The Inventor of Sandblasting was a Real, American Hero

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Whether it be George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Teddy Roosevelt, or Jim Thorpe, Americans have always been fascinated by a jack-of-all-trades kind of guy.

Benjamin Chew Tilghman, the man who invented sandblasting, can be readily included in the list.

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As a native of the great state of Pennsylvania, Tilghman attended Bristol College and, later, the University of Pennsylvania.

Receiving his degree in law, Tilghman never practiced because, apparently, he had several other really cool things that needed doing.

Prior to the Civil War, Tilghman was first and foremost a trailblazer in every sense of the word. Having journeyed through Europe and much of the then United States, the weary-worn traveler took needed rests in various factories and laboratories where he offered his brainpower free-of-charge: so long as he could further stimulate his mind.

After the war broke out, Tilghman volunteered in the 26th Pennsylvania volunteer infantry. Entering the Army as a captain, he sustained a severe wound during the Battle of Chancellorsvile in 1863, culminating in his promotion to Colonel and Commander of the 3rd United States Colored Troops.

Two years later, Tilghman was promoted to Brigadier General for “meritorious services.”

While stationed in the desert, General Tilghman witnessed the effects of wind-blown sand on windows — producing a matte and weathered effect, Tilghman was inspired to use this media as a tool.

Finally, around 1870, Benny Chew Tilghman invented the sandblasting process that we all know and love. He soon found the process was useful for sharpening tools, engraving, cleaning, and achieving a desired aesthetic in wood furniture.

In 1871, the American Institute of the City of New York awarded him the Great Medal of Honor for the invention — following this, he was given the Elliot Cresson Medal for the invention by the Franklin Institute.

In his off-time, Tilghman invented a stone-cutter, the sulfite method of paper production from wood pulp, and had founded several companies in both the United States and Great Britain.

His company Tilghman Wheelabrator, still trades in 2015.

So what have you done today?

Some would say that Louis D. Peik, of the American Foundry Equipment Co., invented wheelblasting with a patent in 1933.

As the machine threw an abrasive by a wheel-like device, the term "Wheelabrator" was born.

In 1933, the new Wheelabrator machines were launched with great success, and in 1935, Tilghman's in the UK started to build licensed Wheelabrator machines.

In 1945, American Foundry changed its name to American Wheelabrator & Equipment Company. In 1966 it acquired 40% of Tilghman's, and the company became Tilghman Wheelabrator - which then became fully owned by American Wheelabrator in 1973.

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