Removing mill scale + student discount?

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Good day all! I have a question, what is a good way to remove mill scale quickly and degrease? I have been using miriatic acid (concrete cleaner) for my metal art, but becuase it has hydrocholric acid I know it eats the metal thus ruining structual integrity (or so I would believe based on my chemistry background). Whats another solution? The miriatic acid works fast too, use w/ a paintbrush and the millscale will brush off, it will eat flesh too (beware plastic gloves required, respirator is also recommended), but requires a wash off with water... On another note, do any companies offer a high school welding student a discount on products such as hemets and gloves? My eastwood and lincoln are working just fine so I dont need anything new at this time (i wish i could justify a new machine though  ). My cheapo welding helmet is starting to flash me and will not go dark enough, stuck at a shade 9 or so...  paid $35 on sale at harbor frieght (fancy $60 model) and last 3 years but its time to upgrade and give my eyes a break, and some general upgrades HW, 1965 lincoln idealarc 250 ac/dcEastwood mig135And a bunch of other random stuff.
Reply:Not sure where you are, but mill scale is generally removed mechanically (grinder) for most processes. It's the cheapest and most effective way without using chemistry. That stuff scares a lot of people and often makes a lot of unwanted rust. As far as discounts, my supplier gives 15% for students on safety and consumables. I don't know about machines and gas tho. BTW, the csv striker is about the best hood value out there. Not carried by many lws thoTeach Ag Mech - Mike At Home:Lincoln Electric AC225Miller Challenger 172Gas AxeWork:eclectic bunch of 90's vintage blue boxes
Reply:Most of the LWS places near me will give students a discount on PPE. Machines and so on depends.Sand blasting is an easy way to remove scale and prep projects. I'm not a big fan of acids since if you aren't careful they will rust everything in the vicinity if left open..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:"Gentle" grinding wheels (wire brushes, most flap discs) won't touch thick mill scale. Polycarbide grinding wheels work well, though they're not really fast. On this forum I've also read the suggestion of starting with a hard grinding wheel and finishing with a flap disc.Also, washing muriatic acid off with water might not be good enough. When I rinse without neutralizing, it rusts pretty fast. That doesn't happen to you?
Reply:Originally Posted by piojo"Gentle" grinding wheels (wire brushes, most flap discs) won't touch thick mill scale. Polycarbide grinding wheels work well, though they're not really fast. On this forum I've also read the suggestion of starting with a hard grinding wheel and finishing with a flap disc.Also, washing muriatic acid off with water might not be good enough. When I rinse without neutralizing, it rusts pretty fast. That doesn't happen to you?
Reply:Originally Posted by teachagmechNot sure where you are, but mill scale is generally removed mechanically (grinder) for most processes. It's the cheapest and most effective way without using chemistry. That stuff scares a lot of people and often makes a lot of unwanted rust. As far as discounts, my supplier gives 15% for students on safety and consumables. I don't know about machines and gas tho. BTW, the csv striker is about the best hood value out there. Not carried by many lws tho
Reply:If you want to use HCl to remove scale but want something a bit more gentle, try "The Works" blue toilet bowl cleaner.  It reportedly contains Rodine, an inhibitor used in acid pickling.  It reduces etching of the base metal and possibly fuming as well.  The stuff at the dollar stores might be a little more dilute than the same brand at WalMart or wherever.  Read the label to see the HCl percentage.After initial rinse, use some baking soda or, better, washing soda to neutralize any remaining acid.Thermal Arc/Thermadyne offers student discounts, at least on welders.  I believe Hypertherm does as well. These may be only for students in certain disciplines.Last edited by Oldendum; 09-29-2014 at 09:59 AM."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder