electrolytic rust removal

[Screwdriver]

Used a small pc power supply to do lathe dial. Its a small item so used a spray can cap as the container. Had an outer bearing race perfect size, used that as anode, with dial sitting ontop/inside. Markings are stamped rather than etched, so no damage. Used some old rag as a spacer... Pb batterys use fiberglass between the plates, anything thin and porus will do. Added quite a bit of salt. On 12v it wanted 20 amps. 5v was quite a bit less, but still only needed half hour.

I wouldn't recommend salt as an electrolyte, you will be generating chlorine gas. You'll know all about it because it will stink. Breathe enough of it and you will die. Ideally you are aiming at less than an amp especially for delicate stuff.

Electrolysis begins at about 1.2v and you shouldn't really ever need more than 6v unless you're in a real hurry. Incidentally, never use AC. Lots of weird chemical stuff can happen during the process, poisonous and/or explosive gas being the least of your worries.

S.

 

[droopsnoot]

Interesting point about the voltage, as I've always been using a 12v car battery charger for this job.

 

[Kram]

Voltage depends on resistance, which depends on the distance between parts and quantity of electrolyte you use. My part was small, with a very small gap, worked at a low voltage, and much quicker at a higher voltage. Using common salt, chlorine gas replaces oxygen, so the result is much less explosive. Some chlorine gas is further reacted into bleach, so not much smells or gets breathed, but could be a problem on bigger parts. The work does not care about voltage too much if the part and annode are equal resistance across the whole surface.



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrolysis#Faraday.27s_laws_of_electrolysis

 

[T0rnado69]

I bought mine here after a fair bit of searching for a good price and reputable supplier but i see they are out of stock awaiting a newer model.

i cant believe they still showing, out of stock awaiting new model still after all this time !!!

 

[Coo]

That Fusion Power Supply is available here:

http://hobby-hangar.co.uk/chargers/12721-fusion-200w-138v-power-supply-5055320201830.html

 

[T0rnado69]

That Fusion Power Supply is available here:

http://hobby-hangar.co.uk/chargers/12721-fusion-200w-138v-power-supply-5055320201830.html

cheers, though that isnt the same model....

 

[winchman]

Forgive my ignorance but I want to clean a vice.
I have a big plastic tub and a battery charger 5 amp 12v
What's next?

 

[bigegg]

You need a lump of scrap steel.
Connect one wire off the charger to the scrap.
The other side to the vice.
DON'T LET THEM TOUCH! !!!
fill the tub with water + a capfull of washing powder.
Turn on the charger.

I can never remember which wire goes to which piece tho...

 

[winchman]

Thanks
I did see caustic mentioned so thought I might have to spend money!
So how long for a big vise? Its a record 84 I think

 

[Screwdriver]

Forgive my ignorance but I want to clean a vice.
I have a big plastic tub and a battery charger 5 amp 12v
What's next?

Electrolysis is a process with a sacrificial anode. The Anode is +ve, think A+

Sacrificial means the item gets eaten away. Connect the positive to the scrap iron in your tank!

S.

 

[winchman]

So why washing powder?
I have two vices ones rusty the other is covered in rust and paint should I remove the paint first? can I just lob them in or do I need to strip them down first?

 

[winchman]

So I connect the negative to the vice and hang a piece of scrap off the side of the bucket and connect it to the Positive?

 

[slim_boy_fat]

So why washing powder?

I think he meant washing soda.

 

[MattF]

So why washing powder?
I have two vices ones rusty the other is covered in rust and paint should I remove the paint first? can I just lob them in or do I need to strip them down first?

Washing soda, (or anything which contains sodium carbonate). The other two options are bicarb and caustic. Washing soda, you can pick up a bag for less than a quid at any supermarket, Wilko's etc. Leave the paint and just pop it in there. It may lift the paint, it may not. Some seems to cling like grim death, some literally peels off. Time wsie, as mentioned, until it's done. Just check and scrub it daily. You'll know when it's ready. Connect the piece to negative, positive for the scrap piece(s).

 

[winchman]

Thanks
So this stuff?
http://www.dri-pak.co.uk/cleaning-products/soda-crystals/
Think its 89p in home and bargain, I have used it for cleaning the washing machine, its a lot less dangerous than caustic!
Looking forward to doing it, obviously I will try and build my cleaning plant with out spending any money!
So what will some one be thropwing out that's plastic big enough for a vise and free?
I did think of the chemical tubs valeters have there chemicals delivered in

 

[MattF]

Yup, that's the stuff. Just double check the ingredients on the packet when you get it, to make sure. Sodium carbonate should be the main ingredient.

Regarding the tub, owt that's plastic, big enough and sturdy enough to hold the volume of water. Doesn't need to be chemically resistant or owt, (though most plastics are generally immune to most things anyhow).

 

[bigegg]

I think he meant washing soda.

I use daz, or surf.
Whatever mrsEgg has under the sink

 

[MattF]

I use daz, or surf.
Whatever mrsEgg has under the sink

I just hope you don't start cuddling and sniffing the pieces when you've dried them, like in the adverts.

 

[bigegg]

I just hope you don't start cuddling and sniffing the pieces when you've dried them, like in the adverts.

I leave that to you, Matt.

i know, i know - you dont love old cast iron.
you just say that to get it into bed.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

I use daz, or surf.
Whatever mrsEgg has under the sink

So, genuine question, is there a common ingredient/chemical component in them?

And what does Mrs E think about that? Assuming she knows.....