Welding prep

[BRODTuning]

Hi lads hope your keeping well,
I have a question about welding prep,last time i welded it was on stainless and i used scotch pads to clean the metal then a clean rag, but i still ended up with a slightly dirty bead, do you have any tips for getting the metal super clean without grinding ?
cheers all
Brad.

 

[Delgado]

I normally just give it a wipe with a rag or paper, when no black is left, you're good to go (give the filler rods a wipe as well). Some people use acetone as well, but unless it's really, really dirty I wouldn't bother. If the beads are dirty (I take it you mean grey/black) it could be down to a number of things, normally running too cold and too slow, too hot, or not enough gas coverage.

 

[BRODTuning]

the bead colour itself wasnt really a problem pal

and if im honest i didnt notice but then i was talking to an experienced tig bloke and he said ''see those small black bits....thats dirty stainless''
it sort of like pinholes of black but not actual holes if you know what i mean ?
thanks mate
Brad.

 

[Delgado]

Ahh ok, got you. I always thought that those tiny specks were oxides caused by impurities in the base metal when you weld it, but I may be wrong.

 

[BRODTuning]

could well be mate im not sure,anyway once id buffed it up and give it a going over with a scotch cloth it was lovely

 

[langy]

I use a scotchbrite dipped in acetone, works good.

 

[BRODTuning]

I use a scotchbrite dipped in acetone, works good.

ill give it a try mate,thank you