In case anyone else out there runs into the same issue regarding the removal of mill scale from hot rolled steel, there is a solution. A chemical solution...Muriatic acid. Did some homework online, tried it out and it works like gangbusters. Still need to polish off the residue but it softens the crud enough that a stripping pad makes light work of it. Was a real life saver for me as I have some really big areas that I am replacing with new steel.
Just give the stuff the respect it deserves and take all the necessary precautions when using it. Long rubber gloves, eye protection, lots of ventilation.
