Cleaning aluminium

[Fixer]

Whats good for cleaning aluminium? to remove oxide and for after welding? i want something that won't rip up the surface too much. Thanks

 

[TechnicAl]

Stainless wire brush is often used. There are also some specialist tools that I cant remember the name of. They are metal blades. Dont use sanding discs as they impregnate the surface and this can lead to porous welds (unless they are specifically made for Ally)

 

[BrokenBiker]

i use a stainless brush and acetone. you can get different grades of wire brush ie coarse - fine, i have a nedium and a fine which do the job quite well, then a wipe down with acetone and its ready to weld

after welding i just use fine wire brush and maybe a dedicated file if i want to smooth a weld out

 

[Fixer]

My stainless brush is a bit coarse I'll look for finer one and some acetone cheers

 

[BrokenBiker]

I got my fine one in a kit for body work repairs. I have also used fine steel wool on the odd occasion but not sure how that would affect the aluminium. I only used it clean some residue off a part before machining

 

[TechnicAl]

When you get your wire brush dont use it for anything else. Keep it only for Ally otherwise you could contaminate next time

 

[Fixer]

Are Scotchbrite type material discs for grinder good?

 

[TechnicAl]

Are they like pan scourer material?
If so I think they are OK but I would check with the manufacturer first

 

[Fixer]

Are they like pan scourer material?
If so I think they are OK but I would check with the manufacturer first

yes that right they look a flap wheel made out of bits of scourer. I think that material is made of silicone carbide.

 

[500e]

Stainless wire brush is often used. There are also some specialist tools that I cant remember the name of. They are metal blades. Dont use sanding discs as they impregnate the surface and this can lead to porous welds (unless they are specifically made for Ally)

http://www.inverterfusion.co.uk/electrolytic-weld-cleaning-machines/

 

[Fastfingaz]

I worked in a shop that did lots of stainless and aluminium work , but I wasn't involved in it! I remember them receiving a 55 gal drum of this acid that they sprayed on the welded parts, then let them set for a few minutes rinsed them off with water, it really worked ! the pieces sparkeled after,,, but I can't remember the name of the acid, but I do remember one time a guy moped the ceramic floor tiles in the bathroom which were brown , but when he finished they were tan!