[TheForge] tips for cleaning steel?

[Woolley]

Hi,

I posted this same question some months ago.  I was having a problem 
cleaning sheet steel  that was particularly dirty but didn't want to 
change the color of the mill scale.  I had been using denatured alcohol 
with good results for most stuff.  I use a cleaner/degreaser that has an 
acid component but that changes the color due to a mild etch.(good for 
pre-patina surfaces) Someone suggested good old soap and water which I 
had heard before but somehow must have seemed too simplistic to sink in. 
 I used it with good results. Recently I had a machinist mill some parts 
for me and guess what he suggested to cleen off the cutting oil.  Soap 
and water.  That is usually how I start  although I have a can of 
denatured alcohol near my table that I use alot cause water is down the 
hall.  BTW, I use a common citrus cleaner diluted in water or Dr. 
Bronners castille soap.

Regards,
Bill Woolley


fonde taylor wrote:

>Hello,
>
>I do some light fabricating with steel and cast iron
>and Im looking for tips for an easier method of
>cleaning steel if anyone has suggestions.........I
>would greatly appreciate it.
>
>Right now, I mostly use odorless mineral spirits and a
>wire brush or steel wool.  I've even tried dousing the
>steel with lighter fluid and burning off the grease
>and shit.  This method works pretty good but Im sure
>there's and easier and quicker way.
>
>Suggestions?
>
>Fonde T. in Birmingham
>
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