is it neccesary to remove scale from hot rolled steel before welding?

[Vanimal]

i've always done it, but curious if i was wasting my time... removing the blackish scale from the surface of hot rolled steel plate before welding to it. is it necessary?

 

[bails85]

No need to.

 

[xcm]

Depends.... is it a work bench, or a race/performance car?

Work bench... not at all, burn it hot. The scale doesnt help weld quality, cleaner is ALLWAYS better.

 

[Vanimal]

well the jeep is more of a work bench at this point, but i hope to have it road worthy eventually!
so i figured it wouldnt help weld quality, i was more concerned with it hurting it to where it may not hold as well.

 

[MoparManiac]

I rarely clean off the mill scale.

 

[kastein]

I always clean it off where I am welding. I leave it everywhere else.

I have noticed it is easier to get a good bead going if you clean it off, so I spend the extra few minutes with the grinder... especially if I'm near the limits of my welder.

 

[Goatman]

Pretty simple, clean means a better weld. You choose.

 

[Vanimal]

I always clean it off where I am welding. I leave it everywhere else.

I have noticed it is easier to get a good bead going if you clean it off, so I spend the extra few minutes with the grinder... especially if I'm near the limits of my welder.

and this is where i was thinking it may be a good idea.. my welder is at it's limits with this stuff. starting thr weld might be difficult. i guess i'll just clean it off, no big deal.

 

[EricsXJ]

I clean / don't clean depending on the process.

FCAW or SMAW with 6011 you don't need to.

GMAW I clean every time.

 

[Jump This]

I always clean.
If I plan on painting later, I clean the entire piece first.
Just easier and quicker.