Direct Comparison of 3 types of Harbor Freight Blast Cabinet Upgrade Metering Valves

[@OrdnanceTV]

I loved this. Frankly i was most impressed by the time you took to create bisections of each valve. Very detailed, concise work. Thank you so so much. I wish more KZbinrs put this much effort into their informational videos.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Many thanks. Glad you got a lot out of our video. Happy blasting !!

[@user-zx7tg4ph5r]

Very admirable of you to not dismiss the DIY version of your metering valve! I salute you! It does seem strange that your advocating your product to compete with the DIY version with the larger mixing chamber (as you mention). One point I would add would be to taper the brass fitting into a cone entry point and remove the threaded lip edge entirely. thus eliminating zero bounce back as indicated.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Thx. We try to call 'em as we see 'em. When we have the chance, we plan on doing a flow test to get some solid numbers to put against all three and see how they compare in a heads up comparison. We do put a bit of a cone shape into the threaded end of the brass barb. What we have learned from experience is that if we cut too much out of the inside of the threaded portion of the brass fitting, the threads can buckle as we tighten it to our torque specs. So, like many things, it's a matter of trade offs. Greatly improved yet still strong. Thanks for your comments and stay safe out there.

[@mrrberger]

@@partswasherupgradekit6028 after the step drill cut in the fitting you could use a tapered reamer to take down the steps for smoother flow.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

@@mrrberger Actually we do not use a step drill. We use a carbide tapered reamer just as you suggested. So there are no steps. We don't remove the entire flat end of the fitting but do thin it way down. We found through testing that if we take out all of the end wall of the fitting, the threads can collapse as we torque the fitting which then causes the threaded portion to bulge out into the flow stream. Thanks for your comment Regards and happy blasting

[@mrrberger]

@@partswasherupgradekit6028 Thanks for the correction, I was looking at 8:50 and the example has steps in it so I made the wrong assumption.

[@Biokemist-o3k]

Absolutely awesome video!! I had a feeling that the larger the "mixing area" in the inlet valve area would increase turbulence as wells keep the media flowing. Thank you for making a comparison video.

[@deanlemke29]

Absolutely Amazing improvement to my Blast Cabinet. It has worked Flawlessly since I did the upgrade several Months ago now. THANK YOU.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

You are very welcome. We are delighted to hear from our customers and learn of the improvements that our products make. Happy blasting !!

[@mnhunter18]

Great video but one small thing, when the piece gets smaller it doesn't slow down it actually increases velocity.

[@nicholascandelario8876]

Your correct its called ventury effect increase velocity

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

The venturi effect does describe this phenonmenon in general. However, remember that the media flow is essentially a slurry mixture of air and small solid particles (the media) and frictional loss plays a significant role here unlike in a carburetor venturi where the mixture is highly atomized droplets of liquid suspended in air. It is because of the frictional loss in the system that the larger bore of our high flow metering valve plays such an important role in increasing flow and providing better performance Hope this explanation helps

[@jbrown2553]

Thank you Mr. Bernoulli.

[@budd1814]

@@partswasherupgradekit6028 The different media (sand,glass,soda ash,walnut hulls)all have their own set of demands

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

@@budd1814 That is correct. IN addition, the grit size will also have an influence. Regards

[@weldmachine]

A Fair comparison between what is available to build yourself, or versions to buy. The Standard type and your Upgraded version. Great idea to make your Upgraded version available for sale for those people who don't have access to machinery to do the job themselves. Good information. Hope your products do well 👍

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

many thanks.

[@tuck1963]

The price for these kits is FANTASTIC. Slightly over raw materials, plus I don't have to go hunt them down at the hardware store!!!!!

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Thanks for your kind comment. We do our very best, as a family owned business trying to survive Covid-19, to offer great kits and components at the very best prices and to provide helpful service to our customers regarding installation and operation. Have a great day and thanks again the Team @ BESTTOOLUPGRADES

[@ErosMagnum]

Great video. on the 3rd one I'd cut 1/2" on the output so the brass fitting mates the end. On the 1st one I'd drill the air inlet hole at a 15⁰ diagonal to get a venturi effect and the media gets better distributed.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Thanks for your thoughts on potential improvements.

[@kevvoo1967]

Good idea.

[@grzegorzpalak6991]

Great video ! Just ordered full kit and saved $50 when order from your site instead of ebay . Cant wait to install it and first try . Thanx !

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Your purchase is much appreciated. And yes - ordering through our website saves the Ebay fees which have gotten pretty high. Happy blasting !!

[@joelparadis861]

I can't comment on how well this works because I'm still waiting for my blast cabinet but from everything I've read and watched i expect it'll be way better that the old stock setup on my present blast cabinet.. But I can say that Ron has been most helpful in steering me in the right directions. I ordered one of the kits and it arrived quickly, packing was excellent, the various parts look to be of excellent quality - I could not be more pleased in every respect.. Once I get things hooked up I'll comment on operation.

[@jamesdrakcip9276]

Excellent video dude. Also, great modifications to that high flow metering valve

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Thanks! 👍

[@skipperandy2199]

great video and thorough explanation great job - skipper Andy

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Many thanks!

[@AdrianoGuedes-um6fp]

Amazingly informative video. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Glad it was helpful!

