We know sandblasting (blasting sand) as rough blasting. It is the operation of forcibly pushing a stream of sandpaper against a surface. Doing it under high pressure smooths, roughens or shapes a surface. There are several variants of the process. Some are highly rough/irritating, whereas others are milder. The most rough are shot blasting and sandblasting. Moderately rough versions include glass bead blasting and plastic media blasting (PMB). They also include ground-up plastic stock or walnut shells and corncobs. Some of these substances can cause severe allergic reactions. A mild version is sodablasting (with baking soda). There are other choices that are barely rough or nonabrasive, such as ice blasting and dry-ice blasting. Sandblasting We know sand blasting as rough/irritating blasting, which is a general term for the process of smoothing, shaping and cleaning a hard surface by forcing solid particles across that surface at high speeds; the effect is just like that of using sandpaper, but provides a more even finish with no problems at corners or crannies. Sandblasting can happen naturally, usually as a result of particles blown by wind causing aeolian wearing away using pressurized air. Sandblasting equipment consists of a room in which we mix sand and air. The mixture travels through a hand-held nozzle to direct the particles toward the surface or work piece. Nozzles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Boron carbide is a popular material for nozzles because it resists rough/irritating wear well. Wet abrasive blasting Wet rough blasting uses water as the fluid moving the abrasives. The advantages are that the water traps the dust produced, and greases the surface. The water cushions the effect on the surface, reducing the removal of sound material. One of the original pioneers of the wet rough/irritating process was Norman Ashworth who found the advantages of using a wet process as a strong other choice to dry blasting. The process is available in all ordinary formats including hand cabinets, walk-in booths, automated production machinery and total loss portable blasting units. Advantages include the ability to use very fine or rough media with densities ranging from plastic to steel and the ability to use hot water and soap to allow degreasing and blasting. The reduction in dust also makes it safer to use siliceous materials for blasting, or to remove dangerous material such as poisonous, radioactive or poisonous products. Process speeds are usually not as fast as ordinary dry rough blasting when using the equal size and type of media. This is in part because the presence of water between newspapers, web sites,