Cleaning Coating

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I am probably way over my head in this group, just learning and self taught with a Lincoln Mig but have a beginning question.  Have tried a number of cleaning agents to get the protection off new steel but not a lot of success.  Understand it is water base but the stuff I have will not remove it.  Know will get dirty but the only place I have to weld is in my woodwork shop so would like recommendations on starting out a little cleaner.  Thanks
Reply:Are you speaking of the dark mill scale? If so, a grinder, or similar, is the only way (and fastest way) to get it off.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:If you are talking about mill scale or galvanized then grind or acid dip.  If you are talking about oil then soap, dish washing liquid.  Greased Lightening cleaner works very well.  I've use lye in a 35 gallon drum for large jobs. I have also used Metalpre79 by surface technology.  It work for cleaning metal and welds, however I am not satisfied by the resuidue it leave behind. If you can deal with dipping, then dipping is the fastest because you only do it once to everything.  Dipping does inside and out side, so you don't smell the oil when welding.Of course, this could have absolutely nothing with the information you are seeking.  I'm just waiting for some saw blades to arrive...
Reply:Thanks "tapwelder", the oil is what I was talking about, sorry I did not make  that clear.
Reply:Use the best oil cleaner there is I.M.O.AcetoneWipe the steel down with a dry rag first than soak a rag in acetone and let the cleaning begin..Be careful...Read this over..http://www.weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=8680...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:Eastwood makes a cleaner called "Metal Wash" Ironicaly it does just that. Its a water salable powder that is used to prep metal. It works great and is not flammable.Patriot Performance AutoLincoln Power Mig 255CLincoln AC-225 StickVictor Journeyman O/AQuincy QT-5 Compressor