How To Remove Spot Welds With An Air File Sander
If you frequently perform spot welding in your metalworking job, you will encounter welds that must be removed to finish the project. It might be challenging to get rid of them, particularly if you want to keep as much of the original metal as possible.
Spot weld removal is best done with air file sanders, especially if the welds are in places larger and thicker belt sanders can't reach. This blog post by Benchmark Abrasives offers helpful guidance on how to remove spot welds that lower the quality of your workpiece using an air file sander.
AN OVERVIEW OF AIR FILE SANDERS
For many years, industrial and commercial shops have utilized air file sanders. They are lighter, quieter, and generally considered safer than their electric counterparts because they run on compressed air, especially when vapors and combustible fluids are prevalent.
Air file sanders are used in production lines for metalworking and woodworking because of their quick and effective cutting action, which boosts overall productivity, and their smoothness in preparing rougher surfaces for a high-gloss finish. They are suitable for the challenging task of eliminating spot welds because of both advantages.
A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR REMOVING SPOT WELDS
The following materials must be assembled before you begin work:
- An air file sander with the appropriate belts should be used; closed-coat aluminum oxide, zirconia, or ceramic will yield the optimum results.
- compressor or air supply device
- Safety equipment: earplugs, gloves, a face mask, and goggles
STEP 1: CONFIGURE THE AIR FILE SANDER
Attach the air file sander's air hose to the compressor or air supply unit. Make sure the hose is long enough to maneuver easily around any larger pieces you may be working on. Additionally, you should make sure that the air filter—which functions as the tool's dust collection unit—is installed.
STEP 2: ACTIVATE THE AIR FILE SANDER
Turn on the air compressor before turning on the sander by pressing the operating lever. To maintain more control over the instrument, most individuals hold the handle with one hand and use their thumb to turn on the sander.
STEP 3: TAKE OUT THE SPOT WELDS
Use caution when applying the file sander to the weld, paying attention to the amount of pressure you use. Because of their greater power compared to other sanders, despite their lightweight design, greater caution must be used when using them.
To remove the thickest portion of the weld, begin with a coarser grit. As more material is removed, advance to a medium grit.
Be cautious not to burn through the panel as you move the abrasive over and around the metal directly above the spot weld. Because air file sanders can rotate 360 degrees, any part of the belt can be used to accomplish the desired outcome. When navigating the running belt to reach a difficult-to-reach spot, avoid touching it by accident.
After you've removed enough of the initial layer of metal above the spot weld, use a punch or chisel and hammer to break the remaining metal loose. To find out how much metal you have removed, just hit the weld's center; its outline will show up.