Abstract: A centrifugal blast wheel machine comprises a housing and a wheel assembly coupled to the housing. The wheel assembly has a plurality of blades configured to throw blast media introduced into the wheel assembly against a work piece. According to one embodiment, each blade of the plurality of blades includes a curved portion positioned adjacent a central hub of the wheel assembly, and a straight portion integrally formed with the curved portion extending radially outwardly from the wheel assembly. According to another embodiment, each blade includes a first side rail extending along the blade, the first side rail having a first recess, and a first grommet positioned in the first recess.

Abstract: A centrifugal blast wheel machine includes a wheel assembly, an impeller positioned about an axis of the wheel assembly, a motor coupled to the impeller to drive the rotation of the impeller and the wheel assembly, and a control cage assembly surrounding the impeller and secured to the wheel assembly. The control cage assembly includes a control cage and a locking ring secured to a peripheral edge of the cylindrical wall. The locking ring includes an indicator projecting radially outwardly from the locking ring, and an adaptor plate secured to the wheel assembly. The adaptor plate includes at least one recess formed therein to receive the indicator when securing the locking ring and the control cage to the adaptor plate. The adaptor plate further includes a retaining ring secured to the adaptor plate to firmly secure the locking ring and the control cage in place.