T Nielsen and Co is restoring the Massey Shaw, a former London Fire Brigade fireboat that took part in the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940.

For flexibility and to avoid the need for external sub-contractors, the company invested in an IBIX 25 H2O dry or wet abrasive blast machine from Hodge Clemco.

Of compact size and low weight, the machine can be moved easily by a single operator. Air pressure can be adjusted from 0.2 to 7 bar to control abrasive output.

The abrasives used are 80-mesh garnet and bi-carbonate of soda, but others are compatible.