Archive for the ‘FAQ’S’ Category

Sandblasting Can be Very Profitable and a Pain in the Rear End  - ALL AT THE SAME TIME.

When things go right:

• You can produce multiples of the same item, over and over, in very little time. Beautiful glass items including wedding items, wine glasses, beer mugs, glass Christmas ornaments, crystal awards and much more.
• You can make a lot of money with sandblasting creating custom gifts, corporate gifts – almost anything you can imagine can be customized with sandblasting.
• You can blast items that a laser engraving machine simply cannot do.
• You can “have a blast” making very good money producing beautiful personalized items with ZERO artistic ability.

But, When things go wrong:

• It can be very frustrating
• It can be messy
• It can get expensive when items get ruined.
• You get the point, as I stated earlier – It can be a huge pain in the rear end.

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It’s very simple…

Sand travels through the system, cutting everything in it’s path. It is your job to direct the sand to the places you want to blast, yet prevent the sand from reaching the area that you don’t want blasted. “Duh.”

I know, it’s simple. This is all you have to do. (If you are familiar with The ParaBlaster System and how we create the designs, it is very easy to do) – See the demo video here.

Here’s the problem…..

Sand not only cuts when it exits the sandblasting system, but it also cuts everything it travels through as it goes through the system.

This means parts wear out and there are some steps we need to take to keep our sandblasting systems operating LIKE NEW.

Fittings, Hoses, Nozzles and more are being “eaten” away every time you turn the sandblaster on. (sorry.)

Even external parts subject to dust are being corroded and will not function correctly if left unattended. (sorry again.)

These are the facts, I am just the one that gets to break the news to you. It’s no different from your car – maintenance is required to keep it running properly. Just ask Jiffy Lube.

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We have made some big improvements to The ParaBlaster – it now operates more efficiently than ever on less air pressure.

See the Improvements here.

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Yes, these improvements can be retro-fitted to your existing ParaBlaster System.

Pinch Cylinder Assembly See Details Here
Desiccant Filter Add On for The ParaBlaster See Details Here
ParaBlaster Repair Kit See Details Here

Clarification:

The items above can be easily added to your existing ParaBlaster System.

If your are getting moisture into your sand, causing “lumps” or clogging – the desiccant filter will prevent this.

If you are having trouble with your sand shutting on/off instantly – the Pinch Cylinder Assembly will help with this.

If the fitting at the bottom of the pressure pot, braided tubing, handpiece front or gold nozzle is worn on your system, the repair kit will solve your problem.

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However, If your ParaBlaster isn’t working like new – it might be time for a complete inspection.

Complete ParaBlaster Service is only $99 plus shipping.

We will completely go through your entire ParaBlaster Pressure Pot System. All interior fittings, hoses and connections will be inspected for wear and replaced if necessary.

We will then advise you if any additional repairs are needed and provide you with a quote.

We will also replace or add any additional parts or accessories at no additional charge.

Bottom Line – Your ParaBlaster System will come back to you in “better than new” condition.

You will be back to producing professional results in less time – making money with sandblasting!

The ParaBlaster Gets Some Added Features

We have added some nice features to The ParaBlaster Micro Sandblasting System.

It is now easier than ever to sandblast items such as glass, metal, crystal, stone, tile, rocks, christmas ornaments, wedding items and more.

No Artistic Ability Required – Simply expose your pattern, place the resist film onto the surface, blast, then wash – PERFECT RESULTS EVERY TIME.

Using The ParaBlaster is also the easiest way to produce multiples of the same item – very quickly.

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See The ParaBlaster – IN ACTION – Here.

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New features for The ParaBlaster System include:

• The ability to add a Desiccant Filter directly to the pressure pot assembly.
• On/Off operation with less air pressure
• Pinch Block is now replaceable and repairable

The Video Below will show you more about the improvements we’ve made to our Micro Sandblasting System.

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Where to access and download Free Engraving Patterns

Profitable Hobbies has been providing free engraving and carving patterns for some time now. We have made these free patterns available through download in pdf format. PDF is a universal format for downloading files and saving them to your computer.

However, in order to download the patterns, you must have adobe reader installed on your computer. The program is free to download at http://get.adobe.com/reader/.

We thought our process was working well and that everyone was understand it.

However, it seems that we do have some of our database that are having trouble downloading the free patterns.

The video below will (hopefully) clarify some of the problems and show you how to access and download the free patterns.

