Welding Essentials: Our Tips for Using Flap Wheels
Welding is the meticulous process of fusing metals. It encompasses detailed prep and surface cleaning to remove contaminants and rust that can otherwise spoil or weaken the weld, applying heat and current to melt the metals together, and cleaning the finished joint to prevent oxidation for a more presentable look.
While different welding processes and equipment fuse metals of the same or different types, the cleaning stage often catches most newbies off guard. Slag from flux-coated electrodes and wire can be unsightly and hard to remove unless you have a decently powerful grinder and a full set of flap wheels in varying shapes and grit. The combo makes light work of heavy stock removal in thicker pieces, in grinding and deburring tasks, getting deeper chamfered or bevel cuts, and of course, getting the workpiece to a smooth and desirable finish.
