Frequently Asked Questions

From equipment selection and process optimization to maintenance and troubleshooting, these frequently asked questions address many of the challenges encountered in wheel blast operations. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, the Gibson team is always available to help.

General Blasting Performance & Pattern Issues

• Why doesn’t my wheel blaster clean like it used to?
  • Check if the impeller is gone or if the blades are worn.
  • Determine if the blast pattern needs adjusting or if your parts have changed.
  • Verify that the machine is not out of abrasive and that the blast wheel motor is not running backwards.

• Why is one end wheel blast chamber liner wearing faster than the other?
  • Your blast pattern may be off, or you may be experiencing “abrasive trailing,” which occurs when abrasive leaves the tip of the blade and trails to the other side due to high-speed momentum.

• How do I test and adjust the wheel blast pattern?
  • Test the pattern using a painted plate of steel, never cardboard, as wheel blasters are aggressive and will immediately clog the screens with cardboard debris.
  • To adjust the “Hot Spot” of the blast stream, use an adjustable wrench and a medium flat screwdriver to rotate the Control Cage clockwise or counter-clockwise.
  • Ensure the notch in the cage is facing approximately 180 degrees away from the blast pattern, typically starting at the 12 o’clock position.

Amperage & Blast Wheel Motor Issues

• Why can’t I get my blast wheel amperage above idle?
  • Check if the abrasive valve is open and adjusted properly.
  • Verify that the air is turned on to activate the abrasive valve.
  • Ensure the solenoid/Mac valve is not leaking or stuck, and check that the blast wheel motor isn’t running backwards.

• How do I correctly set the blast wheel motor amperage during startup?
• • Turn the blaster on and check the Full Load Amp (FLA) against the motor’s schematic.
  • If the amperage is higher than the FLA, shut the motor off immediately to prevent an overload condition.
  • If the FLA is lower than required, adjust the abrasive valve cylinder to increase the abrasive flow rate until you reach the correct FLA.

• Why is my blast wheel motor vibrating excessively?
  • A rotating component—such as the impeller, blades, bare wheel, or hub—is likely out of balance, which becomes highly apparent at 3600 rpm
  • Check all items for wear, and if nothing is obvious, remove them one at a time to isolate the problem
  • Rotate the wheel by hand and wait for it to stop; if it rolls back the other way, it is out of balance
  • Alternatively, the motor bearing may have failed

Recovery System & Dust Collection Issues

• Why does my wheel blasting recovery motor overload keep tripping?
  • Check if the elevator belt is loose or slipping.
  • Inspect for a clogged rotary screen or an abrasive gate restricting flow, both of which can backfill the elevator.
  • Verify that there are no loose wires, the overload isn’t malfunctioning, and the overload isn’t set below the normal operating amperage.

• Why isn’t my dust collector performing like it used to?
  • Check if the air pressure is too low for the reverse pulse system to function, or if the filter cartridges or dust pipes are clogged.
  • Ensure the slide gate isn’t open and that ambient air isn’t entering the duct and reducing the air volume/CFM.
  • Confirm whether it is time to change the filter cartridges, which is recommended at 5” of static pressure.

• When should dust collector filter cartridges be replaced?
  • Gibson recommends replacing filter cartridges when static pressure reaches approximately 5 inches.

• I installed a dust collector and the reverse pulse system is not working. What should I check?
  • Ensure the 110-volt electricity is hooked up to the reverse pulse system, as the equipment might be too loud for you to notice if it is on
  • Verify that the pneumatic air is turned on to the system
  • Check if the bolts on the bladder cover are loose, which allows air to leak by the air pipe

Belt Tracking & General Equipment Setup

• How should I adjust a tumble blast mill after installing a new belt?
  • Tension the belt to the factory paint line to create a ¼” bow in the middle near the front roller.
  • Run the mill conveyor belt for about 15 minutes to verify tracking.
  • If tracking is improper, tension the same side the belt is moving toward by about 3/8” periodically (waiting 3-5 minutes per adjustment) until the belt centers.

• What are the critical pre-startup checks before adding media?
  • Ensure the equipment is anchored, shimmed, and placed on a level, flat concrete floor with proper weather protection, as steel media can oxidize overnight.
  • Verify the correct voltage has been connected (208/230/380/460/575) to prevent component failure, and that the air is clean, dry, and set to the factory PSI requirement (typically 90psi).
  • Check all visible set screws, bump the motors to check rotations, ensure doors open and close properly, and recommend earth-grounding the dust collector in dry areas.
  • Make sure the abrasive valve closes just before the blast wheel motor comes to a stop, which serves as the primary safety device on most standard equipment.