[@imanenigma3348]

Interesting thoughts and as I have just received my new cabinet. I would like to make some comments, not criticisms regarding, 1/ The plastic plug. If one is prone to cross threading, given how often it may or may not be removed, unless care is taken, the metal plug into the soft cast alloy tee may be an issue. Safer to stay with the cheap plastic maybe, than damage the expensive tee? 2/ The taper is to increase velocity of the mix, yes there is drag/friction and the right balance of this is debatable, without flow tests etc as you have said. 3/ Given the vacuum is fixed, when air supply pressure to cabinet is set e.g @ ( X psi) would not a larger (metering) valve reduce this vacuum, reducing pull/lift of media? 4/ Removing restriction from hose tail or anywhere(plumbing fittings etc) is or should be obvious. 5/ Instead of a Tee piece under the hopper, could a cross piece be used with the metering(ball) valve opposite the media pick up tube to gun, This puts the media between the source of vacuum and the source of aeration/metering (vacuum loss) You would have full(sort of) vacuum pull on the media drawn out of the hopper, thanks to gravity and vacuum and being aerated as it goes, OR, valves for and aft of the media??? Agitating the media from both sides and as long as appropriate vacuum remains to the gun.....well? What are your or anyone's thoughts on this?

[@rnel2557]

Bingo -

[@keithnoneya]

Really nice video on the parts. I have the Pipe Version and will be using it soon. Best Wishes & Blessings. Keith Noneya

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Many thanks. Happy blasting

[@y2kdano]

thanks for this honest review!

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Glad it was helpful!

[@y2kdano]

Been a few months now and still works really good just making the one myself out of pipe! Never run out of sand like I was before - just thought you'd like a honest update :)

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

@@y2kdano Much appreciated. Happy blasting !!

[@bobbyz7736]

I think I saw another pressure siphon conversion video where the metering valve for adjusting flow was remotely located so you didn' t have to bend down to adjust the valve below the cabinet. That seems like a great idea, just add a barbed fitting at original valve location and run some air line from it to a valve located near the front of cabinet so you can adjust on the fly while using the gun.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

I see it could work but the valve is rarely adjusted once the cabinet is dialed in. Best regards

[@kevvoo1967]

I was just thinking the same thing. Great minds!

[@keithnoneya]

Very nice video, and yep I checked out your site. Would love to see the comparison of both types of metering valves. thanks for sharing. Best Wishes & Blessings. Keith Noneya

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

@ Keith - we hope to do the flow testing in the near future. Please subscribe to our channel if you haven't already so that you will be notified of all of our future videos. Take care and happy blasting !!

[@w.w.2restorations.vehicles698]

Thanks for this kit, I just ordered one from you. Much better explanation than other guys who have made videos of this upgrade.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Awesome, thank you! Glad the video was helpful. It is important for us to try to provide an understanding of how these tools work in order that the guys who own and operate them can get the most out of them as well as to understand how our products help make the basic tools much better. Appreciate your order. Please reach out to us with any questions Regards

[@CarlosDelaoGunEngraver]

which one did you order and what are your thoughts on it

[@w.w.2restorations.vehicles698]

@@partswasherupgradekit6028 I have been using your upgrad kit now for sometime and have to say that it makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD. Thank You for a great product!!

[@w.w.2restorations.vehicles698]

@@CarlosDelaoGunEngraver I bought the one that the videographer built and it works great...

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

@@w.w.2restorations.vehicles698 Many thanks for your purchase and comments on the quality of our products. Happy blasting !!

[@classicstangbrn8964]

You got me looking at my piece on the bottom of my HF chamber., mine is the pipe type , but I have no extinction piece before the end nozzle, it won't work, all I get is air through the gun, no media at all, gld I find your video.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

We are happy to try to assist you if you can provide a few more details on your setup. Thanks for watching

[@JeremiahL]

The reason that the HDPE plug was selected with the aluminum casing is to protect the threads on the casting from Galling. I would definitely use pipe dope or teflon tape or anti seize with the steel plug. I understand the concern about damage to the plastic plug, but it is the cheaper of the 2 parts and therefore sacrificial.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Thx for your comment. Galling could be a problem in some circumstances but the drain plug only needs to be turned in finger tight to keep the media from leaking out. Therefore the liklihood of galling in this situation is extremely low. Would not recommend the use of a thread sealant as this could contaminant the media and cause a clogging of the gun orifice. best regards

[@mikeg4163]

Holy cow…the grit would instantly stick to the pipe dope and jam up the treads ….

[@matejcermak]

I ended up buying knee going into T instead of T to start with. I can still empty the box the same way like before and if I turn the door upside down, I get all sand from the valve as well. It's cheaper and simpler. I also mounted the knee directly under the door, without extension. It fits well even with the valve sticking higher than the doors are, and there is still a lot of space under the box. They are selling 1inch T piece with 1/2in side outlet, so I used that to mount the valve. And then the ends, they are not so important.. But most important is some kind of filtering, IMO. I'm still looking for some scrap piece of mesh or something, I found and used one cylindrical shape which I shaped into dome shape and just sat over the inlet inside the box. I just need something more fine, this one has big openings

[@KW-ei3pi]

Thanks. Even small improvements can make a big difference! What do you think about relocating the air inlet valve closer to, or in the down pipe? Thanks

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Strongly suggest not moving it. It needs to be where the media is laying in the bottom of the metering valve and about to get entrained into the vacuum side of the valve. Hope this helps. Best regards

[@rocketsurgeon1746]

Great job. God bless you

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Thank you! You too!

