Easier Dross Removal

[Bigdogbro1]

Hi All,

I have been searching for an easy method of dross removal. We normally cut 16ga CRS and get a small amount of dross on the backside due to several reasons. We are improving the system to reduce the dross and have been able to just chip it off using a small blade about 5" long x 3/4" wide. This method has worked fine but on larger cut pieces the effort and stress on the arm gets tiring.

So recently I decided to find an easier way (at least in my opinion) to remove the dross. Many posts I have read talk about the Harbor Freight air scraper http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/ ... 95826.html. This would seem to do the job but I wanted something similar weight, smaller, quieter and less expensive. So I checked out the specs on the Harbor Freight air filer http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/ ... -1704.html. This file runs at 3700 strokes/min (similar to the scraper) with about a 1/4" stroke and met all my other requirements. I currently just use the 1/2" wide file that came with the tool but expect to make a wider scraper tool for it. Using the BEVELED END FACE 1/2" file works very good for me. Now the file does the work instead of my elbow and wrist. With a larger custom made scraper my dross removal time will decrease even further.

I thought I would pass along my experience and offer a possible answer for those looking to reduce the labor burden.

[gamble]

Soak it in muratic acid and it literally falls off
Or an air hammer works too

[Gamelord]

I love muriatic acid. It also takes off the mill scale too.

[SeanP]

Those cupped wire brushes the ones with twisted strands work really well at whipping the dross off, also takes off the sharp edges well to.

[gamble]

Those cupped wire brushes the ones with twisted strands work really well at whipping the dross off, also takes off the sharp edges well to.

I hate those, after a few pieces of stainless wire sticking out of my skin..no thanks.
Acid then flap dics. Why? Because if you wack a finger with a flap disc it's much better than a wire cup or a grinding disc.

[Bigdogbro1]

Could those of you who use muratic acid please give us some insight regarding the safe usage and the method of storing or using it in a tub or something.

We don't use it currently due to the usage problems and rinse and drying area needed.

Thanks

[illusivedf]

Knotted wire wheel cup on a grinder works great, been using them for 9 years that way. They almost never come apart, just wear down slowly. it also leaves a nice smooth finish if you just whip over the part real quick after knocking the dross off

[tnbndr]

Could those of you who use muratic acid please give us some insight regarding the safe usage and the method of storing or using it in a tub or something.

We don't use it currently due to the usage problems and rinse and drying area needed.

Thanks

I got away from the muriatic acid and use vinegar instead, much safer and easier to use. I buy it in bulk from a pickling plant in town. He sells it to me in 4 gallon buckets they bet their eggs in for $1.75/gal. I buy 32 gallons at a time and store it in a blue plastic barrel on a 4 wheel cart with a hand pump. I buy plastic trays at the pet department of Fleet Farm made for the bottom of rabbit pens or dog kennels in different sizes. I put my parts in the tray setting on the edges of my fiberglass wash tub and wheel over the vinegar barrel and pump in enough to cover the items. Usually overnight works wonders. I then just work one corner of the tray over the washtub and tip it down and let the vinegar drain out and down the drain.
Hope this helps.

[gamble]

Could those of you who use muratic acid please give us some insight regarding the safe usage and the method of storing or using it in a tub or something.

We don't use it currently due to the usage problems and rinse and drying area needed.

Thanks

Don't use it straight. I use it VERY much diluted and there is no nasty smell or smoke coming out of it. I keep it in a tub outside with a lid. When I'm ready I use a pair of pliers to pull it out and have a 5 gallon bucket of water sitting there. Rinse it, flip it, rinse it then start grinding.
I tried vinegar once and had no luck. Maybe I had the wrong stuff, but I also can't stand the smell of that.

[kbenz]

Don't use the cheap wire cups (like HF) They sling a lot of wire. Get a good one

[rdj357]

I bought a plastic tub (with lid) from the megamart that is made to roll under a bed for storing things. I keep the acid in it and when soaking or not in use it rolls under a low shelf of a workbench where it's safe from harm and kiddo tampering.

I tried vinegar once and had no luck. Maybe I had the wrong stuff, but I also can't stand the smell of that.

Ha! I've not tried vinegar but maybe I shouldn't..... It'd make me hungry, want to slice some cucumbers and onions and throw them in to soak too! YUM!

OK, not cool - i'm headed to the kitchen to make a batch....

[james.davis]

I have 2 - 2ft by 4ft mud pans from Home depot 1 has acid the other water and I add some baking soda to it just before I put the pieces in. I let them sit in there for about 10min. then rinse them off with a hose after they're rinsed I dry them off with a torch so they don't flash rust.It works for me ( I let them soak over night in the acid that removes all the dross)
Jim
I've used viniger before it takes longer and loses it's power real fast

[larrycameron44]

I use Sodium Bilsulphate 25kg bag has lasted 1 1/2 years now.

Fill large plastic container with water ( mine is 25 gallon) add 1 kg of Sodium Bilsulphate crystals and depending on strength you need works in as little as 4 hours or soak overnight. Removes all dross from my 16 gauge without scraping nothing!
When the mixture stars to weaken, just add more crystals/powder.
Is is also commonly know as pH Decrease as a pool chemical. So you can get it at chemical or swimming pool shops.

Larry
NZ

[Bobcat320]

I have 2 - 2ft by 4ft mud pans from Home depot 1 has acid the other water and I add some baking soda to it just before I put the pieces in. I let them sit in there for about 10min. then rinse them off with a hose after they're rinsed I dry them off with a torch so they don't flash rust.It works for me ( I let them soak over night in the acid that removes all the dross)
Jim
I've used viniger before it takes longer and loses it's power real fast

Jim, when you say "mud Pans" are they like a shower pan? Or what part of Home Depot do I find them in?

[james.davis]

It's a pan you mix mortar for bricks in .(they're located in lumber).
Jim

[Bobcat320]

Ha! Now I feel stupid!
Thanks!

[james.davis]

I just have them sitting outside with boards over the top of them you want to keep it away from kids an animals .Once you've tried it you won't use anything else, leave it over night but after rinsing make sure you dry it off with a torch so it won't flash rust.
good luck
Jim

[Bobcat320]

I have been using it, and you are right it is the easiest, best way yet. Like some of the others I just haven't been able to find a big enough container for some of the pieces I am cutting/making. your solution will work perfect.
Thanks again!

[james.davis]

No problem glad I could help.
Jim

[Bigdogbro1]

Can you use the acid clean process on 304 stainless steel. I have had my last project come out a bit rough. What does the surface finish look like after the acid clean on steel and SS.

[gamble]

No it doesn't work on stainless steel.

[MountainRef]

Like tnbndr, I use vinegar. Muratic acid is wicked stuff and not a pleasure. Soak over night and the milling rinses right off. Easy finish with a sanding disc.

[tcmetal]

What type of vinegar? white vinegar?

[Craig]

I have used Kiln wash for a few years now and will coat the entire underside of sheets of metal that are prone to dross. You wont find a cheaper method and its safe to use in liquid form. And because it creates a high temp coating the dross has nothing to stick to and it works on all metals.
I also use it when MIG welding to keep splatter off threads and other areas I want to keep clean. Check out the link below.

http://plasmaspider.com/viewtopic.php?f ... ash#p54269