I found some nice 2.5" square tubing I’d like to use for making a “can” for creating Damascus. It has what I think is some thin paint on it. It has some rust on the inside of the tube and a few spots on the outside, but the color seems a little like galvanized steel. Most of the galvanized steel I’ve seen and used has been much brighter and very grey. I have my doubts about this “found” steel.
I know there are several ways to test for galvanize steel and I know the zinc creates a toxic gas when heated so I definitely don’t want to weld or heat it if it is galvanized.
One of the ways to test is using a magnetic thickness gauge and some lab testing. Do we by any chance have a magnetic thickness gauge?
Any thoughts besides “just don’t” and error on the side of caution which is likely my default option.