need tips to clean up welds.

[ScottD]

Hey guys, Ive got most of the receiver welded up but my welds are pretty ugly. Are their any preferred ways to clean up my weld lines? A angle grinder is too aggressive and mars the receiver, and a dremel takes forever. Ive used some 60 grit sanding flap disks from the depot, they work well but at 5 bucks a pop I only get about 10 mins use out of them.

[bolex]

I use a "big" file (16") to knock the high spots off and used reinforced dremel cutting disks (about 1.25" in diameter) to grind the welds down flush. I use the dremel disk in a similar manner as a disk grinder and being small I have a lot better control and a lot faster material removal than a grinding stone. It is hard to beat the file, just keep it clean, I use a wire brush (carding brush?) with short wires to clean mine.

[FAL_specialist]

I use a straight bodied die grinder w/a cut off wheel worn down to about 2" dia with a feathered edge.
I lay the wheel as flat as possible and try to only cut the raised weld area.

You will have to go back a reweld any pits or creases, etc then grind smooth again.

I then use a coarse Scotchbrite pad disc that threads into a holder for the die grinder to do a final sanding.

There will always be Dremel work around bends and creases,etc.

You will usually have some internal welding as well.
Die grinder and Dremel w/ different stone. A old screwdriver or similar chisel ground to a edge to one side will help remove the slag balls.

Larry

[Pirate]

use an angle grinder with 60 then 100 grit discs. use only the front edge of the disk to get the welds flush. with some practice you can blend them in perfectly.

[johnnymg]

I've used an mini air belt sander/file with good results on cleaning welds on body panels b4. HF has them listed in their latest mailer

[johnnymg]

oops, not HF its in the latest ENCO mailer pg.46 for 59.99

[ScottD]

I got pretty aggressive with one of the welds, the one right in the middle. I was sooooo busy sanding every pit out that now the receiver is a bit thinner in that spot. Barely noticible, but its there. Maybe ill spread it out a bit from the inside, the rails are super tight as it is. I bought some more 40 grit sanding disks and dremel stones. Ill make this thing work!

[drooling idiot]

ive had good results with something like this

http://hand-tools.hometownhardware.com/ ... 15144.html

start with the sanding disks move all the way up to fine scotch brite pads and you'll get a too nice mirror finish

[M1 Tanker]

Any Roloc disc sander, like Drooling posted is perfect for what you want to do. Comes in a variety of grits.

[ScottD]

Thats pretty much what I just bought at Walmart tonight. I just hope I dont discover a whole bunch of air pockets and gaps! Man I cant wait to get this receiver finished. At least Ill have something to look at!

[FN74]

File,
Die grinder with mild stone, scotch brite discs working from coarser to smoother. Will make it mirror shine like one other poster said.