Introduction: Removing Weld Splatter From Your Table

By Techshop

It's inevitable. Any welding table that gets some use will get splatter on it at some point. Thankfully, its an easy problem to take care of , and you will have your level welding surface back in no time.  Of course, the best solution is to prevent it from happening by using plenty of Anti-Splatter before you start welding. But when it's too late, this instructable is here to walk you through the steps.

If you want to use the tools I use, or just check how nice the tables look, stop by TechShop.


Step 1: Tools and Supplies

Your going to need a few basic tools, but nothing that is too hard to come by.

Tools
  • Angle grinder
  • Flap disc
  • Grinding disc
  • Chisel
  • Hammer
  • Safety Glasses
  • Leather Gloves
  • Hearing protection (recommended)

Step 2: Using a Chisel

There are a few different ways of cleaning up your table depending on the severity and frequency of splatter. The simplest way would be to use a hammer and a chisel. This method will work on most small splatter, but will take a little longer if you have a lot of table to clean up.

Simply place the chisel point at the edge of the splatter you are trying to remove.  The chisel should be at about a 35 degree angle to prevent it from digging into the table itself.  Once the chisel is properly place, tap the end of it with a hammer. This shouldn't take a lot of force.  If you are unsure, try a very light tap at first, then try keep trying stronger taps until the splatter breaks off.

Make sure to you wear safety glasses.

Step 3: Using a Flap Disc

Using a flap disc is a much quicker way to take care of the small and medium sized weld splatter.  I like to use this method on the large tables we have at techshop since they do get a lot of use, and a lot of splatter.

First, attach your flap disc to your angle grinder, and put on the proper safety gear. In this case, I would recommend gloves, and glasses minimum.  Hearing protection is also a good idea.

Now you can use the angle grinder to lightly skim the surface.  Make sure to keep the grinder moving, and don't dig too deep into the table. You will quickly get a feel for how much pressure is necessary to take off splatter, but not ruin the table.

Step 4: Using a Grinding Wheel

If you accidentally laid a bead on your table, your gonna need to bring out the grinding wheel.  In this case, the chisel won't work and the flap disc is going to take way too long.

Similar to the flap disc, you will need to have eye protection, gloves, and hearing protection. Now put your grinding wheel onto your angle grinder and your ready to start cleaning up the table.

With your angle grinder, apply light pressure to the problem area.  Be sure to keep the grinder moving.  Once the bead gets down to a size more similar to the medium sized splatter, you can replace the grinding wheel with a flap disc and follow step 3. 


Step 5: Cleanup!

This step is pretty easy. Sweep up the debris around, under, and on top of your tables.  Put all your tools away in the proper place, and you are ready to start welding!