Welding Tips and Tricks

I don't have any more projects I 'need' to build at home as I learn to weld. So... I'm going to play around with some fun artsy things. I found a cool optical illusion square I'd like to try. It's mostly just a bunch of miter welds that will allow me to practice with thinner square tubing material as well as consistency of fabrication. I'd love to learn how to polish, and seal, a project like this. My projects so far have been either painted or left bare to rust decoratively.

My question: I want this to be a high shine polished look. Does that mean I'll need to buy a series of flapper discs of varying grits? Are there any simple ways to achieve that look especially in tight spaces where a grinder might struggle to reach?

And... how would you seal it once finished?

Thanks in advance.

Ive had luck cleaning/polishing machined surfaced on heads using a 90 degree die grinder and those twist lock scotch bright pads. Can get all you need at the freight for around $30. Including the die grinder.


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If you are trying to polish carbon steel to a high shine, you’ll be a while, use numerous grit disks or belts, and still have miles to go. Switch to stainless. It will polish up to a mirror with the right amount of work.

Using a flap disc on an angle grinder will impart some fairly deep scratches. You’ll work to get those out before you get very far “polishing”. A Dynafile works very well in tight spaces.

90 degree die grinder with a scotch bright roloc wheel is about as good as it gets wipe with acetone or reducer warm it then clear it asap

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Mike Westbrook wrote:90 degree die grinder with a scotch bright roloc wheel is about as good as it gets wipe with acetone or reducer warm it then clear it asap

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This all makes sense except the last part. I am not familiar with the "warm it then clear ASAP" part. I can see myself setting the whole thing on fire with a torch. Can you be a little more specific for the noob so I don't ruin the project or burn down my house? thanks.

Just a slight warm, so it's not freezing (maybe only putting it under a hot light) and then putting a coat of clear lacquer or varnish on immediately to prevent rust.

Yeah what Mike said [emoji6] it makes the clear set faster to help with runs

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Thats solid help. Thanks for the feedback. I'm in Phoenix so the frigid 60 degrees might not need much warming. But I'll give it a little warming love to speed the process.

Thanks again. This forum and all of the experts are always great.

cj737 wrote:If you are trying to polish carbon steel to a high shine, you’ll be a while, use numerous grit disks or belts, and still have miles to go. Switch to stainless. It will polish up to a mirror with the right amount of work.

I did some research and I'm not sure I have the set up to weld Stainless Steel as I only have a mig machine (Lincoln 140) and I only have a 75/25 tank option. Not sure the hobby nature of this project warrants me spending money on new tank and filler wire.

Josh MacD wrote:

cj737 wrote:If you are trying to polish carbon steel to a high shine, you’ll be a while, use numerous grit disks or belts, and still have miles to go. Switch to stainless. It will polish up to a mirror with the right amount of work.

I did some research and I'm not sure I have the set up to weld Stainless Steel as I only have a mig machine (Lincoln 140) and I only have a 75/25 tank option. Not sure the hobby nature of this project warrants me spending money on new tank and filler wire.

What self-respecting welder can’t see any opportunity to purchase a new machine as justifiable? Shame on you, the economy needs our obsessive behaviors You’re right, a 75/25 mix won’t work well on stainless, but your MIG box can run stainless wire should you ever actually need to. I was uncertain about the scope/goal of your project is why I mentioned it.

By the way, the correct formula for determining how many welding machines you need is N+1. Please bear that in mind as you go forward