Millscale............When To Remove It???

admin

How often do you remove millscale before welding?I have a side job coming up in a few weeks where time is important. There is no "structure" stress on this..............just a frame for a large table for eating on.
Reply:It takes 2 seconds to hit the joint with a flap wheel.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:I like a flap wheel 24 - 60 grit depending on thickness of material.GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:Too many variables to give you solid answers. It becomes more important when you don't have as much power as you might like, say with small 110v machines. There you want every bit of power you can get usually. If you are using a machine with plenty of power to spare, then a lot of time it comes down to what you can or can not accept as far as issues with contamination. You almost always get a better weld if prepped properly.Small noncritical projects I may not bother to clean off all the mill scale if the material is new and in good shape. However I usually hit cut edges with a grinder to knock off burrs and so on, so many times I'm hitting the vast majority of the weld locations anyways. If finish is important, I may decide NOT to grind. That way I'm not having to deal with areas where I'll have a different finish unless I'm willing to blast the whole project when done. In this case I'm also being very careful about the condition of the steel to start with and using pristine stuff vs stuff that may have some surface rust. I'm  also probably doing the welds with solid wire and mig or possibly tig so my welds require minimal finishing as well..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:if its a kitchen table id remove all the mill scale even where you are not welding. it will make a smoother finish when painted. if its for outside  i wouldnt worry too much
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleIt takes 2 seconds to hit the joint with a flap wheel.
Reply:Originally Posted by puty72if its a kitchen table id remove all the mill scale even where you are not welding. it will make a smoother finish when painted. if its for outside  i wouldnt worry too much
Reply:What welding process you going to be using to weld it up????????????Just a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:Originally Posted by AKweldshopWhat welding process you going to be using to weld it up????????????
Reply:I would flap disk it clean.SHINY!!!My 2 cents.~JohnJust a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:always...just makes the welds better and I find it makes it easier to weld.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Originally Posted by Louie1961always...just makes the welds better and I find it makes it easier to weld.
Reply:i wouldn't bother, the weld's are non critical, and if you know your going to need a little more heat/less wire to burn through the mill scale to get a good weld finish, then removing the mill scale is a waste of time, leaving the mill scale on makes next to no difference to the integrity of the weld on low carbon steel, or the ability to make a good looking weld as long as the variables are accounted for, and being precious about it only waste's your, or your companies valuable time, and when it's a business, time is money.
Reply:Different runs of mild steel often have different degrees and amounts of mill scale. That can be a determining factor."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:Read this and see if it answers your question.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?76301-Millscale
Reply:I have a scaler... I take mill scale off most the time... I have a high standard I set for myself...In cases where the mill scale is thick... it can cause undercut in the metal....Gotta Fly...Sometimes you just have to take the leap and build your wings on the way down...
Reply:I regard millscale as rust and galvi. treat it the same.Thats me.~JohnJust a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024