How-To: DIY Vapor Blaster Build Plans
A couple of months ago I had some parts vapor blasted for my CB550 bottom end project. The finish vapor blasting produces on aluminum parts is just freaking awesome! It restores them to “like new” that can’t be achieved from any other process.
There is just one problem: vapor blasting machines are very EXPENSIVE!
The machine used on the CB550 parts costs somewhere in the $25,000 range! I think the least expensive machine on the market costs around $4,000!
So I set out to convert my harbor freight dry blast cabinet into a VAPOR BLASTER!
Turns out the conversion is not that hard, was fun, and was able to do it for $1300 or less. Is it as nice as the machines mentioned above? Hell no, however I am getting the same results in MY garage.
So if you would like to build your own cabinet, I have made plans that anyone can follow and finally have vapor blasting available for your projects!
DIY Plans
Plans include a 6.5 hour long instructional video, wiring schematic, and part list with links to products needed for the build.
Open vs. Closed Loop
Open loop requires a fresh water hook up for rinse nozzle and window wash. Water that is added to the system needs to be periodically drained off and disposed of. This type of machine works great if water hook up and drain is available. Also, it costs less than the closed loop version to build.
Closed loop has self filtering and contained water. Water added to the system is drained off via manual or automated overflow valve and sent through several filter boxes to drop out any media from the water. Plans feature a programmable timer delay and air operated overflow valve to automatically puke water into filter boxes. Water becomes relatively clean and is supplied to on demand water pump for rinse nozzle and window wash. (Note: that automated overflow valve can also be used for open loop, however that information is covered in the closed loop plans).
This type of machine is ideal when water hook up is not available or difficult to access (for me it was dragging a garden hose during winter time…no thanks).
Watch the video below that explains open loop vs. closed loop
How The Machine Works
I set this machine up so that once you hit the power button, all you have to do is hit the air operated foot pedal and everything turns on and you can begin blasting. Lift your foot off, and everything turns off.
When you hit the foot pedal and start blasting, the following happens behind the scenes:
- Air gets supplied to gun
- Slurry pump is turned on, which simultaneously agitates the water/media and pumps it to the blast gun.
- Water solenoid is turned on and fresh water is squirted on the glass window.
- Wiper motor turns on and keeps the window clean.
- For closed loop, a timer delay and air solenoid open the overflow valve to automatically puke water into filter boxes after you finish blasting.
WOOD 42×30 & 60×40 DIY Build
If the HF cabinet is too small for your needs, I have plans on how to build a much larger 42×30 or 60×40 cabinet from 3-5 sheets of PLYWOOD, which is waterproofed, and works amazing!
BUNDLE: Both Plans
Don’t know which machine to build: HF or wood version? I have bundled the plans so that you can view all the info and then make a decision. Or build them both!
Other Requirements
- Requires hookup to fresh water garden hose (open loop only)
- 120V/220V depending where you live.
- Compressor with 6+ CFM minimum. See below.
Compressor / Blast Gun
How well this machine will process parts is completely dependent on how much CFM your compressor outputs. Simply put, the more CFM you have, the larger the air jet and nozzle you can run in the blast gun, resulting in more blasting power. Sure it will work with a smaller compressor, however it WILL just take LONGER, and you will be waiting for the compressor to catch up. This is true with any blasting, wet or dry.
The plans include information on how to build a custom gun, so you can set it up to consume whatever CFM you have available. I provide several gun “recipes” for 6-25 CFM and everything in between. Watch video below to compare blasting power with varying CFM.
Bare Bones Version
You could build a vapor blaster for much less, if you decide to not include some features: window wiper, window wash, control box for automation, and foot pedal. Also, using plastic fittings instead of brass will reduce the cost. I have included a “bare bones” part/cost list in the plans that get the cost down to $550 or so. The video explains this in more detail.
Mixing Abrasives
One nice thing about the pump & agitation system, is the fact that you can mix 2 different abrasives to get the desired result. In the video below, I was dealing with a 40+ year old part that had stubborn corrosion on it. A blend of glass bead and aluminum oxide performs a “cut” and “polish” step all in one for the first pass. You can then change back to fine finishing media to get a nice satin look.
220V Info / Awesome DIY Builds
Plans include a pdf document with 220V information for those of you living outside the US. There are 5 different parts required to source in 220V instead of 120V. Links to parts provided.
Below is a video of DIY builds from around the world! These people have picked up the plans and built their own cabinets. Another thing to note is that these plans can be used to convert pretty much any cabinet.
