EASY MILL-SCALE & DROSS REMOVAL

[steelfx]

Hi Everyone!
I'd like to post an excerpt from my eBook, 'STEEL PATINAS & FINISHES' which can be found here http://plasmaspider.com/shop/steelfx.html
And, a Brand New alternative to Muriatic Acid for Mill-Scale Removal: GRIME GIT'R?
Thanks!
Bill

steelfxpatinas.com_eBook-excerpt1.jpg

steelfxpatinas.com_eBook-excerpt2.jpg

MILL-SCALE REMOVAL_hot-rolled-steel_steelfxpatinas.com.jpg

mill-scale-removal_steelfxpatinas_grime_gitter(tm).jpg

[adbuch]

Bill - thanks for sharing! This is great information to have available for future reference.
David

[Danj4164]

Bill,
Will this work on galvanized material to help remove the dross, I paint the signs I make with it anyway so no concern about any damage to the galvanized coating. I have a bunch of free material that I am using for things right now, mainly just want to make sure I don't create a toxic brew LOL.

Thanks,
Dan

[sonbakler]

I notice Bill has not been very active, I have heard he has some health related issues unfortunately. I expect that you could use this technique on galvanized steel with normal safety precautions when working with this acid.

[Plasma-art]

It also removes the zinc off of it and sometimes reacts pretty violently to zinc so be aware.
I have used it for removing the galvanizing off of chains in a 50/50 mix.

[Danj4164]

Thanks guys for the responses, I will give it a try and report back with the results.

[Joe Jones]

I went a different route for mill scale removal.

On the recommendation of a trusted friend, I bought two of these industrial diamond cup brushes and a powerful variable speed grinder to achieve the low (1,000 - 2,800) RPMs required for these brushes to work as designed.

Joe

http://www.toolfetch.com/Pferd-84349-4- ... PERFECT-MI

http://www.toolfetch.com/Pferd-84348-4- ... CT-MILL-SC

[Danj4164]

Morning guys,
Just wanted to share the results from using the 50/50 muriatic acid and water mix on galvanized steel. It did bubble and fizz when I first put the steel in the mixture but after leaving it in for 24hrs the steel was clean and the dross mostly blew off when drying the pieces with compressed air.
There was some dross remaining by easily scraped off with a putty knife.

Thanks,
Dan

[sonbakler]

Thanks for reporting back on the galvanized Dan, good to know. This stuff is dangerous no matter what but if you do it safely it is hands down the best method of cleaning and dross removal if you can wait overnight

[Retro]

Im curious about the percentage of the muriatic acid. Here in germany i can buy a 31 % acid. Like this:https://www.ebay.de/itm/325241957978?ha ... BMhrW9qI5h

Does it make sense to still use a 50/50 mix?

[cuttinparts]

I am not sure to be honest. I would suggest trying a small amount of 50/50 mix in a small plastic sandwich container or something, leave a small part in overnight and if the dross and scale is not gone in the morning try 75/25 and find the balance that works well for the acid your using.

[finyuk2005]

whats the best to neutralize the acid before painting? or do you just wash off with water?
Im guessing it flash rusts pretty quick after?

[Joe Jones]

Rinse it with water. Dry it QUICKLY. (Heat gun, propane torch, Acetylene Torch, etc.) Prime it IMMEDIATELY.

Joe

[adbuch]

whats the best to neutralize the acid before painting? or do you just wash off with water?
Im guessing it flash rusts pretty quick after?

Some us a baking soda/water mix to neutralize the acid. Then just rinse off with water.
David

[acourtjester]

I have had great results with the pool muriatic acid at 50% with water and overnight soak. Then scrub with Bristle brush in water and washing soda, then clear water and blow dry.

[rock4xfab]

Pure White Vinegar cuts though millscale also and it wont flash rust all your other bare metal parts.

[aicomp]

I use white vinegar. It is cheap and doesn't destroy any metal outside the tank. Works as well for me as acid did.
Just my $.02

[plasmanewbie]

I will have to give a try. Would be much safer than a big tub of acid and I could store it indoors as well. Appreciate the tip

[Gogo]

So I use this method but what am I supposed to do now that it is freezing outside. I am very worried about the corrosive fumes inside. My shop is wood heated. I don't think the vinegar will work on the dross.

[acourtjester]

Have you looked into a heating element attached to the bottom of the tub, just a low temp one would hold it from freezing.

[Gogo]

that's a good idea. i have a large tub i could put over it as well. all plastic. thanks.

[PlasmaDon]

Buy P&O material next time ?

[Gogo]

i just did.

[sean_cj7]

i live in the northeast and in the last 2 years never has the acid bath froze. I have a dedicated outside shed for my acid bath, while we haven't had the coldest winters in recent years, the bucket of water i store in the shed to rinse small parts has froze solid. Once i'm done with my xmas rush of signs I'll take a few minutes and do a write up of what my set up looks like. Its very trashy, but serves its purpose.

[sonbakler]

i live in the northeast and in the last 2 years never has the acid bath froze. I have a dedicated outside shed for my acid bath, while we haven't had the coldest winters in recent years, the bucket of water i store in the shed to rinse small parts has froze solid. Once i'm done with my xmas rush of signs I'll take a few minutes and do a write up of what my set up looks like. Its very trashy, but serves its purpose.

Hey Sean, good to know, thanks. What is your acid/water mixing ratio?