A lot of people have trouble seeing what they’re sandblasting due to abrasive dust clouding up inside and/or from inadequate light (too dark). This can be overcome by using a combination of different tactics. Listed below are some tactics to help you see what you’re doing better:
Dust Collector: The best thing to do is hook up a “dust collector” to the cabinet to suck the dust out for better visibility. This is basically an outer component that connects to the cabinet from a hose to pull out all the dust. Tip: If you have an old vacuum cleaner or shop vac that you are thinking about throwing away, you can connect it to the back of the cabinet and use it as a dust collector. If a connection isn’t there, you will need to cut a hole out the back of the cabinet to enable the hose to be inserted inside. There is usually a flap that prevents the abrasive media but allows the dust to be sucked in. I talk about inexpensive dust collectors that I have found in the sandblasting cabinet members section here.
Transparent Walls: Another tactic is to make the walls transparent by cutting out some of the opaque (usually metal) walls and rigging a transparent material in its place such as glass. This way more light can enter inside the cabinet without additional light sources being placed inside. In order for this to work, the main frame should still be in place (possibly the outer edges), and the transparent material will need to be sealed tight to prevent abrasives from escaping the cabinet. A strong sealant may work to seal the transparent material to the cabinet frame properly.
Additional Light: You can place additional or stronger light sources inside or outside the cabinet to improve visibility. It is really easy to set up a light system outside the cabinet and not be damaged from abrasive if you use the 2nd step with transparent walls. The transparent walls allow an outside light bulb to light up the inside of the cabinet. Source: http://amzn.to/VKKV4A
Polarized Sunglasses: Often you will get a film of abrasive dust on the inside of your viewing glass. Polarized sunglasses will sometimes help cut through the glare.
Dust Collector: The best thing to do is hook up a “dust collector” to the cabinet to suck the dust out for better visibility. This is basically an outer component that connects to the cabinet from a hose to pull out all the dust. Tip: If you have an old vacuum cleaner or shop vac that you are thinking about throwing away, you can connect it to the back of the cabinet and use it as a dust collector. If a connection isn’t there, you will need to cut a hole out the back of the cabinet to enable the hose to be inserted inside. There is usually a flap that prevents the abrasive media but allows the dust to be sucked in. I talk about inexpensive dust collectors that I have found in the 
Transparent Walls: Another tactic is to make the walls transparent by cutting out some of the opaque (usually metal) walls and rigging a transparent material in its place such as glass. This way more light can enter inside the cabinet without additional light sources being placed inside. In order for this to work, the main frame should still be in place (possibly the outer edges), and the transparent material will need to be sealed tight to prevent abrasives from escaping the cabinet. A strong sealant may work to seal the transparent material to the cabinet frame properly.
Additional Light: You can place additional or stronger light sources inside or outside the cabinet to improve visibility. It is really easy to set up a light system outside the cabinet and not be damaged from abrasive if you use the 2nd step with transparent walls. The transparent walls allow an outside light bulb to light up the inside of the cabinet. Source: http://amzn.to/VKKV4A
Polarized Sunglasses: Often you will get a film of abrasive dust on the inside of your viewing glass. Polarized sunglasses will sometimes help cut through the glare.Share this on social media or email by clicking below!
Hey Eric
I clean my viewing window and lights with “Meguiars” quik wax , a spray on wipe off carnuba wax.It cuts down on static cling to the coated areas. I spray it on a rag then wipe the area, let it dry and buff it with a dry rag. I do this once a week and have as clear as possible vision all the time.
Barry
Barry, you always have some cool technique. I like it! I am going to give it a try when I have time. I really appreciate you leaving comments.
By the way, every once in awhile, I offer people a chance to make a guest blog post and get exposure to their art. If you’d be interested in that, I can sign you up to make a post. Let me know. Your stuff rocks!
-Eric