Cleaning metal?

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What is the best way to clean metal prior to welding? I know to not use brake cleaner but have known guys that always use carb cleaner. Acetone?
Reply:When I am cleaning stuff with a heavy build up of grease I usually scrape as much as I can off with a putty knife and then wipe it with Mineral spirits. I never looked it up to see if this is the sanctioned method, but as I get paid to fix trucks, tractors, and the like I have done it a lot with no problems. The trick is to wipe it with paper towels or a rag until it is completely dry.
Reply:What metal are you trying to clean?  For steel, a grinder with a flap wheel or hard wheel works well.  For stainless or other high alloy, a grinder with a flap wheel or hard wheel that has not been used on carbon steel.  For aluminum or other soft metal, stainless wire brush which has not been used on carbon steel.
Reply:Originally Posted by FegenbushWhat metal are you trying to clean?  For steel, a grinder with a flap wheel or hard wheel works well.  For stainless or other high alloy, a grinder with a flap wheel or hard wheel that has not been used on carbon steel.  For aluminum or other soft metal, stainless wire brush which has not been used on carbon steel.
Reply:I suppose I should have specified that is how I clean NEW metal prior to welding.  The use of solvents to remove hydrocarbons, especially from cast parts, is advisable.  My personal preference on this one is to use ethyl alcohol (non denatured) since it is less toxic than some other products.Cbake is correct that you need to be sure to remove as much of the solvent as you can before welding.
Reply:Originally Posted by FegenbushWhat metal are you trying to clean?  For steel, a grinder with a flap wheel or hard wheel works well.  For stainless or other high alloy, a grinder with a flap wheel or hard wheel that has not been used on carbon steel.  For aluminum or other soft metal, stainless wire brush which has not been used on carbon steel.
Reply:If there isn't grindable crud stuck to it one of the things I like about OA welding is that I just pass the torch over the metal and burn off anything on the metal before I make the puddle - very nice.For stick I use mineral spirits or alcohol....I have been using isopropyl alcohol though, is there something that I should know about that?Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year
Reply:Everclear works well. Then if the weld goes to $#!t, you can just drink it.Regards,RobGreat Basin WeldingInstagramBlue weldersRed weldersMy luscious Table DIY TIG Torch cooler
Reply:What about carb cleaner and acetone?
Reply:Acetone is what I use on alum and "oily" steel. Steel thats super greasy gets heavily precleaned first usually with Simple green and water, engine cleaner etc to remove all the heavy stuff first.Since I believe you are getting a new tig and are asking for that reason, heres what I would do. New steel thats not super oily, just gets sanded/ground then wiped down quick with a clean rag and maybe some acetone. Oily new steel, gets wiped with acetone first to remove as much oil as possible, then treated as above. Lightly rusty metal, gets ground to shiny steel and wiped down. Oily rusty steel or very heavily rusted steel, I don't even F with using tig. It's usually not worth the ag factor..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:Thanks DSW
Reply:Originally Posted by Robert HallEverclear works well. Then if the weld goes to $#!t, you can just drink it.
Reply:Originally Posted by Reinhold  I know to not use brake cleaner
Reply:I wouldn't recommend using brake cleaner. When it burns it makes phosgene gas, It only takes 2 parts per million to mess you up, maybe even kill you.http://www.brewracingframes.com/id75.htmAllenSA-250LN-25Smith heavy duty OABobcat 250 at workMiller 210 at work
Reply:I use an arsenal, mineral spirits, laquer thinner, denatured alcohol, acetone. Some things work better at different times. Heavy grease and oil, mineral spirits stays wetter longer. Everclear seems to make the metal all blurry looking and wobbly.   Hard to weld when the steel is moving around."The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living and the get rich quick theory of life." -Theodore Roosevelt
Reply:Before one should use any solvent with tetrachloroethylene, one should read about the insidious poison gas phosgene, and why us welders should worry about it.