[@TG5879]

Heck ya. Glad I found this.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@lparsons6977]

Thanks

[@darrenjury3080]

Great explanation of the options for the metering valve. I build one same as what you have. Before I even fired up my new cabinet. But no luck at getting any media up the tube. I am running 90 psi with a 60 gal 15.5 CFM/100 psi I feel I have tried everything but getting better air flow. Is this a common Problem? Using 30-60 crushed glass

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

@Darren - thanks for your kind comment. 90 PSI is quite high for pressure at the cabinet. Try dialing it back to 45 - 60 and see if that helps. More pressure is not necessarily a good thing. Have you dialed in the air bleed valve on the metering valve? We will be uploading a new video soon that shows the process of dialing in. One more thing - the guns that come with the HF and many other entry level blast cabinets are, well, ..... crap. It may be a gun issue, not a metering valve issue. Keep us posted and we'll try to help you solve the problem. After ensuring enough air flow (CFM) at the correct pressure (and with dry air) It's always a matter of some component not working properly. Hope this helps. Stay safe out there

[@robertmason6555]

The Venturi you drilled out is to increase particle speed while maintaining a similar volume flow rate.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Thanks for your comment. In isolation that could be correct. However; this valve is part of a full vacuum system and there are multiple places where the ID narrows down, to include the actual venturi in the body of the blast gun where the vacuum is created. With multiple restrictions (venturis), pulses can be set up which invariable interfere with each other. Boring out the metering valve actually smoothes the flow upstream of the gun body, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the system. Thousands sold with very happy customers. Best regards

[@stephonosborn2373]

Just what I was looking for cheers mate 👍

[@ronmccall2877]

If you put the valve in the fitting right out of the bottom of the cabinet and use a t- fitting turned with the t part up connecting to the cabinet and then hook your hose to the fitting and put a valve with an air hose coupler straight in line to the outlet hose and use 10 to 20 pounds air pressure ,it will then take air and push the sand through the hose giving you a much better flow of sand with the ability to use less sand and it becomes as efficient as a pressurized unit without pressurizing it.

[@evsnova74]

Do you by chance have a link to a site that describes this in more detail or perhaps has pictures?

[@drefhill]

i'm not convinced that it would be better. I think it will suck to much media and clog the pipe or the gun. It may help when people use a weak compressor with not enough flow. Would need to take the air from the pedal control so it would stop sending air as you stop blasting.

[@vaughnslavin9784]

Thank you!

[@michaeldunn150]

Great vid! Thank you!

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Glad you liked it!

[@sshawn09]

Excellent video! Thanks, I just went and ordered one from you. Tube suggestions back to the gun?

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Thanks for your order. We supply a hose kit option with the exact spec media hose, grommet and hose clamps. Please see our website under "parts and accessories".

[@warrenmusselman9173]

Love this piece. Also love the kits on your website. However, I did not find guns. Any recommendations?

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Thanks for your kind comments. We are currently having a problem keeping enough of the our high quality guns in stock so we have not listed them separately. That said, please reach out to us at [e-mail] with your request and we'll see if we can help you out.

[@klaatu2]

3 years later, no update on if this modifications even works. I have the big HF blast cabinet, and it has never worked well

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Please see our feedback on our website. The modified metering valve is our very best - the consensus opinion is that it works better across a wider array of media types and grit size. Happy to assist you getting your blast cabinet to work better.

[@cujo7240]

I purchased your premium high flow metering valve and last night I finally got to test it out in my blast cabinet. I had set the air supply pressure to 40 and 45psi and metering valve air bleed was 25 to 40% open and my blast media was an 80 grit aluminum oxide. Using these settings I was getting a lot of media pulsating through the gun where I would get a large plug of media followed by mostly air only. I'm wondering if higher air pressure or adjusting the air bleed on the metering valve will help correct this issue. Thanks.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Need to know more about your setup as other components play a big role in the overall performance. Which gun are you using? The stock HF gun is a poor design and is often the cause of the problems you are seeing. We sell a great upgrade to that gun Please contact us at [e-mail] and we will be happy to help you regards

[@PaganWizard]

Did you ever make the video about the flow rate difference between the plumbing pipe valve, and your high flow valve??

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Working on it thx for asking

[@anonymousgeorge4321]

Nice presentation. Thanks.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Thanks. Hope you will subscribe and follow our channel as we add new videos about our products and how to install and use them Happy blasting

[@ToddMcF2002]

Very nice. Today my "eBay" one started spitting sand out directly out the air inlet and sand started pouring out the seam in the trap door! Not a good time. I haven't diagnosed what the heck is wrong yet

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

@Todd Sorry to hear you are having a problem. Not too much to go one but look at the gun for a potential issue causing the vacuum to be reduced with potential air backflow down the media tube instead of up. Feel free to contact me at [e-mail] to go into a bit more depth and get you up and blasting again. Also check out my website at partswasherupgradekit.com for all of our great blast cabinet and parts washer upgrade kits and individual components Stay safe out there

[@ToddMcF2002]

@@partswasherupgradekit6028 Yup I pulled the gun apart last night and sure enough the o-ring was torn. But my metering valve keeps clogging as well I'll take a look at yours

[@stephendecato]

Great job, thanks.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Thanks for watching !!

[@kherrick1]

so you need to have an air feed to the valve as well as at the gun?

