Here is a list of what I like to go by. It will be long for me to type out but will help I hope. Glass bead is the best for cleaning aluminum, brass, and die cast.
Aluminum Oxide- Best to remove carbon, rust and paint and for paint preparation.
Silicone Carbide- Best for brazing and welding prep, and glass etching (frosting).
Walnut Shells- Best to use on tranny and engine cleaning.
Poly Abrasives- Best to use on paint removal with no rust.
I say use either Poly Abrasive or Aluminum Oxide. Silicone Carbide may be too heavy to use and will leave the surface pretty damn rough.
Hope this helps you decide on what to use.
Oh and good PSI for this is on the glass bead around 60 PSI, Aluminum Oxide 80-90 PSI
Silicone Carbide 80-90 PSI
Walnut Shells 80 PSI
Poly Abrasives 35-90 PSI