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Plasma Cutter and Brake Cleaner

NWill

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Oct 4, 2009
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117
Location
Columbus, Ohio
I know brake cleaner and welding is a big no no. But...

Basically, I clearly wasn't thinking and I sprayed a few parts off right above the water table on my CNC plasma . ****. I realized this when I went to cut another piece about an hour later and set the water table on fire.

Is plasma cutting and brake cleaner basically the same as welding and brake cleaner?

Does it matter if it's mixed in with ~70 gallons of water and not a vapor?

Can I just light the water on fire and let it burn off?

Stupid mistake.

WWGJD?

Thanks for any advice!
 
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Old Man Roger

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Total guess here, but if the brake clean is floating on top of the water, can't you just lay a towel over it to absorb the brake clean? Surprised it hasn't just evaporated.
 
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NWill

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Columbus, Ohio
Total guess here, but if the brake clean is floating on top of the water, can't you just lay a towel over it to absorb the brake clean? Surprised it hasn't just evaporated.

I too was surprised when the water lit on fire! D'oh

I wouldn't think it's a huge deal but I don't want to guess with poisonous gas.
 
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NWill

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Oct 4, 2009
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Columbus, Ohio
Its the heat that makes brake cleaner dangerous. Is it chlorinated brake cleaner?

Stupid mistake number 2... I didn't even look. I just assumed it was since all mine is. This was a can from work.

"Less then 45% VOC and NO Chlorinated Solvents"

No wonder it didn't work very well.

Woo! Guess I am good to go then?
 

rlitman

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... I went to cut another piece about an hour later and set the water table on fire.

Is plasma cutting and brake cleaner basically the same as welding and brake cleaner?...

Yes, but this is specifically with regards to CHLORINATED brake cleaner. Since the brake cleaner you used was flammable, we know it was not chlorinated.

Its the heat that makes brake cleaner dangerous. Is it chlorinated brake cleaner?

It is the heat, in combination with UV. Chlorinated brake cleaner is non-flammable. Non-chlorinated brake cleaner cannot produce phosgene.
 
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HaroRider

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Oct 20, 2010
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Whst he said. Besides a little fire I think you will be ok.
You dont want to make mustard gas in your work area..lol

I didnt know chlorinated brake clean wouldnt catch fire.

I keep all brake clean away from heat, keeps the guess work out of things.
 
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NWill

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Oct 4, 2009
Messages
117
Location
Columbus, Ohio
Yes, but this is specifically with regards to CHLORINATED brake cleaner. Since the brake cleaner you used was flammable, we know it was not chlorinated.



It is the heat, in combination with UV. Chlorinated brake cleaner is non-flammable. Non-chlorinated brake cleaner cannot produce phosgene.

Didn't know that! Thanks everyone.
 

VocaTexas

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Jun 20, 2014
Messages
808
I clean oil and grease off parts using ether. It evaporates pretty quickly and doesn't leave a residue. Plus, you don't have to worry about phosgene.
 

LXCam

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Apr 23, 2013
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AZ
Do it again, do it again. And take a video this time please :p
 
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