learn applications, limitations, and hazards.

Health Warning

Blasters emit particles under high pressure. Adequate respiratory, eye, and body protection must be utilized at all times.

Required Safety Equipment

Use safety equipment. Eye protection (ANSI-approved safety glasses) is mandatory. Consider blast hood, hard hat, and hearing protection.

Operational Hazards

Ensure connections are tight. Do not defeat safety trigger. Store safely. Release pressure before opening tank. Check for damage.

Specifications

Tank Volume

Details the tank capacity for different models (#51117, #51118, #51119) and their abrasive media volume.

Air & Abrasive Media Supply Requirements

Specifies hose I.D., length, nozzle I.D., CFM requirements, and abrasive usage per hour.

Assembly

Remove Parts and Verify

Remove all components from the container and verify that they are present before starting assembly.

Attach Handle Bars

Attach the left and right tubular handle bars to the tank mounting tabs using screws and nuts.

Install Axle and Wheels

Slide the axle through the handle bar ends and secure the wheels with washers and cotter pins.

Attach Front Support Leg

Slide the front support leg over the stub welded to the front of the tank and secure with a cotter pin.

Connect Air Inlet Components

Attach the Air Inlet Tube to the Air Inlet Manifold/Moisture Separator and then to the tank's filler cap base.

Install Pressure Gauge and Quick Connect

Wrap threads with Teflon tape, install the pressure gauge into the inlet manifold, and attach the quick connect fitting.

Operation

Abrasive Selection

Choose abrasive type and grit size (60 grit or finer recommended). Ensure abrasive is dry. Avoid silica-based abrasives.

Important Notes

Ensure abrasive is dry and clean. Use a sifter for dry media. Avoid media grit size > 60. Locate compressor away from dust.

Loading Abrasive

Release pressure, remove filler cap, pour media using funnel, do not fill over 3/4 full, and securely re-thread filler cap.

To Begin Abrasive Blasting

Important Notes

Start with valves closed. Prevent clogs by following instructions. Set-up requires trial and error for optimal performance.

Connect Air Supply

Connect air compressor to the inlet connector and open the air supply valve. Check for leaks.

Adjust Abrasive Flow

Adjust Throttling Valve for velocity and Abrasive Control Valve for amount. Repeat adjustments for smooth, forceful flow.

Begin Blasting

Once flow is adjusted, begin blasting. Drain moisture trap frequently during use.

To Stop Blasting

Stop Blasting Procedure

Hold safety trigger, close abrasive control valve, release trigger when only air flows, ensuring a clog-free system.

Releasing Pressure from the Tank

Point nozzle safely, expel material, close valves, disconnect air supply, and press trigger until gauge reads '0'.

Nozzle Replacement

Disconnect air, release pressure, unthread collar, remove nozzle and seal, then install new nozzle and tighten securely.

Nozzle Seal Pad Replacement

Disconnect air, release pressure, remove screw and nut, pull seal pad, insert replacement, and reattach screw and nut.

Maintenance

Draining Water Trap

Drain water trap frequently during use and do not leave standing water when done blasting.

Cleaning and Inspection

Keep blaster clean, release pressure after use, check for leaks, and inspect hose and fittings for wear.

Troubleshooting

Poor Performance Tuning Flow

Most issues stem from improper set-up. Adjust Throttling and Abrasive Control Valves for optimal smooth, forceful flow.

Clumping and Caking of Media

Caused by moisture or particle contamination. Remove source, drain trap, invert blaster, and sift media for reuse.

Insufficient CFM Flow

Ensure adequate compressor CFM output. Excessive hose length reduces CFM. Check compressor size if it runs constantly.

Warranty

Product Warranty Details

One-year warranty for manufacturing defects. Contact Eastwood for return authorization and include proof of purchase.

The Eastwood Abrasive Blaster is a robust tool designed for quickly and efficiently stripping away old paint, coatings, body fillers, accumulated dirt, and moderate to major rust, leaving a clean, bare metal surface ready for repair or painting. It is available in three models, distinguished by their tank capacity:

#51117: 50-lb. Blaster (5 gallons/50-lbs. abrasive media)
#51118: 100-lb. Blaster (10 gallons/100-lbs. abrasive media)
#51119: 200-lb. Blaster (20 gallons/200-lbs. abrasive media)

All models feature an 8 ft. x 1/2" I.D. hose length and operate within a working pressure range of 60-125 psi.

