[TheForge] pipe cleaning

[Cindy and James]

Some pipe (tubing especially) & steel comes new with a greasy or other 
coating to resist rusting.  You can't even go close to it w/o getting 
nasty.  King Arch sells much of their stuff with such on it and they 
advertise washing w/ Simple Green to pre-clean.  My local iron 
supplier's steel comes with everything from rust to who knows what on 
it, but whatever it is won't simply wash off with water and soap.  Black 
iron pipe may also just be greasy.  In the case of one of these type 
coatings, it would be helpful to degrease before working, then sandblast 
after the project is complete.

  I've used lacquer thinner, acetone, hot water high pressure washer, 
xylene, you name it, to get the metal somewhat clean to start a 
project.  None are cheap, all labor intensive, and some are downright 
unhealthy to your skin and lungs.  Some mention citric, vinegar, etc.  I 
haven't tried them for cleaning but suspect they would work too but 
maybe not as quickly as the more hazardous stuff.

There are some pipe sanders on the market that would abrasively clean 
pipe and are designed for round tubular surfaces.  While pricey, they 
likely would work ok.  Google "pipe sander" and see what you get.  I've 
never been able to  justify buying one but would not hesitate to do so 
given an adequate return on the investment.

I do however LOVE sandblasting because I take my stuff to a commercial 
blaster and let him do it.  He's set up for it, doesn't charge much, 
does a good job and the stuff is ready to finish via whatever method you 
desire.

James
Paris, TX
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