[TheForge] An abrasive product to consider?

[Dave Smucker]

Mike maybe a call to Lee Valley and they might carry them for you.  I don't find them on their site now but they are always adding things - and it is something woodworker could use too.

Dave Smucker
Brasstown, NC

-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net <theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of Mike Spencer
Sent: Friday, November 9, 2018 3:05 AM
To: theforge at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [TheForge] Re: An abrasive product to consider?


> 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\