Blasted surface vs. non-blasted?

[WildSpur]

Why would someone want a blasted aluminum or glass surface vs a non-blasted?  Does the blasting take away the need for sanding?

[Cut*N*Run]

Yep. Sometimes I do sand blasted aluminum or glass a bit to get it to play exactly how I want.

[VanHelden Game Calls]

Suppose to be the reason, but I find plain blasted glass second to sanded glass for playability and sound.  Now sanded blasted glass works well for me and I find sanding the blasted glass to be easier because that slick surface has been eroded away. And sanding the blasted glass gives a more uniform "color" to the surface for those that like pretty calls as well. 

[pappy]

Be careful when choosing blasted glass....I bought some that evidently had some oil in the air line to the blaster and they would not play at all. That is when I turned to sanding the glass surface....I use a diamond dusted sharpening stone to get through the layer of melted glass to reach the raw glass, then back that up with graduated sanding sheets until I get the right amount of friction I am looking for. Sanded glass may not be as pretty as the blasted, but for me I hangs in there a lot longer....

[VanHelden Game Calls]

Pappy brings up a good point.  Always clean and prep your surfaces before assembly, its a 30 second job. You are now able to get zarconium sanding paper at most box stores around here. It works great and cheaper then the diamond sticks for inclusion with calls. I also find running the glass on the belt sander to be the best and fastest way to condition evenly; Blasted or un-blasted.