Cleaning up for welding...

[reb78]

On flat steel, in the open, getting the weld edges clean and shiny and suitable for the MIG is easy. On the car though, there are loads of nooks and crannies that are really hard to get a grinder in to clean the metal ready for welding. I don't find that wire brushes on the drill get things clean enough. Short of cutting other bits off to get better access with the grinder, what do you guys do to clean those awkward to reach places?

 

[Rig Pig]

A scraper or screw driver and turn the amps up a bit! Admittedly most of the under car welding I do is not for concourse restoration!
If you want it really clean try a small blast pot.

 

[marlinspike]

Funny that you should bring this up reb, as we are having the same problem. We cut away part of a rusty sill and were struggling to clean it up inside. Seemed pointless replacing rusty outside metal but leaving other rusty bits inside. Didn't really want to cut away more good metal for access.

I had read some good reviews of power files on here (some bad ones too) and bought the Black and Decker one on Thursday. Used it yesterday - what a revelation. Shifts paint and rust really well and gets into nooks and crannies quite well.

I had been using a wire cup on a drill with little effect on the rust, so I also replaced that with some new, smaller wire attachments from Tool station. They are only about £1.50 each so I bought a few. The tall, thin ones can get to bits that the power file is too chunky for. I hadn't realised how worn the old cup was either. The new cups shift the rust far better. It is free delivery over £10 at Tool station if you don't have a local shop.

I have also used Bilt Hamber deox c and deox gel to remove pitted rust, though it can get quite expensive once you add p and p.

I got my power file from the Black and Decker shop at the Lowry outlet, Salford for £41. Might be a refurb but didn't say it was and looks new. They are £38 new on eBay. Very pleased with it, though most people recommend getting the zirconia belts.

 

[duncmc]

Same here. I use the Black and Decker powerfile. Its very good.

I also have a die grinder, which is OK. But then I have to turn the compressor on. you can get air powered belt finger grinders too.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

How about a Dremel [other makes are available ] with a flexible drive and suitable grinding stones - that should get into even the tightest nooks & crannies.

 

[BrokenBiker]

I have been thinking about making a small portable blast pot to suit the cans of compressed air for cleaning keyboards and other electronic items

 

[Jan]

I have been thinking about making a small portable blast pot to suit the cans of compressed air for cleaning keyboards and other electronic items

Are you trying to clean the dust off a butterfly's wings? I can't see that doing much more.

 

[reb78]

Thanks guys. I had to do some welding on a disco 2 chassis the other day and the plates needed were in the most awkward spots (as they would be!!). i managed to get it clean, but it was a right struggle with the grinder, the stones just dont do it on the drill and as above, the wire brushes on the drills just dont get rid of the rust.

A powerfile would have done the job i think though. I'll have a look for an air powered version i think.

 

[rory1]

for me its a die grinder and a carbide burr for cleaning up in corners. but i dont do an welding on cars so the carbide burr may be a bit aggresive for thin steel.