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You could make it very easy on yourself and Subscribe by E-Mail. This way, you will receive a link directly to the new item when it is posted – including free patterns.

Your email:

 

If you need additional help downloading the free patterns, please leave a reply below so that we can help you.

Dust Collection – Safety While Engraving and Carving

Safety is always a big concern when it comes to wood carving and engraving.

There are two things you must have to keep your work area safe and YOU safe from Dust and debris – the “dirty” part of being an engraver or carver.

These two things are a good respirator and a good dust collection system.

A respirator is always recommended while engraving, but a dust collection system can also be a valuable asset to have in your studio. Not only will you be safer, not being exposed to the dust and debris, but your work area will be cleaner and safer to work in as well.

There are many different dust collection systems available today. We have tested many different configurations. Some are too big, most are too small, some do nothing at all, some do not “suck” enough, others just “suck”.

We now have put together what we feel is the “near perfect” solution to the Dust Collection dilemma – The Deluxe Dust Collection System.

The Video below will show you all about how you can be safer and contain the mess in your studio.

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How to Replace the Collet in the Shofu Lab Air Z (Oil Free) High Speed Handpiece

The collet or chuck is the part inside the shaft of the turbine that holds onto the bur itself.  It is made to take the abuse of the bit sliding in and out. However, due to the bur sliding in and out of the collet, each time you switch burs, the collet will eventually wear out.  If there wasn’t a collet inside the shaft, eventually the shaft would wear out and your turbine would be ruined. Therefore, the collet is your friend because it saves your turbine shaft from wearing out (and a collet is a lot less money to replace compared to the turbine shaft.)

The video below will show you how to replace the collet (chuck) in your Shofu Lab Air Z Handpiece.

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How to Replace the Turbine Cartridge in the NSK Presto High Speed Handpiece

The NSK Presto High Speed Engraving Tool comes with a 90 day limited warranty on the handpiece and the turbine cartridge. With proper use, it will last much longer that that and provide years of vibration free, (and very quiet), operation.

However, due to the nature of bearings and the high speed that the NSK Presto operates at, the time may come when you will need to replace the turbine cartridge in your NSK Presto.

Don’t worry, the process is simple – but there are a few key points that you need to be aware of.

The Video below will show you the process of changing the turbine cartridge.

There is also a link to download the PDF version of the written instructions for printing.

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How to Replace the Collet in your NSK Presto – High Speed Engraving Handpiece

The Chuck or Collet is the part of your turbine that “holds” onto the bits – keeping them snug in your handpiece while you carve or engrave. .The collet is a wearable part of all high speed handpieces that simply wears out with use.

If the burs keep coming out of your high speed handpiece while you are engraving, it is most likely time to replace your chuck (collet). But wait, just because your collet holds the burs, this does not mean that it is in good shape. A worn collet will cause a bit to “wobble” – which will put unnecessary strain on your bearings, causing your turbine to wear out prematurely.

Regular collet replacement is a good idea to keep your handpiece in top running order.

The process of changing the collet varies by handpiece model, but the NSK Presto can be the trickiest of them all.

The video below will walk you through the process of replacing your Collet in your NSK Presto Handpiece.

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Click the Play Button on the Video Below to See the Chuck Changing Process of the NSK Presto Engraver.

You can get a New Collet for your NSK Presto Turbine Here.

Click on the image below to view the written instructions for changing the NSK Presto Collet.

Download the PDF for Printing Here.

On/Off Air Switch – Two Way Valve

(Recommended for Tank Type Compressors)

The on/off air switch is useful for turning your air pressure on or off, without having to adjust your regulator pressure or turning your compressor on or off.

This Two Way Valve installs in between your regulator (or lubricator) and your high speed engraving handpiece (or any other pneumatic tool you might be using). In the off position, the valve stops the air from reaching your handpiece. When turned on, it allows the air to pass through to your handpiece.

The video below will show you how to install the two way valve air switch.


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When Sandblasting Isn’t a Blast

Sandblasting can be very fun, satisfying and profitable….when it works right.

But when it’s not working right, sandblasting can be very frustrating.

The video below addresses some of the common problems associated with Micro Sandblasting and The ParaBlaster.

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Micro Sandblasting Blowout!

Picture this…..(some of you have lived it – no imagination needed!)

You right are in the middle of an important  Glass Sandblasting Project when the bomb goes off.

What in the world just happened?

What’s that CRUNCHING in my teeth? (Taste’s Like Chicken – NOT!)

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