HTMR Blast Gun
Another way you can make this machine work TWICE as fast is to simply upgrade the blast gun. The inexpensive $30-40 gun that I originally used (and found in expensive retail machines) is very inefficient. The HTMR Blast Gun is a high flow precision gun that simply makes the best of the CFM you have available. They can be purchased here.
Matt,
I was trying to buy the plans from you for the vapor blast cabinet, but it says the creator disabled video downloads. Can you help me out with this.
Thanks
Johnny
Johhny,
Once you purchase the plans, the videos are streaming only (instantly). I don’t your email, so the purchase did not go through???
Need help trouble shooting.
I built open loop first.
Power supply for light is dimming low and bright over and over. It’s causing the led light to strobe. I’m about to hook up air and test everything else but would this be a bad power supply?
The green light on power supply? Make sure that the voltage switch (if any) is selected to 120v and not 230v is you live in the US.
How do I order?
Here is the direct link: https://gum.co/diyvaporblasterplans
Hello, Matthew I just wanted to tell you that I am very happy that I bought the Vapor blasting cabinet plans from you. Your videos show a lot more than you can see or would even think of having built into the cabinet they are great. One thing that I have run into with your plans is that on your parts list and places to purchase the parts from has really changed. Some of the prices for the parts that you have on the parts list have doubled in price and some have tripled. like the air pressure valve , 3/4″ to 1/2″ barbed fitting from $8.00 to $37.50 wash down coiled marine hose $25.00 to $59.00. I know you have nothing to do with the prices on these parts I just wanted to let you know, if you had not seen the price jumps lately. I haven’t got mine together yet waiting on the guns to get here. the first I got off of E-bay and the guy sent me a gun that was in pieces and would not even go together. When I asked about a new one he said he would refund me $8.00 and then I could fix it and that would work for him. It took a week but got my money and he said I canceled the order or it was lost, complete jerk. I will send pics when it is done. Aron
Aron,
Yes I understand. The parts list also has a vendor PN column, so try a google search and shop around for best pricing. I’m sure prices are all over the place due to the covid-19 pandemic.
Thanks for the compliments on the video.
Matt
Hi im from Scotland, do you get access to all video’s if you become a patron and is that a maximum of usd 10 per month, or 1 dollar per new video created upto a max of 10 usd per month? can I set up a paypal payment, easier for me with the currency exchange and charges?
Lenny,
You would need to become a patron at the $10 level, and also support every future video for $10 as well. I post about 2 videos a month. I don’t collect pledges for every video either, it just depends.
Here is how to use paypal with Patreon:
https://support.patreon.com/hc/en-us/articles/115001917686-Why-do-I-need-to-add-a-credit-card-for-PayPal-
Matt
Cheers Matt, ill purchase the plans, i need to get a cabinet and compressor first. Probably a couple of weeks
OK Lenny, sound good!
Is there an option for purchasing additional closed loop videos if you already have open loop plans? Thanks!
Aaron, I sent an email to all people who have bought the open loop plans. Email had a discount link for upgrade to closed loop.
Did you get it?
Matt
how do i get your system design?
Here is the direct link:
https://gum.co/vaporblasterplans
Matt
Hi Matthew on highly polished alloy , if you bead blasted then used the polishing wheels I would think you would get an incredible finish , is this correct ? The price to the update to the closed loop system , thanks James
If you vapor blast prior to polishing, yes, polsihing will go MUCH easier.
Closed loop parts cost me about $300.
l like your vapor cabinet bluster… can you sale to me… im from malaysia… ws me sir pless 0173522686 malaysia number tq sir
Sure, just follow the link above.
Hi I am trying to purchase the closed loop plans, I click on the 89dlr option and then I want this and nothing happens?
please advise?
BTW i tried the link above to gumco/vapourblasterplans and it did not work just sat there for ages with nothing going on.
I see it went through. Thanks!
Hi what is cost for the plans
Here is the link to view pricing. Are you interested in open or closed loop?
Sorry click on but dose not take me to a link
Oops, forgot to provide link in previous response. Here it is:
https://gumroad.com/l/vaporblasterplans
Matt
Hello I’m interested in the plans. Want to do some questions first. Can you reply me by email?
Sure, email sent.
Sorry not sure what the difference
Please read the “Open loop vs. closed loop” above so you can see what is right for you.
Hey Matt
Hope all is well ,do you have pdf versions so we can lay out while we’re building this stuff ? Also if your server or something goes down I like hard copies call me old fashion but having in hand guarantees me my computer won’t crash !!!
