what do you use to get rid of carbon on stainless steel after you weld and grind it?

Answer 1

I use a wire brush on my grinder, then go back over it with a piece of marroon ScotchBrite. Remember, DO NOT use the wire brush or ScotchBrite on any carbon steel if you plan on using it on stainless steel. It will look good for a few days, then start to discolor. I even wear plastic gloves to not touch the stainless while cleaning it, til the weld "cures". Tig welding gives the best looking joint. I have welded lots of stainless for food processing plants, and USDA is strict on the welds.

Answer 2

After you are through welding, use a clean new wire wheel on a grinder. For a mirror finish, purchase some white rouge, and several buffing wheels for your bench grinder. After installing the wheel one the grinder, turn it one, and hold the bar of white rouge to the wheel, to apply some to the wheel. Now hold the stainless up to the wheel and start polishing. It is time consuming, but depending on what type of finish you want, it is time well spent. I worked at a brewing company, where all the piping is stainless steel. We were constantly getting requests from the bosses for polished belt buckles, so we learned how to make them shine. Our buckles were highly sought after, and I hated to see the job end. Good luck to you!

Answer 3

Grinding and wire-brushing should remove everything, or are you talking about residue from burnt paint or grease? Was it arc, mig, tig or braze?

Answer 4

Acetone.