Paint Removal?

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I'm sure this has been discussed I just could not seem to find an answer. What is the best way to remove paint from steel?  I don't have a sand blaster nor the funds to buy the equipment.  I've got two 7 inch grinders one is a dewalt that spins 8k rpm actually a grinder I think.  The other is listed as a sander/grinder and spins 5k rpm.  I tried a twisted wire brush.  On both and got no ware.  So I switched to a grinding wheel that did not work out to well the wheel started to work but got clogged up.  It continued to work but it was difficult.  Anyway does anybody have any suggestions on how to remove paint.  I was trying to avoid chemicals but I'm ready to go ahead and go that rout.  Will regular old pain thinner, mineral spirits work?
Reply:Blow torch and a scraper + Wire brush.
Reply:Originally Posted by Zapzoo Will regular old pain thinner, mineral spirits work?
Reply:I'm not worried about the whole environmentally friendly or not stuff.  I was just avoiding chemicals because my 17 year old step kid has been helping me and well he's a typical 17 year old knuckle head like I was.  I guess I'll hit up NAPA and see what they have. I doubt autozone here can get me what I need.
Reply:He should love the fumes! You can probably get him to get lots of his friends to come over and "help". .No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:It depends on the paint, sometimes.  Sometimes all you need is a heat gun.  But a torch will take most anything off.  A chemical stripper also works on most finishes.  I'm surprised you had trouble with a wire wheel -- that and a 6" grinder is pretty much my go-to tool for paint removal.Jack OlsenMy garage website
Reply:Right here:http://www.lowes.com/pd_77807-1069-9...ts&facetInfo=2These things work awesome. They remove paint, rust, mill scale, and don't make grooves in the surface like grinding wheels and sanding discs. Just wear a full face shield when using. They come apart while using, but they are not dangerous.kidtigger24  They think I’m crazy, but I know better. It is not I who am crazy. It is I who am MAD!
Reply:I've used those. They work well, but I thought they broke down too fast. Might have been because of the project I was trying to strip though..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I'd verify that you don't have the funds for a sand blaster if you've got the funds for chemicals instead. My little 20 lb preasure blaster from HF with play sand in it cost $80 for everything, got it on sale, bought the deadman valve and some tips to go with it. My compressor (your biggest expense) was big enough to run it and it worked great. sure I'll need to fill up the tank a lot on big jobs, but for the speed and convenience, I'm ok with that.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:First, ask your local powder coater about sandblasting, you might be surprised how cheap sandblasting is when you've got a real pro level setup.Second, the norton rapid strip discs work pretty well, I prefer the blue ones with the AO grit over the black with SC. They are available in both 4 1/2" and 7".http://www.osh.com/eng/product/norto...FQhyQgodhycA9gIan TannerKawasaki KX450 and many other fine tools
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWI've used those. They work well, but I thought they broke down too fast. Might have been because of the project I was trying to strip though.
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWNope. You need to go with something stronger. Usually something like aircraft stripper will get the job done. These are usually combinations of heavy duty solvents like MEK ( methyl ethyl ketone), methyl ethyl chloride, toluene, acetone and a few others heavy duty solvents.
Reply:I won't use any chemical paint strippers unless I'm not just well ventilated, but fully outside. And that's coming from someone stupid enough to have broken 9 bones on motorcycles and still riding them...Lincoln 175HD
Reply:Bunch of ways to do it. You don't say exactly what or how much, how big it is that you are trying to remove paint from.A belt sander works well on larger flat surfaces, you can vary the belts as necessary. Limited around non flat or detailed things. Can get some damage depending on your skills. Same with any type of grinder.Standard good olde paint stripper you get at one of the big box stores works well. Need lots of newspaper and assorted putty knifes, scrub brushes and soapy water for final clean up. Just let it work long enough, might have to do a couple coats. The paint bubbles up when ready.The electrolysis method works well, about like removing rust, lots of links to it on the web, very lil damage to the parts. Can do very detailed parts, maybe better than sand blasting in a number of ways.[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djVJLv896so[/ame]http://rowand.net/Shop/Tools/Electrolysis.htmFor bigger things you could look in the Yellow Pages and see if you have a commerical paint stripping service available. Usually it is more for bigger things like house doors or trim, etc but it also can do metals. They spray a cautic solution and then scrub with brushes, super removal with just about no damage. Something like a house door figure in the range of $100. They might have a minimum charge for small stuff. Got to ask before hand. Again very lil damage caused by the method itself, they can clean close to 100% with no physical marks even on softer woods.
Reply:Sherwin Williams epoxy thinner will do the trick, it is a mix of xylene, mek and acetone I think? Whatever it is if takes anything it touches off within 5-10 mins.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:ive used this numerous times. pretty wicked stuff. bubbles paint in no time. feels like an ant bite if the littlest amount touches your bare skinI use these stripping wheels. Norton brand only. they last the longest and I use these weekly.
Reply:Originally Posted by ZapzooI'm sure this has been discussed I just could not seem to find an answer. What is the best way to remove paint from steel?  I don't have a sand blaster nor the funds to buy the equipment.  I've got two 7 inch grinders one is a dewalt that spins 8k rpm actually a grinder I think.  The other is listed as a sander/grinder and spins 5k rpm.  I tried a twisted wire brush.  On both and got no ware.  So I switched to a grinding wheel that did not work out to well the wheel started to work but got clogged up.  It continued to work but it was difficult.  Anyway does anybody have any suggestions on how to remove paint.  I was trying to avoid chemicals but I'm ready to go ahead and go that rout.  Will regular old pain thinner, mineral spirits work?