mill-scale removal

bigtiller · Mar 23, 2015

I have a weld table with all the mill-scale removed from the tabletop. It looks like it was wiped off, as there are no sanding scratches. How was it done?

What can I use to keep it from rusting in my unheated shed that won't collect dust and dirt, and maybe even prevent weld splatter from sticking?

I don't know why the pic is sideways.

bigdeano · Mar 23, 2015

You can buy steel in that condition, I believe it's called pickled. I think they use acid to remove the scale. I bought some once to make a hyd tank. You could use car wax to keep it from rusting. I've never tried it though.

Thats Hot · Mar 23, 2015

If you use the table a lot you will not see to much rust. I use WD-40 on my table top every 3 or 4 months. If you get splatter on it.... just use a flopeeee disc on it, just enough to remove the splatter.

dstig1 · Mar 25, 2015

Could be cold rolled, perhaps?

rswyan · Mar 25, 2015

Mill scale - which is present on hot (not cold) rolled steel - can be removed by soaking (immersing) in regular vinegar and then using a Scotchbrite pad, wire brush, and/or steel wool. Could take 24 to 48 hours depending on heavy the scale is.

After soaking and scrubbing, rinse in a water/baking soda solution to neutralize the acid and then dry immediately to prevent flash rusting.

Mark @ Everlast · Mar 25, 2015

The likely treatment you have is probably "Pickled and oiled"

kennyd · Mar 25, 2015

Mark @ Everlast said:
The likely treatment you have is probably "Pickled and oiled"

Yes, I agree. Its known to most steel suppliers as "HRPO" for Hot Rolled, Pickled and Oiled.

bigtiller · Mar 25, 2015

Does it have to be immersed? for that long of time? the table top is 3'x5'x1/2". That would require a big cake pan.

Big Barn · Mar 25, 2015

Nice table, bigtiller. Is that a Forney welder behind the table in your pic?

Terry

bigtiller · Mar 25, 2015

Big Barn said:
Nice table, bigtiller. Is that a Forney welder behind the table in your pic?

Terry

Yes it is. I bought it and the Victor torch beside it, at a garage sale in the early 90's. I couldn't guess how old they are but they are pretty tuff because they have always been in an unheated shed.