Star Wars Etching on Glass & Recycling Sandblast Abrasive

This week we are featuring Rex L. and his Star Wars glass etching. Since there are a lot of Star Wars fans, this idea would probably be a big hit for many folks. It reminds me of this other Star Wars themed etching from a subscriber. It would make a great gift and Rex etched this wonderfully in a more favorable way with sandcarving and shading techniques.

Rex provided the below details on this project:

On this glass, I’ve used two staged blasting and some shading (techniques), but the photo does not really show it. The recipient was happy as Star Wars fan.
I use crush garnet, but it would be impossible to give the size as I keep re-using it, which I originally get from a blasting firm as waste. I just change it when it no longer cuts.
The reverse side of the glass is the Storm troopers seal. The first cut, I use 75 psi which I normally go over the resist 4 times. Second stage, 45 psi and the shading done at 25. The seal has only a deep cut with a full shade.

Using Recycled Sandblasting Abrasive Suggestion

This brings up another great idea from Rex that I’ve never thought of. Whether he gets the abrasive free or at a very low cost, this might be a great way for folks to keep their costs low. I am sure many blasting companies trash their abrasive just because it isn’t as course as it was before. Since many of us glass etchers use finer abrasive, their waste may work out perfect.

However, I would probably see if a company has aluminum oxide first, as that is my go-to abrasive. Garnet would be great too if that is all they have.

Your Thoughts Below

Thank you, Rex for sharing! Please leave him some comments or questions below. Also, have you tried contacting a sandblasting company for their waste?

I have tried this for glass companies and it worked out well!