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Up Topic Welding Industry / Technical Discussions / stainless steel contaminate carbon steel?
- - By kevin dean Date 09-05-2008 00:02
SMAW process.  Does a Stainless Steel wire brush used on Carbon Steel base metal contaminate the Carbon Steel?
Parent - - By RANDER (***) Date 09-05-2008 00:07
My immediate thought is no however the other way around would be a bigger issue 99.9% of the time.  I dont know of any issues arising from the use of stainless brushes however contamination of SS by CS brushes, chains, tools, Etc.... is well documented. 
Parent - - By kevin dean Date 09-05-2008 15:31
Thanks for your reply.

The CWI we have on site said we couldn't use Stainless Steel wire brushes because the stainless contaminates the carbon steel...  To me it just sounded crazy.  I was hoping someone might know of any documentation either way.
Parent - - By jwright650 (*****) Date 09-05-2008 15:35
What governing code is applicable to your work? I don't remember seeing anything in AWS D1.1 prohibiting the use of a SS wire brush. I fully understand the prohibition of a CS brush on SS materials, just haven't seen that go the otherway. Maybe ask the inspector nicely to show you where that is written so you will know and can tell your guys about it....diplomatic approach...LOL
Parent - - By kevin dean Date 09-05-2008 16:17
it's AWS D1.1

I'll ask him to show me.
Parent - - By jwright650 (*****) Date 09-05-2008 16:18
Try not to smile too big when he can't find it....LOL

edit: this isn't weathering steel, just regular ole carbon steel?
Parent - - By kevin dean Date 09-05-2008 16:57
just regular ole carbon steel though I can see where it might affect COR-TEN...  it'll be sandblasted and hot dipped galvanized.
Parent - By jwright650 (*****) Date 09-05-2008 17:14
nope I've never seen a reference prohibiting a SS brush on CS.....AWS D1.6 does mention the cross contamination issue via brushes, saw blades, grinding wheels...etc., but never seen it in AWS D1.1.
Parent - - By Joseph P. Kane (****) Date 09-06-2008 00:37
Maybe the pores in the stainless steel brush metal would allow the trapped moisture to contaminate the weld !
Parent - - By Fredspoppy (**) Date 09-07-2008 00:44
We certainly hope you are pulling our leg!  By the way, do you still wear the yellow tape measure suspenders?

As James Bond would say, "If I told you how I know about the suspenders, I would have to kill you".
Parent - - By Joseph P. Kane (****) Date 09-07-2008 00:49
Fredspoppy

#1 - Of course.   It just sounded like such a bizzare thing for a CWI to say, I couldn't resist the sarcasm!

#2 - Of course.  I still need them to hold up my pants.

Joe Kane
Parent - By labib (*) Date 09-17-2008 09:04
Do not use a steel wire brush on technical work to remove slag on stainless steel welding, but use ST. ST. brush. A steel brush can contaminate the stainless steel and reduce its corrosion resistance. But not the opposite.
Parent - - By Duke (***) Date 09-17-2008 13:35
what about using the SS brush on SS after using it on CS?  I would think no...
Parent - By aevald (*****) Date 09-17-2008 14:57
Hello Duke, I would second your "No" on that one. Best regards, aevald
Parent - By RANDER (***) Date 09-17-2008 18:14
agreed
Parent - - By jwright650 (*****) Date 09-17-2008 18:17
So how did this situation turn out?....I think he just got his brushes confused and contaminated his codes...LOL
Parent - By mhill018 Date 10-15-2008 22:52
all of the brushes & wire wheels in our shop are stainless steel. i dont know y? but they are. we spray a lot of carbon vessels that require x-ray and never have problems with contamination so i would assume no.
Up Topic Welding Industry / Technical Discussions / stainless steel contaminate carbon steel?

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