Function Description:

The abrasive blaster utilizes compressed air to propel abrasive media at high velocity, effectively cleaning and preparing surfaces. It features an Inlet Manifold Assembly with a moisture separator to ensure dry air delivery, a Throttling Valve for air pressure adjustment, and an Abrasive Control Valve for regulating media flow. The blast hose is equipped with a Safety Valve/Nozzle Assembly, which includes a "dead man valve" safety trigger to prevent accidental discharge.

Important Technical Specifications:

Tank Volume: 5, 10, or 20 gallons, corresponding to 50, 100, or 200 lbs. of abrasive media.
Hose Length: 8 ft. x 1/2" I.D. for all models.
Working Pressure: 60-125 psi.
Safety Valve Release: Set at 125 psi.
Recommended Operating Pressure: 80-90 psi.
Nozzle I.D. and CFM @ 90 psi Requirements:
- 2mm: 10 CFM (30-lbs. Abrasive Use/Hr)
- 2.5mm: 12 CFM (80-lbs. Abrasive Use/Hr)
- 3mm: 16 CFM (120-lbs. Abrasive Use/Hr)
- 3.5mm: 20 CFM (150-lbs. Abrasive Use/Hr)
Abrasive Media: Designed for use with Eastwood Abrasive Blast Media. Crucially, it is not intended for use with silica-based abrasives due to severe respiratory disease risks. Recommended alternatives include Silicon Carbide, Aluminum Oxide, or Ground Glass.
Media Grit Size: Never exceed 60 grit media size to avoid nozzle clogging. Eastwood #13792 Aluminum Oxide, 90 Grit is recommended for best all-purpose performance.

Usage Features:

Assembly: The blaster requires assembly, including attaching handle bars, wheels, a front support leg, and various manifold and hose components. Teflon tape is provided for sealing threaded connections.
Safety First: Emphasizes thorough reading of instructions, inspection of connections, and the use of comprehensive safety equipment (blast hood, NIOSH-approved respiratory protection, ANSI-approved safety glasses, heavy-duty canvas gloves, long sleeves, and long pants). The Safety Trigger (dead man valve) must never be clamped open.
Abrasive Loading: Before loading, ensure the tank is depressurized (air gauge reads "0"). The filler cap is removed, and abrasive media is poured using the included funnel. The tank should not be filled more than 3/4 full. A media screen sifter or funnel strainer is recommended to prevent clogging.
Abrasive Flow Adjustment ("Tuning"): This is a critical step for optimal performance. It involves a finely tuned combination of the Throttling Valve (controls air pressure/material velocity) and the Abrasive Control Valve (controls abrasive amount). The process requires incremental adjustments to achieve a smooth, forceful flow. Operating with all valves wide open is discouraged as it reduces effectiveness.
Stopping Blasting: To prevent clogging, the Abrasive Control Valve should be closed while the Safety Trigger is still pressed, allowing only air to flow until the abrasive clears.
Depressurizing the Tank: After use, the Safety Trigger is held to expel remaining media, then the Abrasive Flow Valve, Throttling Valve, and Air Supply Valve are closed. The air supply hose is disconnected, and the Safety Trigger is pressed until the pressure gauge reads "0".
Nozzle Replacement: Involves disconnecting air, depressurizing, unthreading the knurled Nozzle Retaining Collar, and replacing the nozzle and rubber seal.
Nozzle Seal Pad Replacement: Requires removing a Phillips head screw and nut, pulling the old seal pad, inserting a new one, and replacing the screw and nut.

Maintenance Features:

Water Trap: Must be drained frequently during use and never left with standing water. It should not fill more than 1/2 of the bowl.
Cleanliness: Keep the blaster clean and protected from damage.
Pressure Release: Always release pressure from the tank after each use.
Leak Checks: Regularly check for leaks at the tank top, hoses, and fittings, especially during initial pressurization. Leaking joints should be repaired with new parts and Teflon tape.
Wear Inspection: Periodically inspect the abrasive hose, fittings, Abrasive Control Valve, Abrasive Manifold, and nozzles for wear, blistering, bulging, or thinness. These components are subject to rapid wear due to abrasive action and must be replaced immediately if damaged.
Media Quality: Ensure abrasive media is dry and clean to prevent clogging. The use of a media screen sifter or funnel strainer is highly recommended.
Compressor Placement: It is advisable to locate the air compressor in a separate room to protect it from damaging dust and debris.

The manual also provides troubleshooting steps for common issues like clumping media or insufficient CFM flow, emphasizing proper "tuning" and media management. A one-year warranty covers manufacturing defects, with specific instructions for returns and repairs.