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

The metering valve requires air inlet through the small valve on the top with the black valve. The gun requires air from your compressor. Hope this helps

[@ladon67]

What is everybody running for a compressor? I have a 60 gallon tank with a Dayton 3hp electric motor running a Speedaire 5Z404 (17.1cfm) compressor. I would think it has enough juice to run this sandblasting cabinet, but I can't get it to work! I made the upgrade with plastic parts but I don't have an air inlet that you show. Is this what I'm missing?

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Yes - air inlet valve is absolutely essential to proper functioning. Also the HF gun is a terrible design if you are still running it. See our other videos for direct comparison with our high quality gun. Hope this helps

[@richa9719]

I think to prove your theory, you should time a run using each design and measure the media output. I think it’s the only way to prove your design.

[@wesduke8597]

Very helpful thank you

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

You're welcome!

[@ronmccall2877]

Of course to change the media you wouldn't have a plug in the bottom and you'd have to remove the door on the bottom. Which isn't an issue as it is as easy to remove the door as it is to remove the plug

[@kherrick1]

show a used cut open to show wear of that brass fitting I.D. after use. Is it eroding?

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

There will be some ersion over time but it is dependent on the type of media being used, the grit size, and the PSI of the system. Never had one wear out completely. Hope this helps

[@Well_I_am_just_saying]

I would be interested in the high flow meeting valve, but I don't want the cyclone or a new gun. Unfortunately, your site does not sell them that way. I will probably just make my own metering valve and buy the other parts separately.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

We sell many of the components separately and can also put together a special kit to meet your specific needs. PLease see the drop down menu on our website under "shop all products" and select the subgroup of products to find our products Please let us know if you have further questions

[@Well_I_am_just_saying]

@@partswasherupgradekit6028 OK, thanks. I will go back and look again.

[@ldftrdnk]

Would it be feasible to add the air bleed valve on the opposite side of the tee opposing the long narrowing branch? Would this arrangement provide enough agitation in the media stream to maintain good media flow characteristics and assist in circumventing clogging in the media outlet hose? Just curious……

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

We doubt that this would work because the media would probably block the air flow completely rather than the air flow pulling media particles from the leading edge of the pile. Thanks for your thought

[@HECLUV2476]

The fitting that you put on the red cabinet door .. what’s that fitting called?

[@valkman761]

Couple issues what's being said here... the restriction is more like a venturi which accelerates air speed and should improve sand velocity, too, unless you're pushing way too much sand in given space which means it's clogging up. On the discussion about the brass face ... sand is not going to hit that surface since sand is moving together with the air and those areas in front of the brass face are stagnation points. Your modifications do increase the volume of air and volume of sand being pushed forward ... which of course gives better results as long as your compressor is up to the task, but not due to the reasons mentioned here.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Thank you for your comments but we feel compelled to provide the following. 1) Yes, this could be seen as a venturi but it is not helpful as such. Why not? Because there are multiple places in the full cabinet system where internal diameters change and each could be considered a venturi for the purpose of speeding up flow. However, when there are multiple constructions along the fluid pathway, induced irregular pulsing can take place causing interruption in flow. Our bored out throat area eliminates one such example and smooths flow overall across the entire system. 2) The media particles are constantly bouncing off each other in the air/media 'slurry' and the flat face of the base of the brass fitting is absolutely being struck by the media particles. This badly interrupts the flow. The proof of this is easy to see by the disassembly of valves that have not had this modification. The face of the base of the fitting shows wear that was caused by this particle impact. We appreciate your efforts to provide additional information and knowledge to potential users. However, when that information is incorrect, it has the opposite affect. Thank you for your last comment wherein you note that our modifications do indeed increase efficiency. Regards.

[@valkman761]

@@partswasherupgradekit6028 on point 1) : it's bad design if there are irregular diameter changes across the cabinet. The venturi effect will be the most useful where sand is being mixed with air as this introduces also a lower pressure zone. That's why fuel is mixed there in carbs and same principle is being applied in pneumatic conveying, which is my background. See dilute phase conveying (low pressure, high speed gas flow). With downstream bad designs, you're just losing the effect... just like having intake manifold made of porous material susceptible to trap fuel. On point 2): The brass is going to erode starting from the edge, where the stagnation point transitions to flow lines and will do so also on the modified one. The entire face will not erode simultaneously. I do however realize the effect of removing all obstacles, but the initial smaller design did not really mind this unmachined face. It became a problem after the body was enlarged. I appreciate what you're doing and generally the product is improved with these modifications - if what you're measuring is the rate at which e.g. rust is being removed from a surface. I do however want to challenge what's being told here and why exactly something is improving. I might learn something myself.

[@ToddLast]

I have a dumb question. Why do you make the media do a 90-degree turn to horizontal? Why not keep the flow through the metering vertical and not make any directional changes until after you have the mix you want?

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Not a dumb question - that's a good question. To accomplish this you would need the EXACT same fall rate of media as the flow rate entering the vacuum stream. This would be nearly impossible to achieve and in addition would mean there would be a very small volume of media in the hopper. The air inlet valve in the horizontal section of the metering valve introduces air at the right point to establish the vacuum based flow into the media tube to the gun. The media builds at the 90 degree bend and is available as needed based on gun flow demand. Thanks for asking. Best regards

[@ToddLast]

@@partswasherupgradekit6028 Thank you. You explained it well. Does it do any good to add a smaller mesh screen in the hopper to screen out large bits out of the sand as it travels back down to the metering valve?

