metal clean up, weld pain prep. ?

We typically use a wire brush in a grinder or drill as appropriate to remove scale, surface rust, etc. In cases of harder scale or heavy rust we might use flap disc sanders in a grinder or drill to remove the really heavy stuff.

We don't sandblast our parts typically as it adds additional costs to the product. We'll only use that as a necessary evil on something really bad like an old truck frame or the like that needs to be spot on clean before restoration.

We also use a spread on chemical rust inhibitor prior to priming parts as well to provide a longer lasting finished product.

My .02

Thanks, jw

Same here.

wire wheel works great. if you go the abrasive blasting route, i prefer glass bead.

walt

For the size pieces you're talking about, a blast cabinet has to be the easiest and cleanest method. If memory serves, I use -3 blasting sand in mine. Used to use glass beads, which work great on engine parts, but barely touch scale and rust.

On bigger stuff (trailers, etc.) I've used an acid product sold as "Clear Stuff" by the manufacturer of my pressure washer (USA Pressure in Florida). Apply it with the pressure washer's suction line, take it off with a turbo nozzle, and then after everything dries give the whole thing a shot of phosphoric acid. With good primer and enamel, you get a bulletproof paintjob.