Noob need clarification ...

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I understand why metal needs to be cleaned before welding.I see that Lincoln has introduced a set of brushes with the brass brushes being defined as 'Aluminum Welding'.I thought the "rule" was to always clean aluminum with a stainless steel brush that was dedicated to the task. The clarification needed is not "does the brush need to be dedicated?" as that is assumed to be a non-contamination requirement.The clarification is along the lines of 'would a brass brush be better for aluminum than a stainless steel brush or doesn't it matter?"Note that I am a very long way from having the type of cleaning brush I use effect what my welds look like. It is more of a thought experiment rather than one having practical application at this point.Thanks,Arvid
Reply:Originally Posted by arvidjI understand why metal needs to be cleaned before welding.I see that Lincoln has introduced a set of brushes with the brass brushes being defined as 'Aluminum Welding'.I thought the "rule" was to always clean aluminum with a stainless steel brush that was dedicated to the task. The clarification needed is not "does the brush need to be dedicated?" as that is assumed to be a non-contamination requirement.The clarification is along the lines of 'would a brass brush be better for aluminum than a stainless steel brush or doesn't it matter?"Note that I am a very long way from having the type of cleaning brush I use effect what my welds look like. It is more of a thought experiment rather than one having practical application at this point.Thanks,Arvid
Reply:B_C,Thanks for the response. I had not thought about "No Brush".Arvid
Reply:Hmmm interesting, usually one avoids copper when cleaning aluminum for welding for obvious reasons (stress corrosion cracks come to mind). Me thinks that like most things, those products are a creation of lincolns marketing department, not engineering. Stick with stainless.....the material of choice used for cleaning, for decades......welder tested, engineer approved