Cleaning metal

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When I get raw materials like square tubing and 1/4 or 1/4 plate sheets, its very dirty/oily and rusty. Everything I do I sandblast and paint and I was wondering what you use to clean the metal. On the sheets, there is this blackish film and I am hoping you know of some kind of cleaner/etch that clears all that off uniformly?
Reply:It's called mill scale. It's been discussed many times before. Just do a search for "mill scale".Ian TannerKawasaki KX450 and many other fine tools
Reply:If you are looking to clean off the oil before blasting, Acetone works well, but for large areas it's evaporation rate and cost might make it prohibitive. Simple green is a good choice.  We frequently use it to help clean off oily equipment before service..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:Laquer thinner, cheap and works wonders.
Reply:Be VERY careful when welding that you dont clean your metal with anything that contains Chlorine (as in Trichloroethylene) as it changes to Phosgene gas which is VERY detrimental to the lungs! Here is the OSHA warning:CHLORINATED HYDROCARBON SOLVENTSVarious chlorinated hydrocarbons are used in degreasing or other cleaning operations. The vapors of these solvents are a concern in welding and cutting because the heat and ultraviolet radiation from the arc will decompose the vapors and form highly toxic and irritating phosgene gas. (See Phosgene.)PHOSGENEPhosgene is formed by decomposition of chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents by ultraviolet radiation. It reacts with moisture in the lungs to produce hydrogen chloride, which in turn destroys lung tissue. For this reason, any use of chlorinated solvents should be well away from welding operations or any operation in which ultraviolet radiation or intense heat is generated. Here is the OSHA link:http://www.osha.gov/doc/outreachtrai.../weldhlth.htmlStay safe and glad you checked first! Acetone is fine and is the best for the oil problem. Its what is used on my pipeline welds to reduce hydrogen cracking also when welding on live pipeline.
Reply:Originally Posted by DeveWhen I get raw materials like square tubing and 1/4 or 1/4 plate sheets, its very dirty/oily and rusty. Everything I do I sandblast and paint and I was wondering what you use to clean the metal. On the sheets, there is this blackish film and I am hoping you know of some kind of cleaner/etch that clears all that off uniformly?