Mill scale: I had no idea!

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I started grinding the mill scale off the top of my new welding bench/cart today. I had no idea how thick that stuff is! It really puts up a good fight on the flap disk before it gives way to shiny metal. Really makes the importance of cleaning to shiny metal before welding hit home.  Just hitting it with a wire wheel is not enough!I find myself wishing I had a larger grinder than 4.25", because it's going to take an annoying amount of time to finish this. Attached Images
Reply:Most of us learn to keep our eyes and ears open and our mouth shut and we learn something new everyday.                                     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:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=76301...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterhttp://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=76301
Reply:Millscale varies in "toughness", sometimes being thick and fluffy (easily removed) and sometimes thin and harder than nails (yeah right). And if you are like me, a grinder leaves gouges in your surface.I discovered the wonders of pickling HRS in vinegar and salt in one of the forum's stickies. A 36 hour soak and the gray-black scale rubs right off with a scotchbrite. Then hit it with a flap wheel to brighten it up. With such a large surface you might have to get creative like using an inflatable pool or something for your container. Soaking is way WAY EASIER than using a grinder.XMT304 (school)SP125+ (home)HF 4x6 BandsawGood judgement comes from experience and much of that comes from bad judgement.
Reply:Originally Posted by wireheadI discovered the wonders of pickling HRS in vinegar and salt in one of the forum's stickies. A 36 hour soak and the gray-black scale rubs right off with a scotchbrite. Then hit it with a flap wheel to brighten it up.
Reply:Next time order it pickled and oiled or sand blast itMillermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:Originally Posted by farmshopNext time order it pickled and oiled or sand blast it
Reply:I find that the best "non dipping" method of removing millscale is a "cookie" wheel. It's used a lot in autobody shops and is a but pricey but eats millscale up without gouging the base metal.
Reply:Get yourself a paint removing disc. Like these:http://www.lehighvalleyabrasives.com...n-Clean/Detailor these: http://www.osh.com/eng/product/norto...p_disc/6557243Ian TannerKawasaki KX450 and many other fine tools
Reply:Originally Posted by fortyonethirtyGet yourself a paint removing disc. Like these:http://www.lehighvalleyabrasives.com...n-Clean/Detailor these: http://www.osh.com/eng/product/norto...p_disc/6557243
Reply:Another way to remove mill scale is to light up a torch,preferably a rose bud and get yourself a oxidizing flame and go over the entire surface quickly.Most of the scale will pop right off.
Reply:Hey Joshua,That is a great looking project. You are doing good work.When I'm planning to paint my project, I try to get any loose scale off, wipe with acetone or mineral spirits, prime, and paint. For a welding table that works fine, now if it is a piece for your house you may need to do a better job.Hope to see you in April. You too, Showdog.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:Originally Posted by wb4rtWhen I'm planning to paint my project, I try to get any loose scale off, wipe with acetone or mineral spirits, prime, and paint. For a welding table that works fine, now if it is a piece for your house you may need to do a better job.
Reply:BTW, here's the finished table, with top clean and casters on. I'm really proud to have taken it through to completion, even if basically all of the welds are amateurish. What the heck! I'm an amateur! Attached Images
Reply:I leave my welding table with the millscale ON, (now it's too late for you)millscale it's actually corrosion resistant and welding spatter doesn't stick to it, just spray some wd40 once in a while and it will never rust (indoors)nice looking table btw--------------------------------------------------------------www.becmotors.nlyup, I quit welding.. joined welder anonymous
Reply:there ya go, it's time to put the MS back on.........
Reply:Here ya go! Attached Images
Reply:Originally Posted by DonoharmI leave my welding table with the millscale ON, (now it's too late for you)millscale it's actually corrosion resistant and welding spatter doesn't stick to it, just spray some wd40 once in a while and it will never rust (indoors)
Reply:Originally Posted by DonoharmI leave my welding table with the millscale ON, (now it's too late for you)millscale it's actually corrosion resistant and welding spatter doesn't stick to it, just spray some wd40 once in a while and it will never rust (indoors)nice looking table btw