Removing Mill Scale

J

joshyotter

Joined
Dec 9, 2007
Messages
11
I bought some hot rolled 5160 and it came covered in dark gray brownish stuff which I think is mill scale. I started taking it off using aluminum oxide sand paper and it seemed to be working fine, but I can't take any more of it off now. There are just a bunch of small spots of it which seem to be just slightly pitted in the steel. The steel still feels perfectly smooth though. Should I keep sanding, leave it or is there another way to take it off?
Thanks in advance for the help guys
 
Last edited:
I have heard a soak in vinegar will remove scale nicely. Personally I use a worn 36 grit belt and a Bader BIII :) Even with that set up, the scale material quickly clogs the belt and kills it.
 
You have most of the mill scale removed, you simply have pits remaining.
You just need to get a little more aggressive with your sanding by some means. Some type of belt sander or grinder is utilized by many people.
Think of it like scraping off the burnt portion of a piece of toast! You're not down to the good bread yet!
 
Bill Siegle said:
I have heard a soak in vinegar will remove scale nicely. Personally I use a worn 36 grit belt and a Bader BIII :) Even with that set up, the scale material quickly clogs the belt and kills it.
Click to expand...

Soak in vinager overnight and the scale WIPES off....:thumbup: and saves the belts !!! :D
 
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