You can also create 3d sand blasted images by creating a layer for each depth in your design. This technique can create really detailed images if you work in thick enough glass. I did a piece years ago of 3 calla lillies and it would have been easier and looked better if the layers had been laser cut. Getting even more excited!
And of course you have 123dMake to make those layer plans
Perfect! I was slightly bummed the opening would not allow for a bottle or glass for etching purposes. This is a brilliant go-around.
I’d love a tutorial video on how you did that. I would definitely want to do this once I get my glowforge (even if it means buying a sand blaster!
haha, yup, me too. now I need to make space for a sand-blasting cabinet, add another circuit to my fuse panel, and run more outlets into my warehouse space. whee!
Another alternative to the sandblaster is to use glass etching cream. I’ve seen this product used in the glass blowing shop where I’ve been learning to blow glass.
Other than etching paste…I recommend the HARBOR FREIGHT “air eraser” for $24 (after 20% coupon +tax) IF you are doing small work here-and-there. For a lot of work just invest in a used or harbor freight blast cabinet and a decent blast setup.
That’s a GREAT little tool, didn’t know it existed! Thanks for pointing it out… what’s the PSI?
PSI is Pounds / Square Inch, a measure of air pressure.
The product description says 65psi. (there is an extremely similar looking one on Amazon - the PointZero - that says 30-50psi)
Oops, didn’t catch that - thanks!
That etching creme might contain hydrofluoric acid, which can be pretty nasty stuff. Read up on risks, PPE, safe procedures, and medical treatment before using it.
This one does not contain hydrofluoric acid, which is a common commercial way to etch glass, but not good the a school.
Nice work. Some may be interested that Grizzly came out with a new little sand blasting cabinet Model T27359. You still need an air compressor, but it has some nice features. On sale till the end of December. No, I don’t work for them, but do spend a lot of time in their Bellingham showroom
My $50 garage sale air compressor might need an upgrade now. It’s absolutely too loud.
good price on the grizzly, and looks like it could be good quality, but it seems that it would be too small for a lot of things. you need room in there for your workpiece and room to maneuver the spray nozzle. I was unimpressed by the quality of the harbor freight ones (the floor model that I looked at: main door had a 1/4" gap when closed, tho may have been assembled wrong at the store, that often happens) but the price-to-size is hard to beat.
Used them in the past. They work great, but expect to make a BIG mess. Sand everywhere!!!
I’ve done alot of auto restorations - great tool, but there’s no containing the sand!
Here is a photo of the sand blaster my wife and I use to etch glass. It works well and is extremely inexpensive does not require a large compressor. A small 1/2 gallon pancake compressor will run it just fine. The only downside is it is a syphon feed so you need to have you project upright or at least a 45degree angle so that you keep suction on the sand. I built a box with a stand in it to catch the majority of the sand so it wasn’t all over my shop and made cleanup easier. The battery is there for a reference of size.
For some reaon, I never thought there might be mini sandblasters. This is exactly what I need!