Welding Question

Hey Boys and Gals , I have a question about welding. What do you use to clean steel if you have some grease on it. I know brake clean is a big no no.
Thanks in advance.

 

I use lacquer thinner. Just make sure it's dry and the lid is on the can before welding.

 

acetone sp?

 

What is the "sp" at the end ?

 

its means i hope i spelled it right

 

gasoline

 

that is interwebz speak for "i am uncertain of the spelling" --- sp

 

Carb cleaner, acetone, lacquer thinner, soap and water, etc... But make sure anything you use to clean is dry before you weld. Water wont hurt you but it sure will contaminate the weld. And your right about brake clean being a NO NO.

Jaysin

 

Cowboy,
Jognalias wasn't sure if the spelling of acetone was correct...

 

I've been told acetone was ok to use. I would have never of thought of carb cleaner!

 

carb cleaner leaves an oily residue behind to protect the carb- i dont use it to clean anything.

I use a ton of brake cleaner on parts - and i understand the danger when welding but i think (not sure) the non chlorinated varieties are ok.

BUT regarding welding and brake cleaner:

I think either should be ok after it completely evaporates, as that is what brake clean is designed to do. I'm sure there are those that will say it's not wise but i have no problem waiting the extra 3 minutes it takes to completely vaporize and i use proper ventilation when welding.

 

Dawn dish detergent deluted in water cuts grease, after drying wire wheel/brush.
Dawn is also a great hand cleaner.

 

Clean? I thought a lot of oil/grease was as good as weld-thru coating. And welding right through rust is the only way to get rid if it!

I use wax and grease remover, but acetone is good and laquer thinner is too. Just mind the flammability of things.

 

another vote for laquer thinner. cleans good and evaporates quickly into the hole in the ozone.

 

My vote is for laquer thinner ,It does the body good .Plus I love the smell ........

 

soap and water allways does the trick or just use a degreser like simple green it workd good also

 

another vote for laquer thinner. cleans good and evaporates quickly

 

don't use carb cleaner!!! http://www.brewracingframes.com/id75.htm

 

so...brake cleaner is okay if you wait a spell or two?...

 

Thanks for posting that link! There was a long thread based on it last year here on the HAMB.

 

The Dawn way sounds good. Not flamable if that is what you are worried about. Sure works great on oily wildlife after an oil spill. We are hoping not to have to use it here in FL. Seems like BP has their head up their ass.

 

"You're soaking in it!"
-Seems that old bitch Madge was holding out on us. She never said anything about this.....

 

I think I'm going to try the Simple Green or Dawn . Welding alone has enough harmful fumes. I don't need to inhale more than needed.
The steel is new . I just have lttle bit of grease on it from handling it with dirty gloves.
Thanks for all the advise Guys

 

Lacquer thinner works best.