Newbie, factory coat removal

[Soter907]

Fairly new to this I have been trying to find the fast (easiest) way to remove the "coating" that comes from the factory on full sheets of 14ga mild steel. Currently I am trying flap disk but they are being ate up quick and are super slow going. Is there a easier/better way. I am a hobbiest out of my small garage to space is at a premium.

[Ironken]

That is mill scale. It is a PITA to remove. Some guys grind and some use a muriatic acid bath. You could also buy P&O (pickled and oiled) that has very little scale.

[tnbndr]

Yes, check your supplier for cold rolled steel or pickled and oiled, some call it. It doesn't have mill scale but is usually more expensive. But it saves you the grinding/etching time. I soak my pieces in 12% pickling vinegar instead of muriatic acid.

[Soter907]

Thank you for the advice. I don't have a great supply but I will ask. Maybe look elsewhere for product

[carsonc1974]

i just wanted to add, P&O and cold rolled are 2 different materials and do not mean the same thing... P&0 is still hot rolled, but using a different process.