bead blasting
for anyone using a blast cabinet use glass beads for aluminum, especially for engine parts don't exceed 80psi as beads will break defeating their purpose. beads peen and do not score surface. the benefit of this is that in most cases it actual strengthens part and they embed themselves in softer metal like sand can. sand or a sharp abrasive has its advantages for steal or anything to be painted. also if you are going to be using it a lot a sealed cabinet with dust separation and collection system is best but pricey