VAPOUR BLASTING IN SYDNEY

[maicomc490t]

OK - This is free plug time but hopefully some may find it useful to know, especially people in Sydney.

At EXTREME expense to the management (me, lol) I have set up a vapour blaster that is the bees knees when it comes to removing years of old oxide and crappy paint from non ferrous metals and leaves behind a really nice fine, lustrous finish that id far superior to bead blasting. The machine will blast ferrous items too but it is water based so the steel or iron will go off almost straight after it is taken out of the cabinet (I have done some jobs on tanks and side panels but don't recommend it)

For those of you out there that aren't familiar with what vapour blasting is, put it is simply glass beads suspended in a water stream (along with additives as required) directed in a high volume, moderate pressure at the work being cleaned. It doesn't damage the surface like dry blasting (whether bead or angular), nor does it pose as much as a threat to oil galleries and other pockets where conventional dry blast media can impact and build up but I stress that holes and galleries should still be plugged or taped over. The finish is much cleaner and greasy finger marks can be easily cleaned off without leaving any residue unlike dry finishes. Due to the milder abrasive action dimensional stability is maintained too where dry bead can enlarge bearing bores etc.

Vapour blasting is also far more effective than soda blasting which, while good, usually leaves some oxide behind.

The blaster has a capacity of 105cms x 105cms x 80cms so can handle most jobs with ease.

I work on a one week turn around as a rule and doubt you will be disappointed as being a restorer myself I understand what bike restorers are after (except getting everything for free, lol) and will blast pretty much anything so long as it has been well degreased and crud free.

I am happy to have parts dropped off at my place after hours if required and am also more than happy to have items sent by either Aussie Post or courier as I am in the process of organising couriers to help country and interstate customers. My number is 0416074750 or email [email protected]

If anyone wants to check on the quality of my work ask Firko as I did the head and barrel for his Cheney Yammy just prior to CD7

Cheers

Dave Mac 

[vmx42]

HI Dave,
One thing I forgot to ask you a few weeks ago… does it remove anodising from aluminium parts during the process? Are we back to bare metal when it is finished?
Thanks
VMX42

[maicomc490t]

G'day VMX42

In all honesty I don't know what effect it will have on anodising as I have not blasted anything that was anodised. All the work I have done to date has been on castings and forgings but I will blast an old gold Maico rim in the next few days and report back. Generally if I was blasting something which had anodising that required protection it would be well masked up or do you want it removed?

My guess is that if the blasting stream is directed at the finish for long enough it will definitely remove the anodising as anodising is in reality only a very thin hard skin (stabilised aluminium). Usually I control the stream to keep removal of any material other than the paint and oxide to an absolute minimum which I regard as critical but I know that if I held the gun on one point I am sure I could take off additional metal but don't do that lol!

Feel free to follow up with any questions as this is a relatively new process in the restoration world, having been developed primarily for the aircraft industry.

Cheers

Dave Mac 

[vmx42]

HI Dave,
The reason I ask is that I am modifying a alloy swing arm. During the initial modifications I have removed a significant amount of the surface anodising.

Now I could pay to have it chemically stripped, but then I would have to clean up the residue before having the welding done [tig guys don't like anodised alloy for welding]. But if I had it vapour blasted, that removed the anodising then I wouldn't have to clean up any residue. Just saving me time really… one process, not two

I would be happy to drop the swingarm over to you, or you could do a test on your old Maico rims. Whichever suits you.

Thanks for the follow up. If you can let me know, I can get the swingarms to you ASAP.
Thanks
Jeff

[maicomc490t]

Hi Jeff,

I'm doing a big run of parts today (friday) and will do the rim as well. I am sure it will do the trick so get ready to send the arm and I will get it done for you asap.

Cheers mate

Dave Mac 

[vmx42]

Hi Dave,
If it works I have 3 swingarms that need to be done.

Let me know the results of your scientific testing proceedure. 
Jeff




Perhaps it would be a good idea to just do half the rim and put a pic up so the punters can see what vapour blasting can do…




















warm nuts

[maicomc490t]

Hi Jeff.

Following a harrowing day of very scientific vapour blasting experiments I am happy to report that the blaster does indeed remove the anodising (on an Akront rim at least) and leaves a very smooth finish which I reckon could easily be re-anodised as is or be used as a cleaning / preparation base for polishing.

I don't know how to post a pic I took so drop me a PM with you best email address and I will send it to you and then if you know what to do you can throw it on here.

Loctite your nuts 

Dave Mac

[Curly3]

G'day Dave, I'm very interested in sending some work your way, where in Syd and can you give a guesstimate on costing?
I'll send you an email to forward some piccies please.
While things on here seem to becoming a nutsathon I'll join in.

" EMPTY NUTS "

[vmx42]

While things on here seem to becoming a nutsathon I'll join in.

" EMPTY NUTS "

 

[Mike52]

Dave have you ever tried doing plastics?
Just wondering

[steveo247]

Just need to give dave a huge wrap with this vapour blasting!!
I sent off a few small parts to be done, and got them back not long after. I was away at the time and when my dad opened the mail he thought i had purchased NOS ones for a second!
They are spanklingly clean, look amazing.
Ill let the pictures do the talking.

and dave sorry i havn't got back to you by email, Im super impressed and will email asap!

Shock housing as it came with the basket case bike.


After shock was pulled down, a quick degrease..



And once i got them back from being capour blasted.. man they are nice..!!!!



And a few i didnt get before photos of.


Cant reccomend highly enough!
Thanks again dave.

[maicomc490t]

Hi Steve

Thanks for the rap mate and very happy you're happy! There is a bit of fiddling to do to get that finish but in the end pretty simple and not time consuming at all. Send the engine etc on when you are ready.

To the other guys that asked questions, sorry I missed them but I mainly rely on my std emails and phone. Both should be on my signature line so anyone wanting info feel free to call or email. I have no idea on how to post pics, and have even less of an idea how that new forum works - it seems all over the place to me, simple soul that I am 

Once again Steve, glad you liked the work.

Cheers

Dave Mac

[BJJ]

Thanks guysm  have added to my Favs

[steveo247]

A few more pics when i can find my camera, but these were in the same condition as the case in the foreground.
the pictures speak for themself really! Im amazed everytime i get a part back.

[YZ250H]

Anyone seen or heard from Dave Mac Lately.  I've been trying to get in touch with him.