Sand Blaster Guns

I have used my HF blast cabinet for years, updated for better lighting, and changed the gun out for one from tractor supply, run about any type of media thru it. Best upgrade is to hook it up to vacuum.
My shop air runs thru 3 driers, so no moisture comes thru it.
I use a vacuum with a cyclone dust remover on big jobs. I have it hooked up to a hole in the side to remove the dust from the cabinet. It helps with dust leakage too.
Mine is the next smaller, without the external sand outlet, and it needs to be table mounted.
Still can fit an intake manifold, though.

What I do when the siphon tube gets clogged with moist sand or debris, is simply pull the tube off the gun, and "back blast" the tube.
Works every time.

With that valve at the bottom, I'm a little concerned there's just more places for moist sand or debris to get stuck, and it would require a more powerful back blast to clear.

I agree the Tractor Supply gun, a better light, and a shop vac attachment make those cabinets WAY better, and still less than a non HF unit of the same size.
In fact, last time I checked, the saving was so great, you could buy two HF cabs and both the together for the same price.
The metering valve mod gets rid of the siphon tube which plugs as you mention. I only run a cup or two of media and I have never had a plug.