Abstract: There is provided a blast wheel assembly comprising an abrasive throwing wheel and a plurality of throwing blades evenly spaced axially on the wheel. The wheel has a central opening, an outer periphery, and a plurality of channels therein for receipt of the throwing blades. The channels extend from the outer periphery with a diminishing cross-section toward the central opening. The outer periphery includes an opening for insertion of a fastener. Each of the blades comprises an inner end, outer end, a surface for throwing abrasive, and a bottom surface substantially perpendicular to the abrasive throwing surface. Each blade diminishes in cross-section from its outer end to its inner end. Each blade includes a lug disposed proximate the outer end and between the outer end and the inner end of the blade. The lug has an opening therein adapted to align with the opening in the outer periphery of the wheel when the blade is inserted in one of the channels in the wheel.