Prep for welding nuts and bolts

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I would like to mess around with some small weld art. A lot of it is sometimes nuts and bolts. I know that now a-days most nuts, bolts, washers are zinc plated. I will be tig welding these. Is there a good process you guys use for removing the zinc so I can safely weld this?  If I grind it off, odds are that I can't grind into the threads of a nut for example but I would be welding in there. Respirator? Don't worry about it? Please help!
Reply:I blast the plating off in a cabinet with 100 grit aluminum oxide.
Reply:pack of 100 plain steel 7/16-20 nuts $14 free prime 2-day shippinghttp://www.amazon.com/dp/B0093OGKPS/ref=biss_dp_t_asndont grind a thing, use the right parts for the job.
Reply:Depending on the zinc content, soak them in white vinegar overnight or for a couple of days. This should make you happy.
Reply:I realize I could buy nuts and bolts that are raw, but part of the fun for me is going to be creating things out of 'scrap.' And I'm cheap..
Reply:if you work in a properly vented area and use some caution and common sense you will be fine...Of all the things I lost I miss my mind the most...I know just enough about everything to be dangerous......You cant cure stupid..only kill it...
Reply:Even the slightest bit of the coating (even after attempting to grind it off) will affect your tungsten as well as your weld. Get plain ones.www.tjsperformance.comDynasty 300 DXHTP 240HTP Microcut 380Hyperthem 85JD2 Hyd Bender and HF Hyd Ring Roller all in one =(Frankenbender)Bpt. Mill/DRO4' x 8' CNC Plasma TableInstagram: tjsperformanceYT: TJS Welding and Fabrication
Reply:Muriatic acid. Use full strength if you need it off in a hurry. If you have time, mix with water for less fumes. Be careful with the acid, it can cause nasty burns and the fumes are no good either.Ian TannerKawasaki KX450 and many other fine tools
Reply:Using a gas torch you can lay silicon bronze and silver braze right on top of the zinc. It's a handy technique for joining nuts and bolts because it gives better strength connections considering the high carbon content of many bolts.
Reply:I grind off all the surfaces I can get to. I usually wear a respirator as well. If you don't grind the zinc off you will get all kinds of contamination in and around the weld, stuff popping out of the weld, etc.When you have everything ground off the welds turn out kind of decent.1988 Big 50 Diesel CC/CV1982 Weldanpower 225/2101968 SAE 300 motor generatorMaxstar 200SD2015 AHP 200x"The trouble with our Liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so." - Ronald Reagan
Reply:I was going to start a similar project, but I planned to MIG old steel nuts and bolts together. No fume concerns, but is there better way to do it? I figured .025 wire and just tacking to make small sculptures for the kids. Any advice is appreciated.
Reply:Originally Posted by josh.petroI was going to start a similar project, but I planned to MIG old steel nuts and bolts together. No fume concerns, but is there better way to do it? I figured .025 wire and just tacking to make small sculptures for the kids. Any advice is appreciated.
Reply:Can I have 'proper' ventilation without affecting my gas coverage?
Reply:Originally Posted by dumpCan I have 'proper' ventilation without affecting my gas coverage?