[@FordForever269]

I did the black iron upgrade to my cabinet. I run 110psi and the factory gun with 5/8” hose to the gun. Any idea why my media surges in the hose and I don’t have constant media flow out of my gun?

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

A few thoughts that might help: 1) how much media is in the hopper. Do NOT want more than a couple of cups while dialing in the system - then increase. 2) If you have 110 PSI at the cabinet, it is too much and could be hiding another problem (45-65 PSI is generally good) 3) What gun are you running? Please see our video on the OEM HF gun (it is generally a POS) and another of our videos on cheap Chinese knock off guns also with problems 4) 5/8" hose is pretty big especially if you have a smaller compressor as it creates too much dead space volume and there is not enough vacuum to get steady flow 5) Is the gun orifice size matched to the output specs of your compressor (if not matched it will not work well and could cause the surging that you are seeing. 6) Watch our video on dialing in of your metering valve. Only takes 10 mins and once dialed in you are good to go Overall thought: All the components of the blast cabinet system need to work together to achieve proper performance. Changing out one may not result in desired results because other parts are not playing well together. Changing the metering valve to one with a better design can result in weaknesses elsewhere in the system being exposed. Hope this helps Best regards Ron Best Tool Upgrades

[@barrycalvert8219]

I would like to know how much more media the media valves allow ? The siphon just doesn't supply enough

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

We do not have a quantitative assessment as compared to the old siphon tube. However, the difference is so great and immediately noticeable that our customers report that they can't believe what a huge difference it made

[@CarlosDelaoGunEngraver]

out of the three, which one works the best the all steel one or the modified one on the right?

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Our modified Hi-Flo is the best. We do the modifications to the basic valve in our shop. Thanks for asking. Best regards

[@davidbutcher6637]

Do you guys do ones for a pressure pot system at all modifing mine to 3/4 to 1/2 ball valve underneith

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Sorry - we currently do not offer an upgrade for this application

[@charles-hr7ir]

I'm a custom metal Fab shop . I built my own cabinet , I made my own cone metering valve .I got it working great for a while , and then it slows down and stops , working. No cloggage is happening either . What the cause of that?

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Hard to say because there are multiple factors. What media are you using? Grit size? Is air dry? What gun are you using? Happy to help but with your custom parts its difficult to diagnose.

[@charles-hr7ir]

I have a 10 horse Ingersoll rand compressor ,air dryer , princess auto gun , metering valve is a w inch T , and I made a cone ss 2 inch to 3/8" coupling , crushed 20-30 green glass , what else should I let you know ?

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

@@charles-hr7ir What are you wanting to know? Sorry - unclear as to what you are asking.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

@@charles-hr7ir The blast gun is not a particulaarly efficient design. What is the orifice size? The 20-30 grit crushed glass may be the problem. Also, how much media do you have in the hopper (pounda?). Too much can cause packing and creates a log jam. Hope this helps

[@jimmycrawford3795]

Hi, Just made a stainless metering valve, slightly custom because of part available but almost the same in construction. We installed it and tested it and no sand was reaching the gun. I don’t even think the sand was reaching the hose barb on the metering valve. Ever seen this before? Any tips to help make the sand reach the gun? The sandblaster was basically useless before but now seems to be a pitiful air duster. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Cheers from New Zealand!

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Hard to diagnose but usually this means that there is not enough suction. What gun are you running? What orifice size? Also what size compressor (in cfm)? Could also be too much media in the hopper. If you send additional details we can try to help you out regards

[@bobbyz7736]

Do we need to change the nozzle size or type after making this modification?

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

No - that is largely based on the compressor volume

[@harshjay]

these are all neat....I own a welder, so my metering valve is much larger, cheaper, and stronger.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Sounds like you build yourself a great metering valve. No problem with the strength of these though. Thanks for your comment

[@jetsetjoey]

@@partswasherupgradekit6028, there's always going to be the one, who thinks he can do it "larger, cheaper & stronger..." Great job!!

[@drefhill]

i have a 3/4 one on mine and it work well so i doubt that having bigger than 1" is better. Also it's strong enough, no need to be stronger.

[@cnc3-in-1]

I'm confused.. I am looking to buy one of these... doesn't pressure decrease as volume increases P1V1 = P2V2 ?? and I thought you said turbulence was good in the first pipe design?

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Turbulence is good to mix the particles of media with the flow of air. But the pressure equation doesn't really apply here because you have essentially zero pressure (meaning ambient air pressure) where the media is falling into the valve and then there is the beginning of a zone of negative pressure as air comes in the air inlet valve at the top of the metering valve body being drawn through the media hose (kinda like a venturi but this doesn't really describe it because it is more entrainment into a flow with the complexity of the media particles). What is going on inside the metering valve is more complicated than the simply equations that pertain to simple tubular systems. That all said, all of our 3 different types of valves work great. Thanks for looking.

[@silvergrizzly316]

I just received your hi-flow valve last week and didn't know if you were familiar with HF benchtop sandblaster, I looked at them and it appears it can attach to the bottom shoot also, maybe a little tight. The benchtop is all that I need for what I do, what do you think about fitment? Thanks, Jay.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Jay We have had our customers use our kits and all components on the HF bench top model. Takes just a tad of creativity but they report excellent results. Let us know if you have additional questions. Happy to help.

