or maybe you! (LOL)

Can anyone tell me what kind of sandblaster I will need to sandblast ceramic tile at about 1/4" deep?

The world of sandblasters is huge!

Thanks to you and your husbands in advance!

By Crystal915 on Saturday, July 30, 2005 - 05:24 pm:

DH asked for more information on what you are trying to do. He said sandblasting is messy and difficult, and personally he'd re-tile before he'd sandblast. What is the area of the project? Good luck, maybe someone else has better answers for you!

By Ginny~moderator on Saturday, July 30, 2005 - 07:47 pm:

Not only messy and difficult, but also dangers of getting the stuff in the air and, if you don't wear a special breathing device and goggles, in your lungs or eyes - plus all over any exposed skin, in the air, and all through the house. I agree with Crystal's dh.

By Monicamomof3 on Saturday, July 30, 2005 - 07:56 pm:

Sorry-I should've given more information. I want to engrave/sandblast individual tiles with famous quotes, bible verses, etc. My Aunt gave me a sandblasted tile for Christmas with my favorite verse engraved in it in beautiful font. I just thought it would be a really fun hobby and a way to make extra money.

I know there are sandblast cabinets to cut way down on junk in the air, but I am mainly wondering what type of sandblaster I will need to cut only 1/4" into the tile.

I wish I could take a pix. of my tile and post it. It is beautiful and it sits on a black iron easel.

Thanks everyone!

By Crystal915 on Saturday, July 30, 2005 - 09:51 pm:

I just asked DH again. I think he assumed you'd be sandblasting a large area. He said you'd need one that ran off a compressor, and with a pen, to do such intricate detailing. It can't have too much pressure, or it will break the tile. He thinks you'd have to go through a specialized engraving company, and that the tools will be quite expensive. Good luck if you decide to give it a try.

By Luvn29 on Saturday, July 30, 2005 - 10:51 pm:

I don't know about etching tile, but I have a glass etching catalog that uses sandblasting for glass etching. It comes with a small tool and stuff.

I'm sure you would have to use something slightly more powerful for the tile.

But, check out www.etchworld.com to see what I am talking about and they may have other etching tools, also.

Sounds really neat. I am wanting to give glass etching a try. The materials really aren't too expensive, and they have different methods, also.

By Crystal915 on Sunday, July 31, 2005 - 03:25 pm:

Monica,
I just got back from the PX (military store) and saw the perfect tool! It's made by Dremel, and is a small handheld etching tool, good for glass and ceramics, among other mediums. It's about $20, it's cheaper at the PX, but usually not by much compared to Home Depot. Good luck!

Here's a link
\newurl(http://www.dremel.com/HTML/home_fr.html, Dremel Engraver}

By Crystal915 on Sunday, July 31, 2005 - 03:26 pm:

oops, trying again
Dremel Engraver

By Ginny~moderator on Sunday, July 31, 2005 - 05:45 pm:

My son has a Dremel set and swears by it. Dremel is a joy for people doing crafts.

By Monicamomof3 on Sunday, July 31, 2005 - 09:29 pm:

OMG- the Dremel looks incredible.

I found an example of what I am interested in. I don't know any other way to tell you besides this: go to google images and type in sandblasted tile. Go to the second page and the 1st two pictures are like the ones I have.

That will give you a better idea.

What do you think? Will the Dremel do the job?

By Crystal915 on Sunday, July 31, 2005 - 10:51 pm:

Looks really nice! I think the Dremel will work, it's such a small investment it can't hurt to try. The Dremel says it can do light or deep engraving, so give it a shot!

By Bobbie~moderatr on Monday, August 1, 2005 - 08:55 pm:

Yeah, the Dremel. And they have special bits for tile. Go to your local Lowes they carry all the supplies you would need, including the tile.

By Monicamomof3 on Monday, August 1, 2005 - 10:01 pm:

Thanks everyone!