WOW! electrolytic rust removal

Bretto · Post by **Bretto** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 3:43 pm

This process works fantastic if anyone was wondering. These pictures speak for themselves.

Post by **Ryan_Miller** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 8:00 pm

Hey,

That looks great, did you buy a kit to do that?

Bretto · Post by **Bretto** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 8:44 pm

Nah. Here's my 'kit'. An old battery charger some re-bar, a storage bin, some wire, water and the secret ingredient sodium carbonate. Which is all but $2.50 at the grocery store for a box.

Balvar24 · Post by **Balvar24** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 10:05 pm

How long did it take?

gianjeep · Post by **gianjeep** » Mon Jan 17, 2011 1:20 am

yeah i will tryed
tanks a lot

TomM · Post by **TomM** » Mon Jan 17, 2011 7:27 am

The process DOES work great. I did most small parts with it during my rebuild. The process takes from a few hours to.... Some heavily rusted parts were left im my tank for over a week while away on vacation using a low amp setting.
If an old mig welder comes your way its worth trying it on a frame making a tub out of 2x6 and plastic sheet.
Most websites (and I agree) say not to add crystal drain cleaner to the solution as an aid to the paint removal. Its dangerous so all warnings apply. But in highly adult supervised controlled conditions the drain cleaner does speed and complement the cleaning and derusting process on stubborn pieces.

Details:
http://www.rowand.net/shop/Tools/Electrolysis.htm

Bretto · Post by **Bretto** » Mon Jan 17, 2011 8:47 am

Thanks Tom.

I can 'cook' a few small parts at a time and I have been keeping them in there from 8-12 hrs. Parts don't come out looking like that but everything gets loosended up enough that a small wire toothbrush cleans it right up. Sometimes there are small spots that require a little scraping but all in all its pretty effortless. Maybe had I left the parts in longer there would be no work at all but after a while I get impatient.

RICKG · Post by **RICKG** » Mon Jan 17, 2011 8:54 am

hi bretto-i want to try that too. you spec'd sodium carbonate.
1. is that same as BI-carbonate of soda-(good ol arm and hammer?)
2. is 4 amps on an old charger sufficient?)
thx, rick

oops!! i replied too soon. i brought up and printed the link shown
on TOM M's previous reply-everything you need to know about it-
including important safety tips. thx again guys-this should be fun..

Bretto · Post by **Bretto** » Mon Jan 17, 2011 9:58 am

Just remember to make sure you clean the rods every once in a while. I couldn't figure out why I wasnt pulling any amps then I pulled out the rods, they looked like tree roots! Just scrape then off and re-use.

toolmanm203 · Post by **toolmanm203** » Mon Jan 17, 2011 6:32 pm

guys rebar is cheap and safe, do not use stainless steel! arm&hammer washing soda still sold in most laundry soap isles works quite well and is enviormentally friendly. I have been using this system for 15+years on antique tools,parts whatever and it just doesn't get any easier "just set it and forget it" (sorry) follow the instructions and you will be amazed at how much time can be spent on other tasks.

Bretto · Post by **Bretto** » Mon Jan 17, 2011 8:14 pm

Nic · Post by **Nic** » Tue Feb 01, 2011 11:29 am

Hey Guys

Does this system remove old paint too?

Regards

Nic Jackson

Bretto · Post by **Bretto** » Tue Feb 01, 2011 12:42 pm

Yes to some extent. I've found that the paint that does come right off has very slight rust underneath it. The rest if the paint comes off fairly easy. I just did my exaust manny and I was not expecting too much as it looked like a rust brick. It looks fantastic now. I was surprised it cleaned up with having all that rough casting surface. I dont know why but with every part I clean up, I'm still amazed wiht this process. Its effortless The intake manny is cooking right now.

RICKG · Post by **RICKG** » Tue Feb 01, 2011 1:50 pm

I WAS THINKING TO USE A SORT OF DIP BASKET TO DO AN ASSMT OF
NUTS AND BOLTS/SMALL PARTS. I WONDER IF THE PARTS WOULD
GROUND TO THE BASKET WELL ENOUGH TO COMPLETE THE PROCESS..

Cacti_Ken · Post by **Cacti_Ken** » Tue Feb 01, 2011 3:21 pm

What does this have to with Electrolysis?

Bretto wrote:

WOW! electrolytic rust removal

WOW! electrolytic rust removal

electrolosys