Blasting media question

You have to realize that as soon as you start using that 36 grit, it turns into 50 or 80 grit and on and on. You have to really stay on top of cleaning out the cabinet or sifting to maintain a certain size. I am still running the same black crap I started with years ago. I'm sure it is smaller grit and it is full of rust and other crap because I've never cleaned/sifted it out, but it takes off rust and paint well enough to suit me. I'd like to try some glass for aluminum but it is too much hassle to clean out the cabinet for the little bit I need it for. I just turn down the pressure for aluminum or use another method.