If you need to sandblast small pieces of metal on a regular basis, you may want to consider investing in a sandblasting cabinet. Alternatively, with a bit of welding and building knowledge, you can make your own sandblasting cabinet. Here's what you need:

1. Sheetmetal

The main compartment of a sandblaster is a metal box. This box prevents the sand from the blaster or the debris from the metal from blowing around the room. You will need a few pieces of sheet metal to create the sides of the box.

2. Metal Grate

The base of the metal box should be a metal grate. The grate needs to be strong enough to support the metal you are blasting, and it needs to have small enough holes so the metal does not fall through. However, the grate's holes need to be large enough that the sand from the blaster can easily fall through the holes.

3. Funnel

Under the grate, a funnel needs to help collect the sand and direct it to a pan on the ground. You can make your own funnel using sheet metal, or you can save time by buying a metal funnel. The funnels sold for refilling the oil in tractor engines are quite large and can be suitable for this project.

As noted above, you will also need a pan to catch the sand. An old roasting tin from a charity shop or a piece of sheet metal with a lip around the sides can both work perfectly.

4. Plexiglass

So that you can see what you are working on, you should make a plexiglass lid for the front of your sandblasting cabinet. Plexiglass is strong enough to withstand the pressures involved. Depending on how you ultimately decide to design your cabinet, you can use plexiglass on the top, on one side with a bit of sheetmetal, or in both places, and with a couple of hinges, you can easily convert your plexiglass into a door to place your items inside the sandblasting cabinet.

5. Work gloves

Finally, so that you can manipulate your metal while it is in the sandblasting cabinet, you want to integrate a couple of work gloves. Invest in high quality, heat-resistant work gloves with ample coverage onto the forearm area. Cut two holes into the sheetmetal at the front of your cabinet, and push the gloves through those holes. Lock the gloves into place using hose clamps.