[NA] General welding Q

[Let'sgoflying!]

1&1/2” galvanized steel pipe.
I was going to immerse the ends in left over battery acid to get the zinc off for the welder.
Then clean with water, wire wheel them
Will this assist him or make his job harder?
(I know he has complained about contaminants before)
I dont have access to many other chemicals, processes or tools so if you have another suggestion it will have to be simple. And, no I can’t ask the welder what he prefers.
Electric, stick welding.

 

[Craig]

Use black iron instead and cold galvanize after welding....way safer for all involved and less chance for weld contamination.

 

[Chip Sylverne]

Grind it clean with an angle grinder.

 

[Tom-D]

Simply buff it off with a wire wheel.

OBTW, the galvanizing will not contaminate the weld, it will fume off long before the iron will melt.

 

[3393RP]

Simply buff it off with a wire wheel.

OBTW, the galvanizing will not contaminate the weld, it will fume off long before the iron will melt.

This is what I've always done. Just mechanically remove the zinc with a wheel or cup brush. Using acid won't improve the process much. After the weld has cooled, hit it again with the wire wheel or cup brush, and cover with a zinc rich paint in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

I think Z.R.C. brand paints are superior to Rust-Oleum and other brands. The brush-on type is 50% zinc particles.

 

[SloRoam]

And be careful on the fumes...they make me feel sick for a day or so...

 

[Let'sgoflying!]

It was fun to boil off the Zn; left the metal shiny, clean.
Welder had no problem.