steel coffee table

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Coffee table I have been working on. - The middle is recessed from the sides a couple of inches, I used 1 1/4 inch steel tubing for the frame and layed in 3/4 inch angle iron to hold the slats of wood. I have to finish the sanding of the steel and finish the other side with wood. I am very happy with how it turned out. Problem is I am doing it for my mom for Christmas, and now I want one for myself!!!! hahaOne problem I am having is what to do with the discoloration from sanding the welds off - I like the look of bare untouched steel, without sanding, but now that I have sanded my welds down and feathered out the sanding, I obviously have two different colors of steel going on. I have researched steel furniture and noticed a lot of designers leave it how I have it now, or they they sand it all and add a different finish. I guess on my next one I will leave the welds (tig) so it is all the same. Attached Images
Reply:check out a post by RIGGER titled desk.
Reply:If I understand you correctly you want the metal to look as it originally did before welding or grinding.  The finish that was originally on the metal is called mill scale.  The scale is a result of the metal forming process.  I do not know how to get it back.  However, if you strip it completely then keep it oiled then it will turn black.  www.nomma.org sells videos on finishing.  Also, a book called "The Artist Blacksmith" has some good info. on finishes.  I usually check the book out from the Library.  It is one of the newest blacksmithing books will great pictures.  It is definitely worth looking even for the non- blacksmith, like me.  Though, I do utilize many of those techniques at work.
Reply:mill scale is just from the heat and pressure when forming the shapeat the mill (that is why cold rolled has none),you get scale anytime you heat steel above a dull red heat (so long as there is air) if you like that look polish it out to al least 400 grit or grinding mark will show) and slowly heat the area with a torch (soft flame you want it to come up to temp evenly and some what slowly to give the scale a chance to form. let the part cool and wire brush it, repeat untill you get the look you want and rub with butchers wax to protect it ( i do this when it is still a bit warm to help it flow) MPHeat it and Beat it!!!http:www.Fallinghammerproductions.com