Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting blades into a centrifugal blasting wheel to install blades without injury to fingers or hands. The apparatus uses a rotatable blade retainer with a blade guide slot that allows each blade to be installed through the blade guide slot while other installed blades are supported by the outer surface of the rotatable blade retainer. Once all blades are safely installed, the center section of the centering plate is inserted to cover the rotatable blade retainer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting a blade to a single sided wheel plate or a pair of interconnected wheel plates. The assembly provides a repeatable, positive and even positioning location for each blade. It utilizes an ellipse that tapers outwardly from the center of the wheel along the blade connecting member that corresponds with the connecting channel on the wheel. The ellipse provides for equal and uniform contact on the entire blade connection to firmly hold the blade in place without parallel surfaces. The ellipse design provides a measured and increasing improved release in that all surfaces of the ellipse are tapered with non-parallel surfaces such that blade retention and blade removal is dramatically simplified.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting blades into a centrifugal blasting wheel to install blades without injury to fingers or hands. The apparatus uses a rotatable blade retainer with a blade guide slot that allows each blade to be installed through the blade guide slot while other installed blades are supported by the outer surface of the rotatable blade retainer. Once all blades are safely installed, the center section of the centering plate is inserted to cover the rotatable blade retainer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting a blade to a single sided wheel plate or a pair of interconnected wheel plates. The assembly provides a repeatable, positive and even positioning location for each blade. It utilizes an ellipse that tapers outwardly from the center of the wheel along the blade connecting member that corresponds with the connecting channel on the wheel. The ellipse provides for equal and uniform contact on the entire blade connection to firmly hold the blade in place without parallel surfaces. The ellipse design provides a measured and increasing improved release in that all surfaces of the ellipse are tapered with non-parallel surfaces such that blade retention and blade removal is dramatically simplified.