The 5 Best Sandblast Cabinets – [Top Reviews & Rankings]

A sandblast cabinet, also known as a media blast cabinet, or blast cabinet is a box with a window and attached gloves that allow the use of a sandblaster, indoors. The best sandblast cabinet will be fully assembled, feature a foot pedal, will have a long warranty and will feature a built in-cabinet vacuum system.

Sandblasting can be a very messy and dusty process. The abrasive material (usually sand), doesn’t just fall straight down to the floor; it goes everywhere, including into the air. These particles and fumes can be dangerous to inhale and present a huge mess to clean up. A sandblasting cabinet, however, can fix this problem (Source).

A sandblast cabinet is a closed-loop system that enables an operator to sandblast apart and recycle the abrasive material, all indoors. Sandblast cabinets are composed of four components; a container, an abrasive blasting system, an abrasive recycling system, and a dust collection system (Source).

There are many factors and variables involved in making a purchase decision. Before you buy a sandblast cabinet, consider the dimensions, build quality, and cost. You should also consider whether or not it includes a vacuum system, among other top factors.

In this article, we will take a look at all the top sandblast cabinets. All of the sandblast cabinets in this round-up will enable convenient in-door sandblasting, whether you are removing paint from car parts, or adding a frosted finish to glasswork.

What Is The Best Sandblasting Cabinet?

The TP Tools 2846 Skat is the best sandblasting cabinet, owing to its foot-pedal-control power gun and the Vac-50 HEPA Vacuum which helps provide solid visibility while blasting. Also, the metal screen holds up to 200 lb objects easily, which can’t be said for all other brands.

How Much Will a Sandblast Cabinet Cost?

The price of an average sandblast cabinet can range from $150 to $1,400+ depending on the quality, load capacity, power, and size. High-end sandblast cabinets are an essential tool for auto mechanics to remove grease, rust, and paint.

How Does a Sandblasting Cabinet Work?

Ground silica sand is used to clean out the rust on a metal piece or other material. By using an air-powered pressure gun, sand shoots out at high velocity and impact the surface. Then, with the hose connected to the air tank, the hopper is filled with silica sand (Source).

Comparing the Top 5 Models

Best Sandblast Cabinets: Our Top 5 Picks 

1. TP Tools 2846 Skat Sandblast Sandblasting Cabinet with HEPA Vacuum – Best For Long Term Use

The TP Tools Skat Sandblast Cabinet is a popular choice as the best sandblast cabinet because of its foot-pedal-control power gun and Vac-50 HEPA Vacuum.

This vacuum system allows for excellent visibility while sandblasting. This top-rated sandblast cabinet can remove paint and rust with lightning speed. 

Reviews for this product reflect the high-quality of the machine, as there are high praise and little complaints about its function and operation.

2. AJ Tools CHIM0061-04 1/C Small Sandblast Cabinet – Best Small Sandblaster

This small portable sandblast cabinet will fit almost anywhere in an average-size workshop. The product includes gloves, a hose, and different size nozzle tips. Although the price point is much lower than many of the higher-end cabinets, it is well-made and durable.

AJ Tools provides excellent customer service that is fast and helpful. Replacement parts are easily accessible.

3. Grizzly Industrial T27156 – Top-Loading Benchtop Sandblast Cabinet – Best Benchtop Blast Cabinet

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The Grizzly sandblast cabinet is easy-to-use. This top-loading benchtop sandblast cabinet is perfect for polishing, cleaning, and finishing surfaces.

This machine is a good choice for hobbyists and those who want to learn the applications of this tool without investing big bucks into a sandblast cabinet.

4. Stark 25 Gal Bench Top Sand Blaster Air Sandblast Cabinet – Best Industrial Blast Cabinet

This 25 Gal portable sandblaster cabinet has a wide range of applications from your home workshop to the job site. Top access allows for easy cleaning and moving items in and out with ease.

Stark uses high-quality, light-weight steel to provide a sturdy and durable cabinet.

5. Dragway Tools Model 60 Sandblast Cabinet – Best Sand Blasting Cabinet For The Price 

The Dragway Tools sandblast cabinet is an inexpensive model. However, it does not include many of the accessories that come standard with other cabinets in the same price range.

Although it’s relatively basic, it is a heavy cabinet, weighing 91 pounds, nearly three times the weight of other products in the same price range. 

Sandblast Cabinet Brands

TP Tools & Equipment

TP Tools has quickly become one of the leading suppliers of quality restoration tools in the USA. They boast of excellent customer service and offer phone support six days a week. Their Technical Department gives pro tips and advice, including warranty info.

If you are not fully satisfied with their product, they are happy to provide a money-back guarantee.

AJ Tools

AJ Tools (AJ Wholesale Distributors, Inc.) is considered a “one-stop-shop” for contractors in the U.S. and Canada. They are the leading distributor of big names like Porter Cable and Dewalt. Their inventory ranges from tools to home improvement supplies, housewares, pet supplies, and more. 

Although their primary sales are through distribution networks, they sell a limited number of quality products on Amazon.

Grizzly Industrial

Grizzly Industrial operates one of the largest machinery companies in the United States. They claim to have the most extensive selection of award-winning metalworking and woodworking machinery that’s labeled under one brand. 

They are a direct sales company, and their goal is to sell “the best quality products at the best price” straight to the consumer.

An easy-to-read manual is one of their selling points and has gained national recognition.

