Multi-Purposing my Blast Cabinet

[everettdavis]

As I wrote in the Got Rust? Want it Gone? document, I mentioned that have plans to update my Econoline Blast Cabinet to make it more productive in the floor space it occupies.

I discussed adding a recirculating solution such as the Ultra One Safest Rust Remover in a 5 gallon bucket below the hopper, after I remove blast media to help the unit pay it's way for the floor space it takes up in the shop by providing alternative to blast media rust removal.

I plan on fabricating and welding up a newer larger inspection glass area than the one it has now.

While I was sketching some options on paper it struck me that I can make it even more functional by adding a third and fourth functionality to it.

I am considering a drop in inspection window that will come out seals and all, allowing me to use the open chamber for powder coating, then dropping in a heat lamp assembly into the inspection window port to make the whole chamber a powder coating oven.

By replicating that port opening at the top, I can fabricate a high visibility light box that can lift out when using as an oven, replacing it with a second heat lamp assembly and temperature control at the top to enhance the powder coating oven's capabilities.

Obviously the gloves, rubber grommets and air hose lines are not going to be oven friendly, so they have to pop out when in oven is use, should reasonable cost high temp parts not be found.

I am curious. Has anyone else here "been there / done something like that" before, and can anyone see yet another function for the Blast Cabinet enclosure that I have yet to envision?

Your thoughts and comments are welcomed!

Thanks,

Everett

Updating Blast Cabinet - Revisited.png (448.82 KiB) Viewed 1969 times

[everettdavis]

After consulting with some folks in my area who do a lot of powder coating, it is going to produce better results to build a cabinet specifically tasked for a powder coating oven rather than temporarily re-purpose the blast cabinet from time to time.

Key among the issues are radiant heat requires an insulated surface to maximize the ambient air heat. That is impractical.

Using IR heat requires a line of sight with rotation of the larger parts or relocating the lamp itself inside the cabinet, that too is impractical.

I will leave the planned re-circulation rust removal re-purposing in place, and either purchase or build an oven, or use a stand lamp for larger parts, and the small oven from Eastwood for small stuff.

Thanks for the private emails some of you sent, that echoed many of the same thoughts.

Everett