How To Clean Carbide Porting Tools.

[Gordo]

Hi Guys, been playing with an inlet manifold, port matching. The Carbide bit always clogs up with the alloy. Was wondering if anyone has experienced this and what's the best way to clean the bit, other than picking out the alloy pieces with a small screw driver.

[600Z]

Hi Gordo,

 

I have in the past used some alloy flat bar to scrap the burr to remove the build up. I also found that spraying a light oil like WD40 or similar on the burr and where your porting does help a lot even though it's a bit messy.

 

Justin

[Retro Z]

I used to slowly grind the burr onto some scrap steel which removes the build up.

 

I found grinding on a slower speed and rubbing the burr with a candle before grinding helped it not clog up as much.

[dat2kman]

Dip it in kerosene, every 10 seconds while cutting.

[C.A.R.]

A bar of soap.

[Gordo]

Thanks guys. A bit of lube goes along way. Cheers.

And Lurch, tell les Collins not to worry, I won't be out porting him. Haha.

[Gordo]

I changed to an electric drill, not the air powered high speed die grinder. And it cuts much better and then I dip the tip in a bit of diesel fuel and it works great.

[geoffdy]

I have heard that muriatic acid is ok to use. Anyone have tried using it?

[Enzo]

You would have to be keen.

          "Muriatic acid, more commonly referred to as hydrochloric acid, is a poisonous and highly corrosive hydrogen chloride solution that is widely used in industrial settings, e.g., producing chlorides, dyes and fertilizers, electroplating, metal cleaning, and the textile, rubber and photographic industries. Colorless to slightly yellow in appearance, muriatic acid can be identified by its irritating and pungent odor. Harmful effects are experienced through several routes of exposure to muriatic acid, including inhalation, ingestion, and skin or eye contact. Ingesting or inhaling muriatic acid may be fatal."

[C.A.R.]

You would have to be keen.

          "Muriatic acid, more commonly referred to as hydrochloric acid, is a poisonous and highly corrosive hydrogen chloride solution that is widely used in industrial settings, e.g., producing chlorides, dyes and fertilizers, electroplating, metal cleaning, and the textile, rubber and photographic industries. Colorless to slightly yellow in appearance, muriatic acid can be identified by its irritating and pungent odor. Harmful effects are experienced through several routes of exposure to muriatic acid, including inhalation, ingestion, and skin or eye contact. Ingesting or inhaling muriatic acid may be fatal."

 

[Howdy]

If the bit is badly clogged, caustic will dissolve ally - doesn't need to be too concentrated some drain cleaner in water - will bubble up and make hydrogen. CRC every now and again

while grinding.