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Any way to clean slag off carbide mining tips?

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  1. #1
    ironlife started this thread.
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    Any way to clean slag off carbide mining tips?

    So I posted awhile back asking about the best way of removing carbide mining compacts from rock drill bits...there wasn't really any one synonymous answer and more just suggestions than anything...after a few months of trying different methods (rose bud with acetylene to heat the face and release the carbide, cutting the entire face off the bit with a steel abrasive saw, a propane torch and an acetylene torch etc) I tried a whole lot of things, and between costs of gas, time and everything else the best method was simply cutting each button out individually with a propane torch.

    My problem is how dirty the buttons come out, covered in melted copper and steel slag, I have tried cleaning it off with a grinding wheel and buffer but it doesn't work too well and the last thing I'd want to do is send the large quantity I have to a buyer under the impression I am getting clean scrap price just for them to turn around and say because 1 out of the several hundred compacts is dirty, therefore I get dirty price for all of it

    So to be exact on my question...is there any method that anyone knows of to clean the melted steel and copper off the carbide? I'm no chemists so I'm not really too fond of the idea of acid baths or anything that can cause bodily harm, but anything zero risk I can try? Salt water bath? Coca cola?



    Any suggestions are appreciated!


  2. #2
    MattInTheHat's Avatar
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    have you tried contacting buyers for ideas?
    Currently looking for a job in or related to scrap/recycling. Relocation is possible for the right offer.

  3. #3
    eesakiwi's Avatar
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    A ballmill may bash the slag off, since the balls are often tungsten it won't damage the ball or chip.

    Look up 'ballmill'. Im making one from a old gas bottle, the short 'flying saucer' shaped one and a washing machine moter plus extra reductions.

  4. #4
    Sirscrapalot's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MattInTheHat View Post
    have you tried contacting buyers for ideas?
    In particular the one who mainly buys Carbide?

    Oh an hey..I got a sale going on Leverite..if anyone is looking to stock up.

    Sirscrapalot - “And this mess is so big And so deep and so tall, We cannot pick it up. There is no way at all!” - The Matt in the..err Cat in the Hat.

  5. #5
    ironlife started this thread.
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    "In particular" carbide buyers don't seem to like giving away simple secrets to making my scrap more valuable before they buy it


    ...I can't really say I blame them


    And eesakiwi, tungsten hitting tungsten is VERY brittle...it's amazing to see how easy carbide shatters when struck with something else made of carbide, about as easy as breaking a window with a hammer, don't know if it would work
    Last edited by ironlife; 09-18-2014 at 09:12 AM.

  6. #6
    Sirscrapalot's Avatar
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    If your going to sell to our buyer who is the main one on these forums who buys it...I don't see why it'd matter.

    Do as you like tho.

    Just saying if your going to ask anyone, ask the main buyer for Carbide on here, who has been quite nice to share a lot of info on it. Or you know you could search his thread an read all his info..

    YMMV

    Sirscrapalot - Snarky is as snarky does.

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    SuperDave's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sirscrapalot View Post

    Oh an hey..I got a sale going on Leverite..if anyone is looking to stock up.
    Yes SirScrap my 55gal. drum is full of it, I don't need any now, but I'll let you know if anyone is looking.

    Leverite, (NG) now on the Table of Elements..between (AU) and (CU)
    WARNING: User tends to exhibit open disrespect for authority and a
    generally mellow demeanor inconsistent with the gravity of the situation.

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  9. #8
    Sirscrapalot's Avatar
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    Next sale will be on the night we go snipe hunting!

    We expect to see you all there.

    Fun for all ages!

    Sirscrapalot - I can't type out carnival sounds. Sorry.


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