[@silvergrizzly316]

@@partswasherupgradekit6028 Thanks Ron, I've already sized it up yesterday and it will definitely work! 👍👍thanks for the reply my friend and I'll probably be making more purchases in the near future. 🙂

[@lorriehiner4049]

It would be really helpful if you could make a video showing HF Benchtop valve installation 😉

[@Zekerose]

Will this work with an Eastwood B40 medium size blast cabinet. I get a lot of purging and they even sent me a new gun and hose. Same problem. Thanks for your information.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Thanks for your question. I took a look at this model online and yes, this should work just fine on the B40. Getting rid of the siphon tube is a great mod for any blast cabinet. FYI - the gun that comes with the B40 is rather poor. The gun we supply with ALL of our kits that come with a gun is very similar to the gun that Eastwood supplies in its top of the line model B100. That cabinet is much more expensive. With our upgrade kits, you can take a basic blast cabinet and turn it into a MUCH improved one with muchbeyter performance. Please visit our website at www.partswasherupgradekit.com and see all of our products Thanks again

[@brotherjesus4246]

how come doesn't the compressed air just shoot up through the open valve into the cabinet when you open the valve?

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

The metering valve does not work under positive pressure, it works under negative pressure (vacuum). Therefore it is sucking up the media, not pushing it up under pressure. Hope this helps to answeer your question

[@abarber971]

In the plumbing parts one, how do you mate the valve to the pipe? Drill and tap threads in the pipe?

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

yep. Tapping must be precise because the thickness of the wall of the tube only allows for about 2 complete threads.

[@ariffinwahaha]

Thank u❤

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

You're welcome 😊

[@DaveM2]

Is this going to improve all gravity cabinets or just the cheaper Harbor Freight quality cabinets. I have an older Trinco which works pretty good as is, but if this will make it better I'm all for it. I just dont want to waste the time and money for minimal improvements. Has anyone tried these on a high end cabinet? What were your results? Is there any kind of test equipment to measure the improvement or is it subjective opinions? Thanks to anyone willing to help! 🙂

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

We have had many customers use this with their much more expensive (high end) cabinets and report great results. Will work with all gravity cabinets.

[@DaveM2]

@@partswasherupgradekit6028 Sweet! I'm in, I will place an order by the end of the week. Thank you

[@D-RAM556]

I have a skatbkast cabinet I use it for basting gun parts do you think this would be to much material for blasting?

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Dan - replied to your email. Hope I understood your question correctly. Ping me back if you need additional info. Thanks for your question and interest

[@katemoon7476]

There are videos where people make a secondary nozzle with some holes, and they crush one end. Would it help to have both the bottom feed and this?

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Nope. With our valves it is just not needed and might actually work against the efficiency of the valve hope this helps thanks for your question

[@frederic6998]

3:50 it would last more if the tread was outside, it would be easier toblow some air on the tread to clean it and the tread inside the tap is easy to clean as well.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Thanks for your comment. No real need to clean the threads as the fitting never really needs to be removed. Also, if the threads were external the fitting would require a large reduction in size in a short distance to get the 1/2" barb and this might cause a restriction in flow.

[@robertcruz3914]

Will the high flow metering valve work with the Harbor Freight countertop cabinet? Haven't look to see if the base is the same as the bigger one.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Yes. I have had several of my customers install this on the bench top model

[@pattygq]

That aluminum tee fitting, is that a custom part you have made or is it for another application? I feel I've seen it before used somewhere else.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Thanks for your question. The cast aluminum metering valve is a purpose made part for this application. I have never seen it used for another purpose (but someone may have gotten creative with it !!). Happy blasting

[@pattygq]

@@partswasherupgradekit6028 Interesting thanks!

[@frederic6998]

any difference noticed between 3/4 and 1" i see some use 3/4 some 1" but who compared both ?

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

The extra internal volume in the 1" version allows for better media pickup into the air stream and reduces the chances for media backup

[@francisbart-plange6541]

How to use sand blasting on floor tile

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Not quite sure what you mean. Are you wanted to blast your flooring tile to clean them up prior to painting or coating? Look into a pressure pot. Used to blast large surfaces outside of the limits of what can fit into a blast cabinet. BUt they are messy. Media goes everywhere as it is not contained within an enclosed cabinet Hope this helps Regards Best Tool Upgrades

[@markjackson4385]

counter sink the end even more. like porting a head to match!

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

you are absolutely right that this process is like porting a head. Many thanks for watching.

[@greenisleoverland6469]

Why does it need to be vented with the valve itself?

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Because you need replacement air ahead of the media to be picked up in the air flow stream in order to create the stream. Great question. Best regards. The Team at Best Tool Upgrades

[@Well_I_am_just_saying]

Can I just buy the high flow metering valve by itself? If yes, how much?

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Absolutely, Here is the link: www.partswasherupgradekit.com/store/p6/Best-flowing-metering-valve.html Thanks for your interest in our products

[@Well_I_am_just_saying]

@@partswasherupgradekit6028 OK, thanks. I only saw the 4 different kits on your site yesterday..

[@findvoltage]

Whats the ideal ratio of media to air?

