Needle Scaler for TIG Prep?

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SteveHGraham
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Needle Scaler for TIG Prep?

Post by SteveHGraham »

I was about to go to Home Depot and buy fifty gallons of naval jelly, when I realized I might have a better solution to removing mill scale.

Should I be using a needle scaler for scale removal? I mean, it is called a "scaler."

I've tried a flap disc, a knot wheel, and a 72" belt grinder, and they're all pretty slow.
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10KPete
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Re: Needle Scaler for TIG Prep?

Post by 10KPete »

The problem with impact scalers is that unless the needles are very sharp they can drive impurities into the material. For your uses chemical or grinding/sanding would be the recommendation. Depending on the chemistry, deposits might be a problem also. TIG usually implies clean....

A hard disc on a 4" grinder is very effective.

Pete
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warmstrong1955
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Re: Needle Scaler for TIG Prep?

Post by warmstrong1955 »

Big stuff, I use a grinder, with a regular wheel, not a flapper. Doesn't take a lot....just where the weld will be, and close to it. Flappers are more for 'finish' work.
I have used a needle gun, but just cause it was handy, or I was working in limited space. Not real fast, but they do work well enough for MIG & stick welding.

TIG welding, small parts, I use the blast cabinet. Blow off the parts & a quick hit 'em with a wire brush, by hand, and good to go.
I do the same for small parts I"m going to MIG or stick weld too. Generally, if the parts fit in the cabinet....that's what I do.
I don't use a needle scaler for TIG work.

Bill
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SteveHGraham
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Re: Needle Scaler for TIG Prep?

Post by SteveHGraham »

What if I use a scaler followed by a flap disk to clean the metal off?

The grinder works but it cuts ruts and dips into the metal no matter how careful you are.
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warmstrong1955
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Re: Needle Scaler for TIG Prep?

Post by warmstrong1955 »

Try it....see what you get.
May work....I've never tried it.
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GlennW
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Re: Needle Scaler for TIG Prep?

Post by GlennW »

Although I don't use hot rolled flat, I use these 2" sanding discs in 60 grit. The Scotchbrite discs are handy as well.
DSC00435.JPG
They are also available in 3".

Being rubber backed and flexible they don't gouge like hard discs do.
Glenn

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Bill Shields
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Re: Needle Scaler for TIG Prep?

Post by Bill Shields »

A scaler is a scaler and does always get what you want for prep for any type of welding (doesn't need to be TIG).

Nothing beats a good hard grinding wheel and elbow grease...
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J.Ramsey
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Re: Needle Scaler for TIG Prep?

Post by J.Ramsey »

You could buy a lot of material that didn't need to be descaled for the price of a needle scaler.In your welding table thread I offered to send you many lbs. of cold finished material for free but for some reason you seem to want to struggle on trying to do with less than ideal material.
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SteveHGraham
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Re: Needle Scaler for TIG Prep?

Post by SteveHGraham »

I already have two needle scalers.

I totally missed the offer of free stuff. Sorry about that. Should I send a PM or has my window of opportunity closed forever?
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johnfreese
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Re: Needle Scaler for TIG Prep?

Post by johnfreese »

An oxy-acy torch can be used to remove heavy mill scale. It has been a long time since I did it, but I believe I used the cutting torch for a wider path. For industrial size scale removal Harris Calorific made de-scaling heads that were quite wide. I suppose Airco and Victor made them as well.
J.Ramsey
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Re: Needle Scaler for TIG Prep?

Post by J.Ramsey »

Offer still stands,PM me a shipping address.
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warmstrong1955
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Re: Needle Scaler for TIG Prep?

Post by warmstrong1955 »

Free is a very good price Steve!!

(Also my favorite)

:)
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