electrolytic rust removal

[MattF]

Ah, that's fine then. There are some chaps on here who've done plating. It might be worth starting a separate thread so that they can readily see it, and asking there regarding the best mesh/metal type to use. They may not see your question buried in this thread.

 

[Chris Stevens]

I think Ti mesh at the bottom of a plastic container of some sort will work fine, but yes asking what others have used is a very good idea.

 

[Wendelspanswick]

If you can get your hands on an old fire guard you could use the mesh from that.

 

[Chris Stevens]

I think I have some stainless mesh somewhere, which should be ok for cleaning, but probably not for plating. Basket will be a lot less hassle than wiring things though. Thanks for all the helpful advice.

 

[MattF]

Basket will be a lot less hassle than wiring things though.

It is. If the bits are a bit rusty, just whip them out of the basket after a hour or two and give them a quick scrub. You'll get better results, as connectivity can be a bit iffy on some pieces straight off the bat, and obviously, the more grease or such you can remove before popping anything in there, the better.

 

[MattF]

I take it you've let it get damp then?

 

[Screwdriver]

Me neither.

Why do you think all of my vats are outside? Once and only once did I ever put a small tub inside to clean something, and Sod's law kicked in. Lost my grip on the part as I lifted it out, and spent a hour cleaning up in the vicinity due to it splashing solution everywhere.

Yeah, mine go outside now too.

Just in case!

 

[slim_boy_fat]

^^ That looks like a pygmy brain......

 

[T0rnado69]

^^ i don't think i would go that small for a container LOL

i used my black bucket to do bolts, washers and nuts in.
worked great, but i have some larger things to do.
so going to make a tank for it.

 

[Screwdriver]

It was only one bolt so....

 

[Chris Stevens]

It is. If the bits are a bit rusty, just whip them out of the basket after a hour or two and give them a quick scrub. You'll get better results, as connectivity can be a bit iffy on some pieces straight off the bat, and obviously, the more grease or such you can remove before popping anything in there, the better.

Mainly just clean nuts and bolts and small bike parts, so connection shouldnt be that much of a problem.

 

[DAPPH]

I haven't tried a basket yet but the idea has occurred to me too. I think the trick would be to make sure the parts were clean enough to make an electrical contact just by sitting in the basket. For cleaning I don't think you'd need to worry about it being chromed.

How's about hanging the small parts in a small triangular nylon mesh bag with the electrode in the bag as well. Hang it pointy bit down so all parts are in contact with each other when you're cleaning the smaller stuff ?
You could also pour boiling water over them beforehand after sprinkling in some detergent to thin/ loosen & float off any thick greasy crud & after a few minutes of soaking like this rinse them off .....again with boiling water.

 

[Screwdriver]

I don't do small stuff.

This is what happened to that "trimmer frame" I built the tank for.

Before:

After:

Electrolysis allows you to expose the beauty of cast iron and even a new lick of paint works better on a super clean surface. This thing is 125 years old!

BLO on the exposed parts including the nuts and bolts.

S.

 

[MattF]

That's turned out lovely. Good to see you've not shined everything up either, and instead let it retain its look of age. What's it a trimmer of, btw?

 

[T0rnado69]

that sure does look nice..

im looking forward to seeing the results of the bench ends i wanna do.

but i need to build the tank first,

but a few other things i need to do first.

 

[Screwdriver]

That's turned out lovely. Good to see you've not shined everything up either, and instead let it retain its look of age. What's it a trimmer of, btw?

Thanks. It's a mitre trimmer so you cut a rough mitre, typically for a picture frame or skirting board, then trim a super fine accurate angle with the razor sharp blades (not shown!). It only shaves off a thin slice of wood but it does it beautifully.

 

[DAPPH]

It cuts fingers and arms off nicely as well as making a sandwich box an item for sharing between two people .

 

[T0rnado69]

when i used to work for a window and door manufacturer back in my youth LOL

we used to use them to 45* the glazing beads..
and sure keep your fingers back too.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

@Screwdriver: that's a brilliant outcome - the forerunner of today's Morso machines.

Was the painted finish sprayed or brushed?

 

[Screwdriver]

@Screwdriver: that's a brilliant outcome - the forerunner of today's Morso machines.

Was the painted finish sprayed or brushed?

Thanks. One coat of green Hammerite applied by brush. I dip the brush in thinners once in a while to stop it going on too thickly.

(Dammit, I wrote a whole thread about this restoration but didn't think this forum would be so interested!)