Cleaning Scale 101..

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There is a few out there that are just getting the grasp of clean clean clean!!Here's an example of how we deal with scale..And its E-ZHere's the "Victim"I've told them in the past "If your putting something together for me to weld make sure the 2 weld edges are cleaned off of scale!!"Well as you can see the inside of the tube was turned and the plate was turned to fit..And the scale still remains on the plate!!  Time for the grinder with a hard wheel..Results..After grinding blow out the dust with a air hose and just dont think its clean..Because its not.. Take a rag with some Acetone on it and go over what you just ground..You'll see..Now just weld away!!..The scale "gets in the way"..Floats to the top of the puddle and leaves rather undesirable finish..Thats why its "Gotta go" before you start..Then your left with this when clean..So Clean Your Metal!!It dont matter if your Tigging..Migging..Sticking..DO IT...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:You the man Zap!  Nice weld and "minute lesson" complete w/ visual aids.Hobart 140 Handler w/ gasHyperTherm Powermax 380 Plasmaoxy/acetylene
Reply:Nice pics and nice welds Zap!  Cleaning not only makes for a prettier bead, but it makes for easier welding IMO
Reply:Some welding processes may -tolerate- different amounts of 'crud' in the welding zone due to different flux or filler chemistries.But 'tolerate' is not a code for "leave crud and various contaminants in or near the metal you are trying to weld and hope for the best".Clean it!  Get rid of the oxides from the metal.  Get rid of grease and oil and paint from the metal.  Clean it before welding it and your welds will come out better and look better and BE better.You can't weld paint, you can't weld grease or oil, you can't weld mill-scale or surface oxides, because you are trying to weld METAL and none of those things are metal.Nice reminder and lesson Zap.  What, no dime in the pictures for a sense of scale this time?
Reply:Good reminder and nice example.Got enough snow yet for the sled?
Reply:Nice reminder and lesson Zap. What, no dime in the pictures for a sense of scale this time?
Reply:Originally Posted by wallythackerGood reminder and nice example.Got enough snow yet for the sled?
Reply:Take an extra fuel filter for the truck...... and make sure you put in the additive.... supposed to be COLD!!!!_________________Chris
Reply:I presume the additive goes into the fuel tank  be careful and enjoy!!!!!!  Chucker  Seriously I really appreciate the way you guys share your knowledge, ThanksLast edited by Chucker; 02-06-2007 at 08:46 PM.
Reply:Got it.  Didnt wipe down my steel after flaping it.  Thats why it looks 'dingy'.Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.
Reply:Finished the job this A.M...So heres the famous dime against the weld pics I promised..Welded in the hubs today..Here is the done welding pics..This is just one pass not two..Hub size..(Notice after all the yelling I did yesterday the scale is gone on the plate where the weld area is)   There we have it!Keep it clean!!...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:Now did yo weld the flange ring after welding the end plate to the tube to aviod distorting the end plate?_________________Chris
Reply:Originally Posted by lorenzoNow did yo weld the flange ring after welding the end plate to the tube to aviod distorting the end plate?
Reply:Thanks you guys (and esp Zapster) for getting us concentrated on quality/cleaning.  As a noob its been a real eye opener to learn that both quality and cleanliness is synonomous with this craft.  Such a simple step both to do, and not to do!ThermalArc 185MillerMatic 180 w/ AutosetVictor Cutskill Oxy/AcetyleneThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38and spite!
Reply:I usually advise to clean back scale a bit farther from the weld.  All the pressure vessel (ASME) work I've done requires cleaning scale back 1" from the area to be welded.  I have found that the scale can burn and produce contaminants that can get into the weld, if left too close to the weld.  I also don't bother with acetone after grinding either....but it's not like it's gonna hurt to do it, huh?Did you "drop test" it?  You know that's the mose dependable test for them, right?
Reply:Did you "drop test" it?
Reply:Zap...You're one colorful dude. That really is beautiful work. Not that I am an authority.... Just a fan.MmmmmmmmmmmmBeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrGooooooooooo  oodddd!!!!
Reply:Brilliant job!, how many years are you in the bussines Zap?
Reply:Originally Posted by ChenSBrilliant job!, how many years are you in the bussines Zap?