Removing Scale

[evfreek]

Hi Ron. In my understanding, brushing with a wire brush while hot is only useful for removing huge buildups of flaky scale so as not to let it get pounded into the work or allowed to abrade the surface of a precious anvil. My striking partner adds that brushing scale off thin flat pieces is like removing an insulating layer and quickens reheats.

For the purpose of finishing a piece, a hand wire brush is not really aggressive enough. It is hard to beat a power wire brush, but there are ways to make them safer. There is a great article by Peter Fels in a California Blacksmith magazine about power wire brush safety. He is a super friendly guy and is fun to talk to. His website may be reached through the California Blacksmith Association website.

I have heard (and found) that power wire brushes do not really produce as good a finish for painting like pickling, sandblasting or vibratory tumbling. I seldom use a power wire brush, and have had one, fortunately minor, accident. It was due to stupidity, and it is pretty avoidable. I took a high school metalshop class, and although the power wire brush is scary, other tools are responsible for the lion's share of the accidents.