Cleaning up 1/2" steel plate appearance

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PT Doc

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I Bought 3 pieces of 1/2 steel for a grinder table that I'm building. The previous stuff I bought for the table frame was square and rectangular tubing that was all saw cut. These three plate were sheared with a 3/4" shear. The big table top plate has edges that I need to square up and smooth out. This 20"x29" plate surface is pretty dirty, oily or whatever you would call it. The 2 smaller pieces that will be welded to the underside have 1 sheared edge but also could use some resurfacing.

What is the best way to get something that would be similar in finish to the KMG? I'm not looking for things to match just need it much cleaner cause Right now things are nasty. I also bought 2x3x3/8 angle that is ugly.

Would the Scotchbrite surface reconditioning kits work out well. I have a dual action air sander, flap discs up to 120 and wire cups for an angle grinder also. Ill also be cleaning up 1 1/2" square stock that will be used for tool arms. Im Not looking for a flawless finish just something that resembles clean steel. Thanks for the help.
 
I'd think Scotchbrites would do a great job, but not if you have to actually remove steel, i.e. raised edges, flaring from being sheared, serious roughness.
 
t_davis925 said:
I'd think Scotchbrites would do a great job, but not if you have to actually remove steel, i.e. raised edges, flaring from being sheared, serious roughness.
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I have plenty of hand files also. Might need to remove some of the harsh edges with a hand file prior to doing whatever you guys recommend.
 
PT Doc said:
I have plenty of hand files also. Might need to remove some of the harsh edges with a hand file prior to doing whatever you guys recommend.
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Just take care of anything that needs leveling with files and/or sandpaper, then scotchbrite the level surface. Any pics?
 
Use some acetone or something and clean all the oil and what not off. Then hit it up with the files on the edges if thats what you have. I like those square foam pads that have the grit on them. They work pretty good for surface stuff but dont last forever.
 
You might want to wipe it down with a solvent first if there's oil and gunk on it. The angle grinder should be able to make quick work grinding rough edges smooth. A heavy weight wire wheel with twisted wire "spokes" on the angle grinder would probably be more effective and a lot faster than the wire cup. It would accomplish an adequate satiny finish too.
 
Thanks for the help. Have 5 days off so I should be able to get to folk these little projects.
 
120 grit in a random orbit air sander leaves a pleasing finish, did a little auto body work when I was younger and I always liked the swirl pattern the sander left
 
We use "Simple Green" or a similar detergent in hot water to get the grease off our steel, dry off the water, then follow up with a solvent wipe only if needed. Saves on breathing fumes and saves a little money.
 
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