I am considering purchasing a sand blaster. What is the difference between the cheaper "siphon" type and the "pressure" type? (other than cost) I am looking for something economical to do small parts on occasion,not HD commercial applications, but I hate cheap tools that don't work. Would I be unhappy with a siphon type? Any advise would be apprciated.

If you want something to do small parts in, might I suggest one of those table top blast cabinets. They are relatively cheap and work great.

Freshayr,
I agree with Tom in that for small parts a table top cabinet is most useful and it will recycle the blasting media until you have to replace it. However, if you are going to sandblast larger parts I would highly recommend a pressure type blaster. They are much more effective than a siphon and will push stubborn sand through whereas a siphon would clog. I used a siphon and cursed it out more times than I can count, even though I sifted all my sand prior to using it! I still have my pressure blaster after 20 years and although I don't use it as much on the car parts, there are plenty of other things I still use it on around the house. You still need a good compressor and it helps a lot to have an excellent water and oil trap installed in your compressed air line. I purchased mine (which was refered to as the "99" model) from TIP Sand Blasting Equipment in Canfield Ohio. TIP SANDBLASTING EQUIPMENT CO., Box 646, Canfield, OH 44406, 800/321-9260.

Sam