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

This ratio is not actually calculated as it is too highly dependent on media type and size, compressor output in CFM, gun performance, etc. Instead, it is important to dial in the cabinet to achieve max media delivery associated with the various components associated with that set up. Hope this helps

[@TheChibitodd]

Newton's law states that smaller ventury flows faster.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

I think you mean Bernoulli's Principle. And yes that is correct; however, the area of reduced diameter is followed immediately by a long section with increased diameter, therefore the increased speed is very limited. What is more applicable is the concept of constricted flow and our milled out valve reduces the construction. Also, remember that this is not a simple fluid. It is a fluid with high levels of suspended solid particles (the media) so internal frictional forces are an issue. Bernoulli's is best seen in a carburetor where the faster flow creates an area of lower pressure and that comparative vacuum then pulls (sucks) in atomized fuel. Different from a metering valve that in entraining solid particles within an air stream.

[@dashaB-sl4pu]

Do you ship to Australia thanks for an upgrade kit?

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Yes we do. Please go to our website at partswasherupgradekit.com and place your item in the cart and check out. We have sent many items to Australia. If you experience a problem please contact us thanks for watching our video and for your interest in our products Happy New Years

[@dashaB-sl4pu]

@@partswasherupgradekit6028 Thanks, will be placing an order shortly, thanks for replying

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

@@dashaB-sl4pu We appreciate your interest in our products.

[@phrogman4654]

I made mine out of PVC schedule 40 pipe and it's great. The only negative thing is that it builds a ton of static electricity with the sand running through the plastic pipe. Have to keep a hand on the cabinet or your going to get a butt load of shocks.😲

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Thanks for your "shocking" comment LOL. Interesting to know if the abrasive media stream will actually eat out the inside of the wall of the PVC pipe and fittings and cause a failure (aka loss of structural integrity). Best regards

[@phrogman4654]

@@partswasherupgradekit6028 I thought of that, but that's a future me problem. Besides it's in my home shop, it'll most likely outlast me.

[@Cyberbeagle1000]

Wish postage and customs from the US to the UK wasn't so dreadful! Pay more to ship than for the actual item...

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Yeah. We hear you. International shipping has gotten pretty high. Best regards

[@beetlenick8728]

Do you ship to the uk

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

yes we do. our website will process the order. we have sent many orders to the UK thanks for your interest in our products

[@davidrasmussen2975]

There is no “bounce back “.maybe turbulence at inlet but nothing goes back upstream.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Our intention was not to say that the media particles travel back against the flow of the air/media slurry. Rather, that the particles do indeed hit the flat end of the brass fitting at which time they will bounce off of it and then be entrained into the flow. This is considerably less efficient than a laminar flow configuration without obstacles in the way. Hope this clarifies our point. Best regards

[@dondorfman3951]

These are gravity fed machines not siphon, I assume

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

The metering valves we sell convert a siphon tube cabinet into a gravity fed one. MUCH better efficiency. Best upgrade you can make

[@georgenettlesjr1466]

What is that silver piece called that screws to the bottom door?

[@lindaropon2348]

never heard of a ventrui tube slowimg down ???

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

It's not a matter of the speed, it's the flow characteristics of the airstream when loaded with particles (the abrasive media). The venturi effect in a traditional carburetor creates negative pressure drawing in the atomized vapor (gas and air), What is going on inside the metering valve is a different matter. Also, once the airstream with the media hits the larger ID of the hose, it will slow down and therefore keeping flow speed up with minimal internal friction becomes a ket issue. Thanks for viewing and providing your comment Regards The Team at Best Tool Upgrades

[@lindaropon2348]

@@partswasherupgradekit6028 thanks for the info, makes sense now.

[@hedgepethracing9590]

Don't see why people buy these things when they could go to the headwear store for cheeper if u got a drill and a tap

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

We appreciate your comment. In reality, it's not that easy to purchase all of the parts. The air inlet valve is not typically sourced locally and tapping requires an odd sized tap. Taps are not cheap. Also, tapping the relatively thin wall of the pipe is not that easy for most people as there are only about 2 and 1/2 threads worth of thickness. The box stores don't carry all of the parts and even if they do, rarely have them all in stock at the dame time. We have had several people contact us after building one themselves to tell us that, in hindsight ,they wish they would have just bought one from us. Not much more money after sourcing all the parts and zero in time and aggravation driving around town and ordering online. Not saying that it can't be done by a handy guy for less money, but for many, time and troubleshooting is not worth the savings. Again, we do appreciate your comment. Just want people out there to know it is not just a run to Lowes and 10 minutes back in the garage. Happy blasting!!

[@hedgepethracing9590]

Well, today had some extra time and made me one. Works like night and day..

[@stevie123413]

Youre system seems a bit over the top for a small blast unit a lot of weight on the trap door.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

The use of an aftermarket metering valve in this location is quite common. We ourselves have sold thousands of them and never had a single comment regarding the inability of the trap door to support the weight. When you think of the hopper being commonly loaded with 20-30 pounds of media (or more in some cases) being held up by the trap door, the additional couple of pounds from the metering valve is really negligible overall. Appreciate your comment and thanks for watching our video. Best regards

[@daehdrah]

To me..... the second and third models are not an upgrade. Please look in to the erosion sand causes to cast aluminum

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Over 5 years and thousands of satisfied customers. Not one report of a failure.

