Sandblaster Foot Pedal

[smallbitz]

I have a HF sandblasting cabinet with a dust collector and compressor. I just love it, but when I have to work for any serious amount of time, I find that my hand gets pretty tired squeezing the gun.

Does anyone know where I can get a foot pedal? Also, how complicated is it to install?

Thanks!

[Barbel]

Harbor Freight, works like a charm!
Have fun with it, much better than the pistol grip,
Barbel

[jim burchett]

Don't see a foot switch listed on their site...do you know the #?

[Tony Smith]

Foot pedals are usually only available for siphon blasters. That's not what you want for a pressure pot. Glastar used to sell the foot pedal and valve that they use on their pressure pot separately, but I don't see it listed on their website. You might give them a call and ask.

Rayzist sells their version of the pressure pot foot pedal and valve, but it's pricey.

Tony

[Barbel]

bought mine several years ago, have not checked since then
Barbel

[Marty]

Glastar's is still available, buried somewhere on their website. It requires some maintenance though- you have to keep on top of changing the diaphragm when the air won't shut off and it's good to keep an extra teflon body around. Otherwise it's a great unit for a pressure pot system.

[smallbitz]

Thanks for the info. I'll check out the Glastar site and see if I can find out more about what they have to offer.

[Rick Wilton]

http://ikonicsimaging.com/wp/store/prod ... ies-parts/

These guys sell a foot pedal that operates a pinch valve. I've been using this system for a years and really prefer it to the old rayzist diaphragm setup.

[smallbitz]

Rick - is it the CrystalBlast replacement foot pedal?

[Rick Wilton]

Yes, I use a this pedal.



with this valve



These work with pressure pots NOT SIPHON.

They do also have the valve MArty was talking about

[smallbitz]

Great. Thanks!

[jim burchett]

Ditto

[Tony Smith]

Nice!!! I hadn't seen the pinch valve commercialized before. This is a great source for parts.

Tony

[Marty]

Tony and Rick- The pinch valve has the same function as the diaphragm in Glastar's unit? How about longevity and cost of replacement?

[Don Burt]

I had a footswitch connected to my pressure pot. It worked ok. I disconnected it though. Too many tubes tangling around and points at which clogs could occur. Instead I put my pressure pot on a stand, with the abrasive shutoff valve close by my right arm, so I can adjust it quickly. Still not a perfect solution.

[Rick Wilton]

I've been using there pinch valve for over a couple years and finally did wear out one of the gaskets. It cost $37.00 to replace the bladder, I believe these bladders last a lot longer than the old diaphragm as in the old system the abrasive had to take a 90 degree turn bouncing off the diaphragm causing wear and tear. On my valve the bladder is completely out of the way and lets the media flow freely through the valve.

[lmartine]

Rick,

The body of the pinch valve that you suggest seems to be made out of plastic while those found here:

http://www.akopinchvalves.com/threaded-union-end.html

are made out of aluminum. I was told that it does matter for our application. Any thoughts?

Lucie

[Rick Wilton]

The abrasive NEVER comes in contact with any of the housing. It flow directly into the pinch membrane, while I suppose the aluminum would be a better material it may be unnecessary.

If pricing is comparable I'd likely go with the aluminum as it'll likely last longer. You need to untread both ends of the housing to change in the bladder and the plastic will wear out long before the aluminum would.

Any idea about pricing of the aluminum?

Thanks,

[lmartine]

Same as yours. They quoted me US$149 for:

Pinch Valve, 1/2", direct air operated, union end socket
Housing: aluminum;
Sockets: 1/2" NPT zinc plated carbon steel;
Sleeve: abrasion resistant natural rubber;
Temperature: up to 175 Deg. F;
Product pressure: up to 90 psi;
Control air connection: G1/4";
Control air pressure: up to 120 psi

Extra rubber sleeve at US$38

Lucie