CL find/advice

[x14119]

Team,
Long time GJ creeper, just signed up!

Anyway, I have been wanting to get into metalwork/welding for a while, and have been looking around for some good thick steel for a fab/welding table.

I found some!
The good:
1. I have two pieces and a frame
2. They are pretty solid— one is 30”x60”x3/4”, the other about 2’x3’x 1”

The bad:
1. RUST

I actually got all of it for $180, and am excited, but need some advice on how to remove the rust before I just take a flap wheel to it. When I de-rust tools I immerse them, but that isn’t really an option here—thoughts?

 

[aafadca]

You could try pouring on some rust remover such as, Evaporust, Rust Dissolver, etc. Then wrapping/covering it with something like Saran wrap or plastic and letting it sit over night.

 

[Stuart in MN]

If you already have a flap wheel, just use that. It will be the fastest and easiest way.

 

[Sleeper]

You could brush on some naval jelly. It works well and stays put on flat surfaces. I would put a tarp underneath and just do one side at a time.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Vintage Veloce]

I have had remarkable good luck with laying paper towels on top and soaking them in evaporust and then covering with plastic wrap (to prevent evaporation).
But with these, I'd build a little wall on the perimeter of the flat surface, and fill the top like a swimming pool with evaporust. Not sure how I would make that perimeter wall...maybe just some plastic tape?

 

[x14119]

Thanks guys!

I’m liking the paper towel/evaporust or naval jelly pool.

I think I will give a quick buzz with the angle grinder and see how that works then go chemical if it is going to be too much work. Thanks!

 

[Chaznsc]

Grind....flap....whatever. Then seal it with johnson wax.

 

[matt_i]

I'd go with a wire wheel before I did any flap disk.

 

[bad_idea]

If you use the grinder, wear a respirator. That dust will go EVERYWHERE! Makes a mess. Plays hell on your sinuses.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Yeah, probably a coarse wire wheel would clean it up fairly fast. Eye and some inhalation protection would be a good idea.

 

[x14119]

I’ll see what the wheel does—recently started using a respirator for just about everything, and it is amazing.

 

[Jason280]

Coarse wire wheel will make short work of it, just be sure to wear eye protection!

 

[blair683]

Abom79 just finished his steel bench on YouTube. He used a wire wheel on his. He then used this CRS rust converter stuff. Looked pretty good when finished.

 

[bad_idea]

Jack Olsen used an acid on his top. He has info in his garage thread about it. I don't remember what page, you may want to PM him to ask him. IIRC it didn't take long and the results were good.

 

[x14119]

Blair, that is incredible!

Bad idea, I’m assuming muriatic, but I’ll reach out-thanks!

 

[NUTTSGT]

I’ll see what the wheel does—recently started using a respirator for just about everything, and it is amazing.

You don't realize how much you inhale until you hop in the shower and hack all that **** up with the warm moist air.

 

[jonshonda]

Angle grinder with knotted cup brush and knotted wheel. It will make quick work of the rust and paint but won't remove much good material. Wear a mask or respiratory device

 

[sweetk30]

local guy in my area gets 120.00 to media blast a 4ft x 6ft top . its a brand new sheet that sat out side to long . i tryed 40grit on a flapper wheel and it will work but take bit of time.

when i am ready for mine to be done it will be dropped off at his place and done that way .

 

[OldNeons]

Another option would be to have it ground/surfaced for a truly flat (and clean) work surface