Cleaning metal

[walker]

Powdered Tide laundry detergent. Works great and is cheap, just mix a scoop full in a 5 gallon bucket.

[cat]

oil eater - get it at checker auto. costco carried it but i haven't seen it there for awhile.

[Donald Branscom]

Simple Green Max Automotive degreaser

Non Toxic and relatively cheap

http://www.amazon.com/Pro-43260-Max-.../dp/B000CCM4OQ

Works great!!
You should be able to get it at Pep Boys or the local Auto Parts store

I agree. Simple green is a very good degreaser.

[Broccoli1]

Simple Green Max Automotive degreaser

Non Toxic and relatively cheap

http://www.amazon.com/Pro-43260-Max-.../dp/B000CCM4OQ

Works great!!
You should be able to get it at Pep Boys or the local Auto Parts store

[wronghand]

I use either acetone or laquer thinner. Any mineral spirit that evaporates clean will do.

Basic rule of thumb for solvents is:

If it smells bad enough to make your throat dry and your eyes water, it's probably a good cleaning agent for any metal

[smfcpacfp]

I just purchased some 2" square 1/8" tubing and after picking it up, my hands were black. I am curious what some of you use to clean dirty steel before welding or grinding?