Removing rust from welding table top pieces with sandpaper??

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Hey guys, building a small and light duty welding table in my little shop and the 1/4" x 6" pieces I have for the top have some surface rust on the mill scale. Not much but some. I was thinking of using the orbital sander and some sandpaper to remove it. I searched but all I really found was advice on using chemicals/acid and such, which isn't really an option for me. It doesn't have to be perfect but I'd like to make it nice if possible. Here's the best picture I have of my current progress. Frame is 1 3/4" x1/8" square tube. It's only about 3'x4' in size. The pieces are going to get down a little shorter as I can barely walk around them currently. Thanks for any help!! Hey guys, building a small and light duty welding table in my little shop and the 1/4" x 6" pieces I have for the top have some surface rust on the mill scale. Not much but some. I was thinking of using the orbital sander and some sandpaper to remove it. I searched but all I really found was advice on using chemicals/acid and such, which isn't really an option for me. It doesn't have to be perfect but I'd like to make it nice if possible. Here's the best picture I have of my current progress. Frame is 1.75" x1/8" square tube. It's only about 3'x4' in size.... -JohnFYI, shop is still a pretty major work in progress but will be cleaned up and organized soon! It's small so every bit counts. 10' x 12'. Attached ImagesLast edited by jransom; 09-01-2015 at 05:46 PM.
Reply:lots of places sparks can hide in. is the shop attached to your house? got any fire extinguishers handy or the fd on speed dial?i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:Use will take care of that rust.
Reply:These work great for mill scale and rust. I use them on a drill. They do have them for 4.5 inch grinders, but I find they don't last very long. The ones for the drill last way longer.~Scott~You can see what projects I'm working on on my Facebook page.https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bucke...3595655?ref=hlbucket_of_bolts on Instagram HTP 221 DV
Reply:These things are great for rust removal on flat surfaces! They come in different grits...The ones pictured attach to a holder, but there are others available that have a threaded hole in the center and screw onto a 4 1/2" grinder shaft.http://www.amazon.com/3M-07524-Taper...0_SR160%2C160_RichLast edited by steelsurgeon; 09-02-2015 at 05:10 AM.
Reply:I wouldn't worry about using an oribital/DA sander.  I would probably use wet/dry sandpaper and wd-40 or something as a lube though.
Reply:3" cup brush on your grinder.                         MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:Thanks guys, I do have a 3" wire cup so I'll try that. Can't believe I didn't think of that. Just had a baby so m mind is a little preoccupied. I do have a fire extinguisher and it is a stand alone building. The floor is also going to get a think linoleum or rubber covering. A lot of my welding gets done on the concrete slab just outside the doorway I was standing in when I took this picture.
Reply:Just make sure the cup brush doesn't grab loose clothes. It'll wind up tight before you even realize it's happening!!                                                  MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw