Sanding uneven metal surface - how to do?

MrThrifty

I need to sand a bumpy metal surface - not to get rid of the bumps but just to remove a layer of surface rust/oxide. There's a lot of metal involved and I'm wondering if there's some way of doing it with a power tool with a sponge-like sanding head rather than painstakingly using wire wool etc?

Or is it maybe possible to use some magic chemical instead that reacts with and removes the layer of rust/oxide?

slimjimmc

Wire wheel or wire cup

http://www.hammerite.co.uk/guide/rust_remover_gel.jsp might work too.

[edit] If you use a wire wheel or cup then use a mains electric drill or an angle grinder, battery-powered tools generally don't have enough oompf

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MrThrifty

Thanks slimjim - didn't know those wire wheel yokes even existed but figured there had to be something like them out there! Might try out the rust removal stuff too but suspect it could never be that easy!!!

CJhaughey

I got a bottle of corro-dip in a local hardware store and its pretty amazing stuff.
You make up a solution of it in warm water and leave the item to soak for a few hours take it out and its bare metal.
Good stuff and safe to use.

gsxr1

Just a word of advice when using those wire brushes.

Wear leather gloves and full face protection.

When those little wires come lose at 6000rpm, they stick into skin and eyes.

Learned this the hard way.:eek:

doctorchopper

gsxr1 wrote: »

Just a word of advice when using those wire brushes.

Wear leather gloves and full face protection.

When those little wires come lose at 6000rpm, they stick into skin and eyes.

Learned this the hard way.:eek:

exactly, they are quite dangerous for begginers, they tend to grab and throw the grinder around, but they do get the job done.

phelixoflaherty

http://www.instructables.com/id/Electrolytic-Rust-Removal-aka-Magic/

fergal.b

phelixoflaherty wrote: »

http://www.instructables.com/id/Electrolytic-Rust-Removal-aka-Magic/

I was just thinking the same thing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5I5WBG5HPw

pappyodaniel

I am going to go at the rust spots on my car this weekend. I will need to remove all the rust first before I fill the holes with Isopon. What brush tool bits can I use with a hand drill to get at the rust? ... and where may I be able to pick them up?

fergal.b

I like the polycarbide discs you can get them in different grades in woodies and B&Q.