Sandblasting

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. I do alot of trailers, rims, and car restorations.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. I take my job serious, and blast them as if they were my own. I dont look for short cuts on projects. Usually these short cuts will affect the final results. I wont re use my crushed glass and pour it back in the sand blast pot. First of all the efficiency of the

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. Each project is unique, and the time and materials involved are also individual. The only secret I have is that this profession takes patience. Just because a boat trailer took 2 hours last time, doesnt mean the next one will. Each project has different corrosion extents, and also some finish coats are more difficult to remove.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. Know the size and general condition of item. And that I can only give you a rough idea of cost.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. Fast, cost effective method of paint and rust removal. I can sandblast items as small as door handles, and hinges, to semi chasis. I only use crushed glass as my media, sand has salt and impurities that will compromise finish coats.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. The variety of projects. I like to work on different items to break up the day. I have sandblasted everything from anhydrous tanks, to semi chasis. Every thing is unique, each one is in different condition and presents new ways of solving them. I also like when opportunity lets me apply protective coatings and make the project look like new.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. Are you mobile? Yes I am, but the size of the project and distance must be taken into consideration. I dont think I would travel to sandblast a couple of auto rims, but I have traveled to sandblast complete tractors, grain wagons, and cars that are undergoing extensive reconditioning. Another question I get is how much do you charge. I charge based on conditon of item, and how long I project it to take to be done.

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. I had an older gentleman come by and had me sandblast several old cast iron skillets. Turns out they were his grandpas, and he was cleaning them up for his son. I blasted them, and he was very pleased and excited to pass them on once again.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. That it is very hot inside my blasting suit. I dont even bother to blast if I can help it if its above 90. On the flip side, it can also be very cold working in the winter on projects.

It is very hard work, and you do get dirty. Not alot of people are ready, willing, and able to do this line of work. Fortunately I am, and so far have had fun in the process.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. Saw the need for this in the local area, and knew in the community it was overlooked but needed.

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. Just completed 16 anhydrous tank and chasis for a nearby co-op. Finished them with epoxy and urethane topcoats.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. No.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. Recently switched from coal slag to a cleaner media of crushed glass.

Q. Describe your most recent project, what it involved, how much it cost, and how long it took.

A. Co-op anhydrous tanks. Involved 2500 pounds of media, mobile compressor setup, and protective coatings. 16 tanks, chasis, and wheel rim combos, took 3 days.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. Each job is priced individualy.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. Think again. Its long hours, dirty work, and very hot in the summer.

Q. Write your own question and answer it.

A. How long have you done this?
I have been sandblasting at this level for 4 years.