Hi, not sure where to post this. I am building a cut and shut ali inlet manifold from two parts , one new one used. I want to achieve a unified appearance. What is the best process and sequence - sand, bead, other(?) blasting before or after welding. Any suggestions welcome.

bead/sand/media blasting won't really remove the weld showing. it will remove the metal off the weld and the parts of the manifold, just giving a really clean weld.

edit sorry, i get you know, blast before the weld to give a good clean finish to weld together. if you want it so it doesn't look like its been welded, then it'll be trick to get the welds sanded down though

[Edited on 11/3/10 by blakep82]

stick it in the dishwasher

steve

Thanks, I am really looking to get rid of the oxidation on the old part, not disguise the weld. I have an ace welder and that will look beautiful!

stainless steel brush then weld

Leave it in a solution of boiled up Rhubarb leaves ( Oxalic Acid)
Rescued attachment rhu.jpg

Glass bead blast, no real comparison other than aqua blasting which is the same but wet!

Here's a Rover v8 injection inlet that had been bead blasted (by me), unfortunately have no "before" shots but it was crusty!




[Edited on 12/3/10 by NS Dev]

Do a search for Soda Blaster....