Removing mil scale and grease off TUBING?

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Customer requested a set of table legs, and they want a ground, shiny finish, with a clear powder coat. Tubing size is 3" square. Flap wheels work great for about 12" then bind up with the grease and mil scale and are no longer effective. Tried wire wheels, scotch-brite pads for grinder, sanding disks, fiber disks, and nothing works very well. I'm already about half way done, so I'll probably just work my way through the rest, but there's got to be a better way for doing this? I really like the look of the ground finish, so I may try and advertise it as an additional option for future customers. That is if I can find a faster way to do this in the future. I've seen a lot of stuff online about soaking the parts in acid overnight, but that's not always an option, as a part of these table legs is 6' long. And the pictures I've seen still show a dull finish, so it would still need to be buffed up. Anyone know of a tool or disk that works awesome for this kind of work? Honestly, I'm not even sure if tubing is still considered mil scale? Or may just be some kind of phosphate coating. Whatever it is, I want it gone fast!John 3:16(2) Miller Pheonix 456(2) Millermertic 252Dynasty 210DXHobart 210MVPDoringer D350 SA Cold SawScotchman 350LT Cold SawWebb 10x50 MillWebb 15x40 LatheGeka Bendicrop Ironworker
Reply:clean the oil and grease off with solvent then use sanding discs, thediscs wont build up crud with the oil and grease gone...Of all the things I lost I miss my mind the most...I know just enough about everything to be dangerous......You cant cure stupid..only kill it...
Reply:Originally Posted by roadkillbobbclean the oil and grease off with solvent then use sanding discs, thediscs wont build up crud with the oil and grease gone...
Reply:light sand blast then grind to finish?www.facebook.com/gstreetworksLincoln Power Mig 210 Miller Maxstar 150Lincoln Idealarc 250/250 G Street Works LLC
Reply:Originally Posted by jcwelderlight sand blast then grind to finish?
Reply:Just clean the tube with Tide and water first to get the oil off. Then mix some Muriatic acid and water 50/50 and spray on. Let sit wet for about 15 minutes and wash of most of the mill scale, then sand with your flap disk.
Reply:Didn't know they made DOM square tubing? Any way, I'll try the solvent and/or acid wash first, then grind, and see what happens!
Reply:Originally Posted by EcondronThat's a good idea... I tried using some lubricant on the tube to hopefully keep it from binding up, but no luck on that either. I'll try that solvent method for the remainder of the tubing I have.
Reply:Originally Posted by EcondronDidn't know they made DOM square tubing? Any way, I'll try the solvent and/or acid wash first, then grind, and see what happens!
Reply:Any clear coat over mild steel will show light rusting in many cases. I'd just do it in Stainless, comes pre-finished in 180gr. Finished by coffee time.SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A