cleaning methods

[injun joe]

well i occasionally weld aluminum at school and we wire brush it but my reall question is that what can i use to clean the metal like i have heard alcohol and i was wondering what kind of liquids work best and can rubbing alcohol work

[Rocky D]

well i occasionally weld aluminum at school and we wire brush it but my reall question is that what can i use to clean the metal like i have heard alcohol and i was wondering what kind of liquids work best and can rubbing alcohol work

Acetone is the best, Joe. At school we were taught to wire brush aluminum under running water, after welding.

[Sammy da bull]

I use an Acid wash called "WeldO" that my boss gets from the vendor that sells us the rest of our consumables. it's a pink solution that's pretty potent, and i'm told it's a little pricey, but the stuff works great for removing dirt, oil, just about anything. I found the website from the company that makes it:

http://www.arcalchem.com/Pages/WeldO.html

[lawson]

Thanks for the tips ,the only one i knew was to use a stainless wire brush.

[MXtras]

I have used all of these methods (except the running under water after welding) at one time or another, and what I have found to be the best is using the acid prep. The drawback is the waste stream and the fact that you have to wipe or rinse it off. Rinsing gets the material wet which creates it's own set of problems, so wiping becomes the obvious choice and that creates acid covered rags which I don't care to have to be responsible for getting rid of. Also, I worry about the fumes from any residue.

The most economical (and the method I use almost exclusively) it to freshly weld prep with a flapper wheel or go over the area with a course Scothbrite disc. This assumes the material is oil free, of course. If it's greasy or oily, get rid of that first - acetone or brake cleaner works the best for this.

That's my story.

Scott

[Knowledgeworker]

The most economical (and the method I use almost exclusively) it to freshly weld prep with a flapper wheel or go over the area with a course Scothbrite disc. This assumes the material is oil free, of course. If it's greasy or oily, get rid of that first - acetone or brake cleaner works the best for this.

I have also tried these methods, and have found that metal prep/acid prep works well, as does brake cleaner.

I also found that brake cleaner is the fastest method of getting rid of wasps and other stinging insects.

Jim

[weldgault]

Just another thought! I have always used vinegar. John

[MXtras]

I also found that brake cleaner is the fastest method of getting rid of wasps and other stinging insects.

Jim

Oh yeah. And it sprays farther than carb cleaner.

Scott

[drizler]

The tiny wheels are insanely expensive though unless you buy them online 20 at a time and they self destruct easily. Still when digging into a tiny crevice or cleaning cruddy electrical posts and connectors accept no subsitutes. I haven't yet figured out how to clean out a hornets nest with one. You go first.

[B_C]

Hi fellas, I have been using Denatured alcohol for years and unless your welding old dirty aluminum this works pretty well....My 2 cents

BC

[Sberry]

If its dirty I tear a layer right off with a power wire wheel if its contaminated I use brakekleen, simple, safe to store but usually take it outside to wash. If its clean enough a simple stainless toothbrush most of the time.

[FWI]

If its dirty I tear a layer right off with a power wire wheel if its contaminated I use brakekleen, simple, safe to store but usually take it outside to wash. If its clean enough a simple stainless toothbrush most of the time.

Good advice...

[usmcpop]

A little late to be chiming in here, but I note that the Weld-o prep solution contains hydrofluoric acid. Very dangerous stuff !!!