Product Related Information

• What are some key features and benefits of Gibson’s automated systems?
  • Gibson’s automated wheel blast systems are designed for 24-hour production with the goal of minimizing labor costs by automating processes that are otherwise accomplished with batch type blasters. We emphasize repeatable results, increased efficiency, and improved safety. Key features include PLC programming for consistent performance, manganese steel blast cabinets with cast alloy liners, entrance and exit vestibules for abrasive containment, multiple blast wheels, and ease of maintenance. The systems are designed to integrate smoothly into existing production lines, often directly preceding or following paint lines. They also offer the capability to clean a wide range of sizes and shapes, from small parts to large fabrications.

• What are the benefits of using a Dual Chamber Spinner Hanger system?
  • Dual Chamber Spinner Hanger systems are designed for batch blasting fragile or awkward parts that are mounted on hooks. The dual-chamber design allows for continuous operation because one chamber is loaded and unloaded while the other is processing within the blast stream. They provide 360° workpiece coverage via a rotating spindle in each chamber, and can be programmed for repeatable performance. These systems enhance productivity and safety, and provide consistency of results.

• How does Gibson’s Pipe Blasting system work?
  • Gibson’s pipe blasting systems are fully automated and use a skew roll conveyor to rotate pipe 360 degrees as it passes through the blast chamber. The process removes rust and mill scale, creating a surface profile for coating adhesion. It employs sensors to control media flow and includes a media recovery system with a bucket elevator and auger. The system utilizes abrasive shot propelled by a blast wheel, and it can be customized for various pipe sizes, usually ranging from 1″ to 42″ in diameter, along with various liner options within the chamber for increased durability. Industry-leading HMI controls allow the user to adjust settings, providing different surface finishes.

• What advantages does Gibson’s TB120XT Table Blast system offer as an alternative to a traditional blast room?
  • The TB120XT is a large table blast system that offers an automated alternative to manual blast rooms. It features a 120″ diameter turntable with a 10,000 lb capacity, dual doors for easy access, safety interlocks, and powerful blast wheels. Compared to a manual blast room, the TB120XT provides greater operator safety, higher energy efficiency (due to lower process air consumption), and improved consistency in finishing quality. It allows for easier, more efficient and consistent processing of large parts without an operator needing to be enclosed within the blast chamber.

General Company Information

• What types of abrasive blast equipment does Gibson Equipment manufacture?
  • Gibson Equipment specializes in manufacturing a wide array of wheel blast systems, including table blasters, hanger blast systems, tumble blasters, dual chamber spinner hangers, wire mesh belt blasters, monorail blast systems, roller conveyor blast systems, and pipe blast systems. We on providing comprehensive surface finishing solutions tailored to different applications and production requirements.

• How do you select the right Wheel Blast System for the application?
  • It all starts with a conversation and a customer’s part, along with mutual collaboration. In the early stages it is more art than science. While we consider ourselves experts within the Wheel Blast System industry, there are many things we need to know in order to get started on the correct path. Are there any applicable specifications to follow, are there any current in-house procedures to be followed, and do they have their own validation process just to name a few. These basic questions are indicators to provide an initial direction. As the process evolves it turns in to more of the science component, providing technical solutions to the application. In some cases, it is completely new process and we are able to provide options through various trials.

• What is the “Empire Difference” that Gibson highlights?
  • The “Empire Difference” refers to Gibson’s commitment to providing a high level of service and support, with a dedicated team assigned to each project including a Regional Manager, Project Manager, Engineer and local surface finishing distributor. It also includes on-site meetings, two-way communication, local support for maintenance and parts, data-driven machine selection, dedication to machinery evolution, in-house engineering, on-site demonstration labs, in-house manufacturing, installation and start-up services and post-installation support. This comprehensive approach emphasizes partnership, aiming to exceed customer needs for equipment and support. We focus on quality process, customer service and unbiased processing recommendations.

• What is the purpose of Gibson’s on-site Demonstration Lab?
  • Gibson’s on-site Demonstration Lab allows customers to test their parts on actual machines before purchase. This helps customers evaluate expected results, confirming the correct machine for their application. This testing process is documented with formal procedures and helps the customer make an informed purchasing decision and adjust parameters immediately. It provides a physical, tangible demonstration of how the machine will process the customer’s parts, moving beyond theoretical projections. Customers are invited to attend and collaborate during these trials.

• How does Gibson handle replacement parts and maintenance for their equipment?
  • We emphasize the importance of using genuine OEM replacement parts for optimal performance and longevity of their equipment. We offer a wide array of replacement parts that are domestically manufactured and meet OEM specifications for materials and engineering, including components like elevator belts, blades, liners and motors. We also offer parts for other manufacturers including Goff, Coyote, Pangborn, Wheelabrator, Viking, and Bronco. We provide expertise and technical support to assist customers in maintaining their machines, and emphasizes faster response times with most parts in stock for immediate delivery. We see maintenance as an opportunity to troubleshoot issues before they lead to shutdowns.