Gunner
Just contact a local Sandblaster and see what they have. There are
hundreds of different media for different applications. As far as aluminium
oxide goes this also comes in different grits so get something a little more
course.

My opion on stripping the machine is do it right, I have a few "OLD"
machines, welders etc. that I stripped, replaced older wires and had powder
coated. I've had more than a few people want to buy them from me for their
shops. Honestly for some of us I take as much pride in my work as I do in a
clean shop. After each project I cleanup and then start the next one. A
clean shop is a happy shop. Also I find that people that borrow my shop
respect my tools more when I take care of them.

BUT JUST MY OPINION