Grinding on stainless steel pipe 1

[jose0908]

Can anyone recommend something I can use to grind scratches off stanless steel pipe and where can I get it? Some that won't contaminate stainless steel. Please advise.

 

[EngineeringEric]

deep or surface scratches?

 

[jose0908]

scratches about .010" to .020" deep about 2" long.

 

[ztengguy]

I would use a bosch angle grider...any big box retailer would have them. Then sand smooth.

 

[jose0908]

Grinder yes. What kind of disk would I use on the grinder?

 

[Timelord]

Sandpaper followed by Scotchbrite. What is the final finish desired?

 

[hokie66]

Why so you need to do this? Whatever you do, you will probably just make the finish worse. But of the suggestions made, I would disagree most with using an angle grinder. Won't work, and very dangerous. An angle grinder is not a polisher.

 

[berkshire]

jose0908 (Petroleum)
If you really have to do this, start with at least a brown scotchbrite pad on a 4" or 5" Dia angle grinder, then switch in progression to red then blue pads.
If you are using some other brand, this is coarse, medium, and fine pads. This of course depends on the finish existing on the pipe, for a #4 finish you can stop at the red pads.
Better yet get an experienced mechanic who is used to polishing and blending stainless pipe to do this for you.
B.E.

You are judged not by what you know, but by what you can do.

 

[ztengguy]

@ Hookie, he asked what he could use to grind off scratches...answer is grinder in my mind.

Alas, really not sure the relevance to structural engineering, but a fun thread anyway.

 

[jose0908]

I am looking to use something like an angle grinder and would like to know what kind of special disk I can use that won't contaminate the integrity of the metal. Pipe is A312 316/L. Scotch brite or sand paper will take a long time to remove a scratch.
Thanks, everyone for the suggestions.

 

[ztengguy]

Can you just rotate the pipe so the scratches are hidden? Whats the reasoning to remove a scratch from a pipe which i can only assume is an industrial application since you are posting here.

 

[XR250]

Try an Angle grinder with an Flap Disk. They work real well for smoothing out welds and carbon steel. Never tried it on stainless.

http://www.grainger.com/product/6HD..._id=TEeXWwqoEEMAAAu@fVwAAcL2:20131114130959:s

You can buy them at Lowes.

 

[jose0908]

The reason for removing the scratches is just cosmetic purpose. It doesn't affect the wall to fall below the minimum tolerance. A flap disk is good, just wondering is someone knew osf a particular one that can be used on stainless steel without contaminating it.

 

[ztengguy]

Once done grinding it, can you clean it with some clorox or something to de-contaminate it?

 

[berkshire]

jose0908 (Petroleum)
I think you missed the point I was making, I am not talking about hand sanding this material with a Scotchbrite pad. I am talking about a circular disc made of Scotchbrite material. ( Abrasive impregnated nylon.) that will remove a 0.02" deep scratch in about 30 to 45 seconds, and if you over do it, turn the pipe blue in the process. Do not over do it. This type of cosmetic clean up is done in the stainless steel handrail business all of the time.
Aluminum oxide flapper wheels and plain sanding discs can also be used with operator skill and care, in a careless hand they can remove too much material . Not contaminating the surface comes from only using new discs that have never been used on other materials you do not want to drive foreign materials , particularly steel or iron into the surface .
Is the original pipe a mill finish material, or does it have a polished finish that you have to duplicate?
B.E.

You are judged not by what you know, but by what you can do.

 

[jose0908]

Thank you guys again, for all your suggestions. Question has been answered.