Stark USA

Over the last ten years, Stark USA has introduced innovative commercial-style tools that have an everyday use application. Their focus is on delivering high-quality, affordable tools to the consumer.

They place a high value on customer support, and feedback plays a big part in influencing their product design.

Dragway Tools

Dragway tools produce a wide variety of heavy-duty tools for automotive and industrial use. Their sandblast cabinets often include or recommend Black Beauty Abrasive grit blast when purchased on Amazon.

Their products are made in China and are known for their sturdiness and durability.

Factors to Consider When Buying A Sandblast Cabinet

Dimensions and Weight

The size and weight of the sandblast cabinet you choose depend on the projects you are undertaking. Cabinets can range anywhere from portable, tabletop cabinets weighing 30 lb. to 400 lb. heavy-duty, immovable cabinets. 

More large sandblast cabinets can hold more substantial objects, while smaller cabinets provide portability and easy storage in a garage or work area. 

Sandblast Cabinet Accessories

Many sandblast cabinets come with built-in gloves, allowing complete access to the entire inside of the sandblast cabinet. However, smaller less-expensive cabinets require the purchase of rubber or neoprene sandblasts cabinet gloves.

Sandblasting requires the use of blast media or abrasive material. The options include glass beads, pumice, plastic abrasive, garnet, corn con, steel grit, aluminum oxide, and more.

Each abrasive is used for a different type of application and would require a little research to obtain your ideal result. An average bag of bead blast media is 50 pounds and can range from $50 and up.

Air compressors may or may not be included with a small or large sandblasting cabinet but are necessary for operation. Product information for sandblast cabinets will indicate what size air compressor you need.

If you use an air compressor that is too small, then it will not produce the force required to enable the blast media to work properly.

Also, keep in mind that small, less-powerful, and cheaper sandblast cabinets mean that you will spend more time achieving your desired result. Whereas, a high-power machine will work much faster.

Construction Quality

Due to the abrasive materials used in sandblasting, these cabinets are made from steel or some other type of metal. The thickness and quality of steel vary on the price of the product.

Amazon reviews of benchtop sandblasting cabinets point to quality control issues such as bent and broken parts, missing pieces, flimsy hinges, and poor seals that require more reinforcement.

The more expensive industrial sandblast cabinets have less negative feedback and seemingly better customer service to help with any problems the customer may encounter.

How to Use a Sandblast Cabinet

Here are a few easy steps to assembling your sandblaster cabinet and putting it to work for you:

• Assemble the sandblaster cabinet and place it in a well-ventilated space.

Have all of the accessories and extras you will need close by for easy accessibility, including safety gear.

Follow the instructions included with your sandblast cabinet to assemble the gun and load the abrasive materials. Overfilling the blast media can result in improper flow and may cause it to become compacted.

• Place the items you will be sandblasting into the cabinet and make sure the doors are closed and sealed.
• Turn on the light, fan, and power on the sandblasting cabinet.

Put on rubber gloves, or place your hands into the gloves attached to the machine.

• Use the gun to aim the abrasive materials onto the item you are sandblasting.

You will want to use smooth strokes over the entire item, including the edges.

• When you have finished put the gun down, remove your arms from inside the cabinet and turn the machine off. 

Next, remove the item from inside the machine and examine it.

Repeat steps until you are pleased with the result.

• Lastly, remove the gun, disassemble, and clean it. 

Because the abrasive materials are intended to be recycled in the machine, it is not necessary to empty the contents. 

You will know when it’s time to change the blast media when it has worn down to the consistency of powder. 

After your remove, the unusable blast material, take time to clean the inside of the cabinet. Then, refill with new abrasive materials. 

Sandblast Cabinet Tips

Like most tools, cleaning and proper care play a part in the life of a sandblast cabinet. The buildup can occur that produces visibility issues and can corrode the inside of the cabinet.

Many cabinets include a film over the blasting window that can be peeled off and replaced when it has become worn. Take a look at your sandblast cabinet manual to find out if there are replacements available for your window.

It’s essential to read the manual or instructions that come with your sandblast cabinet. This way, you can ensure that it is being used appropriately and to help prevent accidents.

An Important Safety Reminder

It’s imperative to always use a sandblasting cabinet in an open, well-ventilated space. While many machines contain or reduce the amount of dust that is created, machine operators should use a NIOSH-APPROVED respirator to reduce air-borne inhalation.

Industrial-safe noise-reducing headphones will also help prevent hearing damage due to the 125+ dba produced by the sandblasting equipment. This level of sound is higher than what most tools produce, including a jackhammer (110 dba), a table saw (105 dba), and a lawnmower (90 dba).

It will be beneficial for you to have the Best Shop Air Filtration System in your workshop as well, not only when using sandblast cabinets, but to let you have a great workplace while keeping you healthy every single day.

Ready to Buy a Sandblast Cabinet?

Careful and ample research will help you choose the best sandblast cabinet for your particular needs. There is a wide variety of sizes, price points, and options to consider when making the purchase. 

Fortunately, most tools of this nature come with warranties, guarantees, and customer support. When you decide on buying a compact, benchtop, or large sandblast cabinet that is right for you, the applications are endless.

Whether it is sanding, finishing, polishing, or etching you will be on your way to smoothing out all the rough parts of metal, wood, plastic, and more.

As the proverbial saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” When choosing a sandblast cabinet, make sure that your investment is equivalent to the outcome you want to achieve. 

Consider what you want to accomplish, do your research, and then choose the product that best fits your needs.