soda blaster

[jiall2]

If soda media becomes damp can it be dried out? Thanks

[garry-in-michigan]

Of course it can. Depending on the degree of dampness, it may be lumpy. . . 😕

[kerry]

Just keep your eyes open at garage sales and antique stores for an old school kitchen sifter. They work great for soda and finer sand, depending on the size of the screen at the bottom.

If you have too many, AND not enough, you're a collector.

[johnny-infl]

depending on the volume that you are talking about, you can put the damp soda
in a large roasting pan and into the kitchen oven @ 200* with the door propped open 1"
at the top with a metal spoon or something like that. stirring every now and then until dry.
after drying, allow to cool and store in an airtight 5 gallon bucket with a tight fitting lid. (not in the paper bag).
you can make a larger sifter using 1×4 lumber and window screen over a large plastic tub to remove any lumps and debris.
long time storage in an AIR-TIGHT container will prevent any issues for your next use.

here is one of two sifters that I made from 1×4" lumber with screen on the bottom.
this one is just plain 1/4" hardware cloth when I was fossil hunting and the one
for the media blaster has window screen on the bottom, then the 1/4" hardware cloth for support
then the 1/8" thick wood furring strip stapled into place (like a screen door).
the window screen alone is not strong enough to hold over 5 pounds of material and must be supported by hardware cloth.
the next ones I make will have 1×4" for the sides and 1×6" for the two ends so I can make the hand holds higher.
the bottom furring strip will be 3/4" x 3/4" to keep the bottom higher (just because that is how I want it).
you can also attach handles of your liking on the outside to hold on to while you shake it.
for fossil hunting in water, zip-tie a pool noodle on the outside to keep it afloat while you work.
[oh ~ and use pressure treated lumber and it will last longer].

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