[TheForge] Re: An abrasive product to consider?

[Mike Spencer]

> Recently I came across Scotch Brite (TM) Soap Scum Erasers -- a two-layer
> sponge product that touts "Removes stubborn stains without chemicals." 
> [snip]
> If anyone tries these on metalwork, I'd be interested.

Only tangentially related by word association: A 3M Scotch Brite-like
product called (IIRC) Clean'n'Strip is super.  Not suitable for
bathrooms but excellent for ironwork.  Comes in three grades or grits.
The black (coarse) one in a 6" x 1/2" wheel configuration will will
remove rust, aged scum and scale (including mill scale from unworked
m/s stock) without gouging the surface as grinder disks or even coarse
flap wheels will.  Will leave only faint striations on the steel
surface.  The finer grades leave even less surface marks but are also
less effective for removing the kind of thing blacksmith typically
want to remove.

3M is, at least in Nova Scotia, a bastard to deal with, won't sell
"industrial" products (of which Clean'n'Strip is one) through
"automotive" retailers.  I first spotted Clean'n'Strip rebranded as a
Black & Decker product, now no longer available AFAIK, possibly
because they were selling it to be used in an electric drill. Doesn't
work well at that slow speed -- you need a much higher-speed end
grinder.

A very nearly identical product is available from Walter for less
money.  Still not cheap but I wouldn't be without it.

FWIW,
- Mike

-- 
Michael Spencer                  Nova Scotia, Canada       .~. 
                                                           /V\ 
mspencer at tallships.ca                                     /( )\
http://home.tallships.ca/mspencer/                        ^^-^^