cleaning aluminum for building a car intake

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hi there looking to build a car intake from aluminum thing is whats the best why to clean up the ali before tig welding it as i need it to be nice and clean when its finished any input would be great thank you
Reply:Acetone is all you need to clean any metal before welding. Just a quick wipe down and do your thing
Reply:If you want to strip the oxide layer, you can get some of this at your LWS or have them order it. Just heat it to dry after rinsing with water because the surface will be able to absorb a bit of moisture. Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:I hope you know what you are getting yourself into.......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 zapsterI hope you know what you are getting yourself into.......zap!
Reply:As far as cleaning aluminum before welding, I recommend 90- to 99-percent Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol, available over-the-shelf at pharmacies, fantastic solvent, environmentally-friendly, no special protective equipment needed).  Use a rag or paper towel to wipe down the welding joint and remove all oily residue.  Then, use a CLEAN stainless steel brush to clean off the welding joint.  Use the wire brush after the alcohol, so the brush stays clean.  Don't wait too long between cleaning and welding.Kev.Kevin / Machine_Punk from The Aerodrome Studio - Lincoln PowerMIG 210 MP - Meco N Midget w/custom welding station - Vintage Victor 100Current Projects: The Aerodrome Studio
Reply:I think that Marcella guy said he just peels the plastic off and welds it.
Reply:thank you for the input ,with the wire bush would that effect it when i get it polished ?
Reply:Originally Posted by hoochhenryhthank you for the input ,with the wire bush would that effect it when i get it polished ?
Reply:Just use sandpaper or scotch brite and wd40. Gives it a really nice finish.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:If this is brand new sheet aluminum then it shouldnt need crazy amounts of prepwork to weld well. If its a casting, you have an hour or more of cleaning before you can weldd it lol