Method and apparatus for removing slag and burrs from a metal surface

Abstract

A tool for removing slag from a flame-cut edge of metal includes a downwardly facing cup containing a plurality of steel balls. Only a portion of each ball extends from the lower end of the cup. A radially outer wall of the cup slants from a first position at its upper end to a second radially outer position at its lower end. As a result, when the cup rotates, centrifugal force urges the balls downwardly with a force that is proportional to the speed of rotation. As the cup moves over slag, lateral impact from the balls remove the slag. Because the balls are not connected to surrounding structure, they are free to rapidly move upwardly in the cup in response to hitting the edge of the cut. Consequently neither the edge nor the surface of the metal is peened or otherwise marred or disfigured.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.