Yes, all the schematics and parts list can be downloaded. Don’t worry I have extra backups!
I am interested in plans, but have a few questions. Are plans for building a vapor blast gun included? Is a 16CFM@90 PSI efficient enough?
Yes the plans include how to build a cheap chinese gun. 16-18 cfm is all I have as well and it works fine. You will increase blasting speed by upgrading to the HTMR blast gun when you are ready.
Hey Matthew,
I purchased the plans but never got email with pdf’s. I see the charge went through. Is there anything else needed to get the plans and videos?
I will send you an email to sort it out.
Is your email .com or .net? Plans were purchased with .com.
.net
Thanks for the quick response. BTW, I did get the emails. Keep up the great work.
Enjoy!
Hey Matt,
From Australia, we run 240 volt and measure stuff in metric – insert funny sh$% talking about imperial/metric here. I am keen to build the open loop unit, I believe the hardware will be easy to get a hold of over here too, my concern was the difference in voltage on certain components – am sure it will likely be a case of just getting the 240 equivalent, but before I pull the trigger on this, what are your thoughts? Great work by the way mate.
Hi Mitch,
I studied engineering, everything was metric in school, and loved it!
Yes, the plans include a document for components that would work for your country.
BTW, I had a bunch of people buy the plans outisde the US and they were able to build it no problem.
Awesome, thanks mate. I will follow the prompts, pay the moolah and get at it. Cheers, Mitch.
Hi Matt,
I see that you mention plans for 240v in Australia. Does the package include components list (metric) and buy links for European countries? With taxes and imperial measurements this could become quite some work just to match component. I’m from Denmark, but UK and DE shops are usually fine. Would of course be easiest with component from regular hardware stores. If it is not included I could create one for European countries.
Great videos!
Cheers,
Jonas
Hi Jonas,
Yes, I include a document for 220/240V differences. There are a few components that will need to be purchased in 220V instead of 120V. I’ve had a dozen or more people in Europe/Australia/Asia buy the plans and build it themselves.
Go for it!
Matt
Hi Matt,
Thank you for the quick response! I’m definitely going for it. But at the moment I do not have room for the entire cabinet, so I was thinking just buying the correct gun, pump, fittings and compressor and then be able to rebuild the components into a cabinet in the future. My everyday need is very limited at the moment, but still nice to have for future bikes. Would this be possible? It will most likely be a complete waste system or maybe in a large open box with the wastewater underneath for reuse and a bucket with the slurry. I will, of course, have to build the cabinet at a later time – yours looks amazing. I would prefer to buy the correct quality products now and then rebuild with them later.
Are the components list a complete shopping list with European stores listed with links? Or is it more a description of .. lets say the pump .. and then I’ll be able to find an identical or close to identical one myself?
Cheers,
Jonas
Hi Jonas,
I would not recommend building this as a complete loss system. The media is much too expensive. However there is “dustless blasting” that uses crushed glass media that is cheap, however does not provide a “nice” satin finish.
Some parts you can source locally, others may have to ship from the US.
Having said that, people from all over the world are building these units by themselves with these plans.
I’m considering setting up to do this, but have a question. I live in upper Michigan and this will be set up in a workshop that is not always heated in the winter. Can some form of antifreeze be used in a closed loop system to avoid freezing when not in use, or will it have negatively results on the finish, not cut as well, or something else negative? YouTube and Google research has lead me no where. Hoping you might know.
Hi Jason,
I’m in a similar boat living in Chicago. I keep my garage heated at 45°F, and only seems to cost $20/mo.
I also have several heaters that I use. One to heat the sump to get the water hot for dealing with grease and oil removal. I use another heater to keep the pit above freezing when not in use.
For closed loop, you will need to drain the lines. Also, you need to drain the bins or run multiple heaters to prevent freezing.
Matt
Hi Matt,
From Greece, great work!, definitely in my plans to built one, i was wondering when you make the conversion to wet blasting can you also do dry blast?
Cheers, Panos
No, I would not recommend switching from dry to wet in same cabinet.
Hi Matthew,
Absoltely top quality!! I’m about three quarters of the way through the renovation of a 1st generation Honda XL 500SA I caught this video just at the right time as I still have the engine, Carburettor and side cases all to clean down and paint. I’m also renovating a Single cab VW pickup truck which I bough years ago with no engine, gearbox, seats or pretty much anything much to talk about in it. Thankfully over the year’s I’ve managed to get a 1.9 AAZ TD engine out of a Golf,a 5 speed box, half leather Seats from a Mercedes 190 sports car but there’s load’s of fittings that this machine will make the difference of a cowboy job and a professional job which is what I want.
