Vapor Vapour Wet Agua Blasting....

[umberto]

That's impressive!  The thing looks brand new, maybe even better.  Looks like easier clean up as well.

[sandblaster]

We compared a vapor blasted set of KX500 cases to a brand new factory set.
The vapor blasted set looks better.
But to be completely fair, glass blasting aluminum first is great preparation for vapor blasting as it takes a lot less time.
I need to get the oven out and do some baked clear coats to see how well it will hold up...
I vapor blasted and clear coated a stator cover off a old RM125 for a customer and he was blown away..

[sandblaster]

You could say that this is the hub of our vapor blasting activity 

[Brute]

What the?!?! That is a bunch of hubs!

[sandblaster]

I found 4 more fronts today...
Geeze... It's time to dump some of these things...

[sandblaster]

2001 RM250 we are building

[bishboy]

I've heard that vapour/aqua blasting actually seals the alloy and you don't need to clear coat/paint etc.  And it even is resistant to fingerprints!

Is this correct??

[sandblaster]

Nope... all lies  
It does somewhat seal the surface metal but greasy finger prints ect will still show.
Not as bad as dry blasting methods but still they will show.
Normal finger prints will not show.
We have been experimenting with clear coats but the schools still out on that one.
The biggest problem is fuel resistance.
If you have something you want to experiment with, send it to me and I'll blast it.
But, you have to post your results.
Or if you have a suggestion for a easy experiment I'm open to fresh ideas.
One other point.
If you do Vapor blast a engine, you better keep your hands clean while assembling it  

[Brute]

I am curious about residue? If a person was planning on welding the item would there be residue from the detergent or beads?

[umberto]

I don't want to speak out of turn, but I remember Sandblaster said that the 2007 AF build frame was aqua blasted and the welder commented that it was very easy to weld because it was so clean.

I was smiling when I saw it  
My welder said that it was so clean it welded like butter.
It took very little time to heat the material even the thicker pieces.
I guess Vapor blasting was a good idea after all  

http://www.kxriders.com/forums/index.php/topic,13931.75.html

[sandblaster]

There are no chemicals, just air, water, and glass beads.
We could use chemicals but don't see a good reason for what we are doing.
So the only possible residue is the glass beads.
The beads we use are very fine so that is a issue when building a motor.
We rinse the parts in water, air dry with a compressor, and then flush with carb cleaner to be sure we got it all.
Welding parts that have been Vapor blasted is awesome.
Our welder Guru is VERY happy with how clean the parts are.
He has never complained about any residue but raves about how good our stuff welds.

[Brute]

I just reread all that this morning and STILL did not remember that part...  Speak away, I won't remember it anyway obviously! 

I don't want to speak out of turn, but I remember Sandblaster said that the 2007 AF build frame was aqua blasted and the welder commented that it was very easy to weld because it was so clean.

I was smiling when I saw it  
My welder said that it was so clean it welded like butter.
It took very little time to heat the material even the thicker pieces.
I guess Vapor blasting was a good idea after all  

http://www.kxriders.com/forums/index.php/topic,13931.75.html

[sandblaster]

[Brute]

Very pretty!

[sandblaster]

Gonna install it tomorrow