A nitrided welding table, like those offered by Siegmund, provides a durable, hard surface designed to withstand the wear and tear of welding projects. The plasma nitriding process increases surface hardness, making it resistant to scratches, corrosion, and welding spatter. However, to ensure your nitrided table stays in optimal condition and lasts for years, proper cleaning and maintenance are essential.

In this post, we’ll outline the best practices for maintaining and cleaning your nitrided welding table to preserve its integrity and performance.

1. Why Maintenance is Important for Nitrided Tables

Although nitrided tables are highly durable, regular maintenance helps to prevent surface damage, ensure rust protection, and maintain a clean work environment. Ignoring maintenance can lead to surface degradation, rust formation, and a buildup of spatter, which could compromise the table’s effectiveness over time.

By following a simple maintenance routine, you can protect the plasma nitrided surface and ensure that your table remains in peak condition for years.

2. Daily Cleaning Routine

After each use, it’s important to clean your welding table to remove debris, slag, and welding spatter. Here’s how:

• Use a Nylon or Brass Brush: When cleaning your table, use a nylon or brass brush. These materials are gentle enough to remove surface debris without scratching the nitrided surface or damaging the BAR (Black Anti-Rust) coating.

• Avoid Steel Brushes: Steel brushes can be too abrasive for the nitrided surface and may scratch or wear down the protective coating. Stick to softer materials for regular cleaning.

• Remove Welding Spatter Immediately: Spatter can adhere to the surface if not removed promptly. Using an anti-spatter spray before welding can help reduce buildup, but if spatter does stick, remove it gently with a cleaning pad or brush.

3. Using WD-40 to Keep the Surface Hydrated

To keep your nitrided welding table in excellent condition, apply a light coat of WD-40 after cleaning. WD-40:

• Prevents Rust: Applying WD-40 helps prevent moisture from settling on the table, reducing the risk of rust formation.
• Maintains the BAR Coating: Regular applications of WD-40 help to keep the protective coating intact, preserving the table’s anti-rust properties.

Simply spray the WD-40 evenly across the surface and wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth.

4. Protecting Against Corrosion

Although the BAR coating provides excellent rust resistance, it’s important to remain proactive in keeping your table dry and free from moisture. Here are a few tips:

• Use Anti-Corrosion Sprays: If your workshop is in a humid environment or your table is exposed to moisture frequently, consider using an anti-corrosion spray for added protection.

• Store Properly: When the table is not in use, cover it with a table cover to prevent moisture from settling on the surface, especially in high-humidity environments.

5. Handling Surface Rust

If rust does begin to form, act quickly to prevent it from spreading. Here’s how to deal with rust:

• Light Rust: For small patches of surface rust, use a soft cleaning pad to gently scrub away the rust. Follow up by applying a rust inhibitor to the affected area to prevent further corrosion.

• Heavier Rust: If rust penetrates deeper into the table, apply a corrosion protection solution designed for nitrided surfaces. This will help stop the spread of rust and restore the surface to its original condition.

6. Inspect Grounding Points

For welders who regularly attach ground clamps to their tables, it’s important to inspect these areas for signs of wear or corrosion. If the grounding points become worn, they can compromise the conductivity and performance of your welds.

Make sure to:

• Use Designated Grounding Points: Always attach the ground clamp to a clean, conductive area to avoid damaging the table’s surface. Siegmund tables are equipped with designated grounding points for this purpose.

Conclusion

Maintaining a nitrided welding table is a straightforward process that can significantly extend the lifespan of your table. By following these cleaning and maintenance steps—using soft brushes, applying WD-40, and addressing rust early—you can keep your welding table in top condition for years to come.

If you have any questions about caring for your Siegmund table or would like to learn more about our products, feel free to contact us at Sales@WeldingTablesAndFixtures.com or call (704) 703-9400. We’re here to help!