[@raygodbout]

My virus protection for my desktop blocked your site.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Suggest that you whitelist the site with your virus protection platform. Sorry for the inconvenience

[@davidcolasurdo2282]

Thanks my snap on one stinks

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Glad this helped. Please visit our website at www.partswasherupgradekit.com to see all of our products. Happy blasting

[@frederic6998]

3:28 That's an extra useless thing. You can just open the door.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

that is certainly possible but hinging the door down with the hose attached can be difficult and when you open the door the media goes everywhere. So easy to use the screw in plug especially since the metering valve is built around the "tee" fitting. Media falls straight down into a bucket

[@V100-e5q]

7:00 Here my physics seem to differ from your physics. In a tube the airflow (speed) increases if the diameter of the tube is reduced. Because the same volume per second has to pass the narrower cross section. Higher speed means more ability to pick up media. Even if the media is settling down there this increases speed even more and the ability to pick the stuff up. Totally the opposite of what you tell us. If you increase the diameter the ability to transport the medium is effectively reduced. So why is this then an improvement? Do I have to relearn physics and tell Mr. Bernoulli he was wrong? 7:40 You mill even surfaces. But you have drilled out a tube.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Thank you for your comment and the opportunity to explain "our physics" from "your physics". Simply stated - "your physics" is the physics of looking at an isolated component of a system and drawing inference as to how it might impact system functionality. "Our physics" is to look at ALL of the components of a complex, dynamic system. We do not need to debate Bernoulli. But when and where Bernoulli is of value in terms of increased system efficiency needs some discussion. The increased flow speed, which also decreases pressure, can be very helpful in such classic examples as a carburetor where gas molecules are introduced into the stream of air at the venturi. But take a close look at the full cross section of the metering valve. In the unaltered valve, there is a restriction in the throat of the valve followed by an increased cross sectional diameter, followed by another restriction in flow created by the ID of the brass fitting, followed by a long distance of increased diameter that is the media hose. What you can't see is that there is another restriction at the other end of the hose at another brass fitting, and yet another tunable venturi that is designed within the body of the media gun itself. Repeated sequencing of the speeding up of the flow, followed by the slowing down of the flow, can create dynamic pulses which can be helpful in some systems, if designed into the system, but are most often detrimental to smooth flow (which is what is desired in the case of media blasting). Now let's talk about what is actually flowing. The stream is not just a gas (air) or a mixture of two gases (air and petroleum distillate as in the case of a carburetor). It is a highly heterogeneous 'slurry' of gas molecules and very large (in comparison to air molecules) chunks of solid media that can vary greatly in size, surface area to volume ratio, and density, depending on what type of media the user has selected and the grit size of that media. Therefore, the system needs to be capable of good performance across a wide range of particle types potentially found in the slurry suspension. The goal is to keep the media particles suspended in a continuous smooth flow of air and not create pulsing or any other condition which could lead to particle drop out from the air stream, which would create clogging (log jam effect) of the system downstream, which then would further reduce flow as a negative synergism. The reduction (not total elimination) of the first and most significant restriction to flow (the throat area of the metering valve) in a system with multiple sequential flow restrictions (aka reductions in cross sectional area) is improving the OVERALL efficiency of the SYSTEM, when all of these multiple Bernoulli 'points', including those in the media gun, are considered. Perhaps we erred in not going through all of the system physics in our video at this level of detail. We will take that under consideration. However, the vast majority of our 1000s of very satisfied customers just want to have their system work to their level of expectation, and are less interested in all of the details (especially when physics are involved, LOL) Finally, we could have had this conversation as an honest exchange of thoughts and ideas between people, but you chose to take the route of snarkiness, belittlement and derision. To that point, no need to tell Mr. B anything at all. He know's what his Principle states, but further, he appreciates the proper application of his Principle to overall system design, not just a single point along a pipe, viewed in isolation. Here's another Principle that may be applicable to the current situation - "Seek first to understand, then be understood" Best regards.

[@V100-e5q]

@@partswasherupgradekit6028 Thank you for explaining what you had in mind. I now understand that you, in simple words, wanted to smooth airflow by avoiding dead spots where sudden increases of diameter can lead to accumulation of media. Whether this will get to a point where everything gets choked up or more hinder the airflow might be an experiment that will tell the situation. Anyway from explaining your improvement of a single component I was referring to that only. You are right that sedimentation can take place if solid matter is transported in a fluid or gas stream. As you have explained I understand that the whole arrangement needs to be taken into account. All the connectors with not really streamlined transitions will affect the system performance. Perhaps from your experience the change of one component makes already a significant difference. I lack that experience. Your video seems to hint in that direction. But then you get out that fabricated (assembled from individual components) regulator and state that it might be as good as your product. That makes me wonder whether simply the increased diameter is what makes the system better. The smallest diameter kind of determining the airflow per Watt. Which results for me in two findings: 1. Dead areas can lead to media accumulation which, due to the nature of solids (internal friction hindering easy pick-up), make them permanent or difficult to "dissolve"; and 2. per given power the lower resistance from a larger minimal diameter results in a better system performance. Thanks you again for taking the time to explain. I am not going to comment on any perceived tone.

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Thank you in turn for being receptive to our response that provided a fuller context. We do extensive testing on all of our products, use them ourselves in our own home shops and derive high quality feedback from our customers based on their real world experiences. We have learned a lot over the almost 5 years we have been in business and are always looking to find a way to make improvements. Best regards

[@BigNicky77]

Cool video, thank you

[@partswasherupgradekit6028]

Thanks for watching.