Just one question, what will you accept for the plan’s and documentation, you must have sold a few now and know what the going rate is?
Matthew,
I just left you a message, just to let you know, I live in Telford, Shropshire, UK if I purchase the plans I intend to build a large version of this machine with a front loading door suitable for blasting wheels. The information youv’e provided will be used to calculate what size pump is required, nozzles etc, I will document my build as I do it for you if it help’s.
This is the Blast cabinet I intend to use, although I intend to ditch the current included dust extractor, what are your view’s I realise it’s expensive but it has a lot of standard features and also comes in white as standard?
https://www.sandblasters.co.uk/sbc420-large-foot-operated-sand-blast-cabinet-with-built-in-dust-extractor-25-p.asp
Justin
Justin,
Yes you can use these parts and plans to convert any cabinet. If you look at the “vapor blasters from around the world” video above, others have used the SBC350 & SBC990 to convert. Both those people are located in Europe and used these plans for their builds.
Hi
I would like buy the plan’s
How do I
my email address is akbledig@gmail.com
regards
Allen Bledig
Here is the direct checkout page:
https://gum.co/vaporblasterplans
Matt
How long would it take to build such a Unit?
Thanks
Probably 8-10hrs.
Hi Matthew, bought the plans few weeks ago and just getting round to reading through all the docs and watching the videos. The documents are all fine when viewed on my phone but on my laptop they are very blurry and impossible to read. is there a fix for this. Thanks
Kris,
The PDF’s are intended to be downloaded and viewed in Adobe or other software. Try that and let me know.
Hey man! I’m having so much fun with this build. I just have one silly question. I’m doing the open loop build for now and have got piles of parts sorted and grouped by components etc. I have got a total of 4 brass couplers. 3/4, 1/2, 1/4 and 1/8. I’ve got the 3 big ones set aside for the slurry / air and the fresh water window sprayer. I can’t figure out where this 1/8 coupler goes. What am I missing?
Thank you!
Daniel
Glad you are having fun with it! Coupler you mentioned goes in the control box.
Hi Matthew, I have three motorcycle projects underway. Your plans are great and will be put to good use.
Question – I am pulling the engine on my Honda Prelude project to clean up the engine bay. Would you consider it practical to use the system outside the cabinet to clean up the engine? I don’t expect a new finish, just remove the light corrosion and discoloration, etc.
No. You would have to refill with water and media every minute. It would be a total loss system. The fine media costs $1/lb, it would cost a fortune.
I am very interested in having a complete tutorial and plan for making a vapor blaster. How to. I’m in indinesia country
I responded to your email. The plans cover everything you need.
Can a blast cabinet that has been adapted to vapor blasting still be used for dry blasting?
I guess it could, however you are going to spend a lot of time cleaning and setting up between the 2 processes.
Mate I’m in Australia and am trying to buy the closed loop plans for the vapour blaster but cannot get you page to work. Hit the $99.00 button but nothing happens.
Mark,
You have to enter the price in the field, then check out.
need help please. the pump works fine but when i turn the air on the air overpowers the water mix and only air comes out the nozzle. any ideas? thanks
Are you going off my plans? I don’t see that you made a purchase?
Matt
Hi Matthew
I can’t seem to find any of the schematics for the pneumatic side of things or any GAs or any thing like that in the files, am I missing something?
Also is there a compiled version of the PDFs? it is really annoying having to switch between and find the right one again.
kind regards
Jake
Jake,
Make sure you download the PDF’s by hitting the “download” button vs reading them in the library. There is a pneumatic schematic in the plans.
What are GAs?
Matt
hello, do these diy vapor blast build plans include help on what medias to run and quantities
Yes. I also offer email support and can help with media selection.
I tried direct link: https://gum.co/diyvaporblasterplans and just takes me to a page with the “I Want This” link but does nothing when clicked. Would like to buy the closed loop plans!
Moe, you have to enter the price in price field, then hit I want this.
Gday Matthew
Upon purchase of plans and videos is it all sent to email with links etc and is instantly sent or a waiting period??
Instant access to videos and plans.
Hello. I would like to know if it’s possible with your plan to use soda media for wet blasting ? I would like to clean aluminium internals ( Honda ) so I don’t want to use “sand” for that purpose.
Thanks
Best regards,
Luigi
Yes you can use wet soda.