Mike Presume you are talking about paint / rust removal from metal Have seen carbon dioxide pellets used in a blaster, also used other mediums such as nut shells on delicate castings. Another system is wet sand blasting where water and a grit (sand) are used. Can the material to be cleaned be dismantled and put through a blasting machine? Having use a needle descaler in the past I can see why you want an alternative

Mike I wouldn't waste your money on gloves as it has been found in some circumstances to increase the level of the vibration transmitted to the operator.

Hydro blast.