Anyone used electrolysis?

[Justin & Muttley]

I bought a load of rusty VW tools on eBay and decided to use electrolysis to clean them up; using this website as my main source of info:

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/andyspatch/rust.htm

I gave it a go this morning and I have to say it was really easy - an hour or so in the electro-bath bought up some very badly rusted metal like new (I should have taken some pics :roll: ).

Car battery charger, plastic tub, soda crystals, coat-hanger wire, some sheet steel - easy!!

Has anyone else used this method???

 

[Bookwus]

Hiya Justin,

I use electrolytic rust removal quite often. It's especially useful on sections of parts that are otherwise inaccessible.

I have a converter which changes my household current to DC. I use that to power the process. I can vary the current from 6v up to 14v.

I've found that this is also a super paint remover. Whatever, the process usually leaves the underlying metal looking brand new (especially true of engine tin) and ready to paint.

 

[Justin & Muttley]

I'm really impressed by it - I'm using a 6v battery charger and it seems to be going really well! I'd heard that it can be used for paint removal - I think I'll try my bumper irons out next and see what happens!

How long do you typically leave items in for? I've read that it won't harm your parts to leave them in for a long time (days) - can you confirm?

 

[Bookwus]

Hiya Justin,

The amount of time in bath seems to be directly related (understandably) to the voltage one is using. When I have my converter cranked up to 12v it takes about a couple of hours for most pieces. I have not observed any ill effects from "overcooking" and, being somewhat absent-minded, I've done that a few times.

 

[Doris]

wow - I like the sound of this!! :mrgreen:

 

[Bookwus]

Hiya Doris,

Aside from the fact that I have and use an electrical converter, this is the set-up I use..............

http://www.instructables.com/id/Electrolytic-Rust-Removal-aka-Magic/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The five gallon plastic bucket fits 90% of the pieces I have done.. One can always do part of larger piece (think rear tin) and then turn it upside down to imerse the other half.

Lotsa fun, effective, and...............educational!

 

[Doris]

Thanks Bookwus - I'll check it out.I'm going to hunt for things to clean up now (which shouldn't too hard, running an old Volksie!!) Cheers

 

[Guest]

An old computer power supply should be able to produce 5V or 12V depending on how you connect it up. I might give it a try. Id be worried about using a battery charger for the reason on the tutorial.

The plates he's using do look like stainless though?

 

[Justin & Muttley]

You're right Johnny - but as I'm only doing bumper irons and similar stuff the batt charger seems to be working well; I've had my crusty towing eye on there today and it seems to be lifting the paint + Hammerite + Waxoyl off nicely.

 

[Guest]

most modern battery chargers run an overheat cutout i see from the tutorial but they recommend wiring a light to reduce the current.

 

[Haveacamper]

can anyone tell me whether it would be possible to put a load of nuts, bolts and washers into a metal tray, suspend it in the solution and do the lot at the same time?? i presume it would take longer, but saves crocodile clipping individual bolts

 

[Araon]

not sure, i've seen it done in a mesh (chip basket) tray

 

[Haveacamper]

not sure, i've seen it done in a mesh (chip basket) tray

now thats an idea!

 

[Justin & Muttley]

If you could be sure of getting a good electrical contact with each part I don't see why not.

 

[Haveacamper]

I think standing the bolts up on a perforated sheet would give enough surface contact. As much as a pointy croc clip

 

[nick21]

I've heard of it but haven't tried it myself. Might give it a go though as I've heard good things about it.

 

[ground hugger]

Hi
Don't do that below its ......DANGEROUS....Dave

 

[BJ1]

Hi
Do you think this would work on a rusting petrol tank,set up like this

.......what do you think....Sounds Dangerous but I cant see why....Dave

I'm sure it would work but there would be a nice build up of hydrogen in the space above so don't do it unless you can arrange a venting port. Booooom!

 

[Rosie]

Is this on the the same subject as the MEN ONLY!!!! thread? It's just I thought an electrolysis machine was for removing unwanted hair ; )

 

[RichardAlexander]

Do not do the tank thing, you are essentially creating a bomb if you do that, petrol and hydrogen are two of the most combustible materials known, a little spark in a sealed container and you probably wouldn't have a garage and quite a lot of you house left you would be much better off creating a large bath submerging the whole tank and doing that the gases could escape easily and disperse, so outside is best or an extremely well ventilated garage.