Stainless brush and Aluminum

admin

Instead of using a hand brush to clean an area of aluminum to weld, is there anything wrong with using a little 1/4" angle die grinder and a stainless brush to get the process done a little faster and more complete?
Reply:I use several wire wheels for this purpose, it's fast and easy.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:Same rules apply Mark...As long as it is dedicated for Aluminum to prevent contamination, you should be fine.  I do it all the time, and it works well for me.Have a Good DayLater,Jason
Reply:TxDoc,Just be careful that the wheel is rated for the speeds an angle grinder produces.Most angle die grinders are in the 22K-25K RPM range.I'd highly recommend leather and eye protection.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:I used a 3" stainless wheel (rated at 10,000) on my electric die grinder (around 10,000) and I hated it. A chain saw would have been kinder to the alum. Some time later I thought, hey wait-a-minit; wonder how this would work in a variable speed drill?  Very damn good, complete control. 9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:That's what I use too is a high speed drill with a 2"stainless wire wheel.I also use a dremel tool and small accesories bits and wheels for particular jobs.A true stainless wire brush wont magnitize to a magnet.THE OLDER I GET! THE  SMARTER MY DAD WAS!Thermal Arc 185 inverter Tig welderABITIG 26  tig torchLotus foot pedalLincoln 225 stick welderClark 185SG Mig spoolgunwelderVictor torch/regulatorsHF36" shear,bender,roller.
Reply:Power wire brushing of aluminum may be an acceptable means of removing surface oxide prior to welding, however, if it is overdone, or done too aggressively, it can also create excessive oxide due to the high speed/high pressure contact heating and the increased surface area as the surface is roughened.A clean, aluminum only, coarse file can also be used to dress joint faces prior to welding.
Reply:Originally Posted by SundownIIITxDoc,Just be careful that the wheel is rated for the speeds an angle grinder produces.Most angle die grinders are in the 22K-25K RPM range.I'd highly recommend leather and eye protection.
Reply:Stainless wire wheels clean aluminium effectively but as previously mentioned they can be a little too aggressive. I generally use sanding discs for prep work on ali, or Scotchbrite pads,Dave
Reply:Originally Posted by TigStainless wire wheels clean aluminium effectively but as previously mentioned they can be a little too aggressive. I generally use sanding discs for prep work on ali, or Scotchbrite pads,Dave