Re: rust removal by electrolysis
 

Well, I finally got it to work,I tried it on a regulator cover and came out like new
I never did try my newer charger again as the older one seems to work fine
I'm mostly going to use this method for small,tedious stuff like bolts and springs and the likes.
I think my biggest trouble was connection,my next improvement will be to solder the
wire (from the part) to the electrode thus eliminating a weak link ,since this charger will only see this duty I may also cut off the clamps and solder those as well.
I like Bubbas' idea of surrounding the part, for the size of stuff I'm doing I'm thinking the mesh from an air filter might do the trick
BTW, anyone notice washing soda seems to absorb odor, wonder if that's what they put in fabreeze LOL
Thanks,T

Re: rust removal by electrolysis
 

I had trouble finding the "Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda". so I followed the sites instructions on converting baking soda in the oven. It worked just fine but a PIA.
My local Ace hardware store can get me the Super Washing Soda.
They have it on their website/inventories but do not stock it in all the stores.
They will order it in for you with the regular weekly shipments.
It was around $3.79 for a 55 oz box.

Re: rust removal by electrolysis
 

I was just going to ask where you guys are finding the 'washing soda' I looked at one store and they didn't have it. I was thinking about checking a hardware store. I wonder if Potassium Hydroxide or Sodium Hydroxide would work as a substitute? It may not be any easier to find though, without ordering it.

Re: rust removal by electrolysis
 

in the Rod and Custom article I posted an excerpt from earlier, it show them using a product called "pH Plus" from the local pool supply store.

We couldn't find "wash soda" either when we set up our little tank, just used Arm & Hammer detergent, which seems to work just fine (but may not be as environmentally friendly).

Re: rust removal by electrolysis
 

I bought my Washing Soda at Krogers in the detergent section. I think the lye would be too caustic to handle.

Re: rust removal by electrolysis
 

The attachment article in original first post said you could make your own washing soda by using Arm and Hammer baking soda by baking it in the oven at 300*F on a cookie sheet which drives away water and a CO molecule. That part is easy enough but a little messy getting it off the cookie sheet and back in a zip-lock bag for dry storage. I thought that since you just baked out excess water it should not absorb humidity stored in the garage.
Baking soda is pretty cheap also. Since you do not use very much washing soda per 5 gallon batch of solution, My original box of baking soda I converted lasted me over 6 months of busy use . A 55oz box should last me a very long time in 5 gallon batches.
I just pull out the wire grid from the bucket and snap a plastic lid on tight and it keeps fine. It does not appear to "wear out", it just gets really cruddy.

Re: rust removal by electrolysis
 

that's my understanding, the electrolyte simply provides a path for the current flow and is not used up in the process.

Sodium carbonate is also called "soda ash". In swimming pools it is used to adjust pH. Captainfab, you have a pool or any neighbors with one?

Wal-mart or Tractor Supply might have this stuff.

The Arm & Hammer laundry detergent I use contains both sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate (the baking soda part), but doesn't say in what proportions.

Re: rust removal by electrolysis
 

I checked out one of the local Ace Hardware stores today....no washing soda. I didn't have time to see if they could order it for me. I may either go back and see if they can, or else order it online. I found a few places on line to get it from. I mentioned the KOH and NaOH since those are the preferred additives to create a good electrolyte for hydroxy production. I may give that a try sometime just to see if it works for rust removal as well.

Re: rust removal by electrolysis
 

I found some Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda today for $2.69 a box at Fred Meyer's. You guys here in the NW will recognize that name. Sorry it doesn't help the rest of you.

Re: rust removal by electrolysis
 

Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda UPC code in Canada 65333 00330.

Re: rust removal by electrolysis
 

Mixed the solution in a small plastic barrel. Formed two rings from 1/2" round hot rolled steel. Welded a vertical 1/2" rod to the two horizontal. The vertical rod rests on the bottom of the barrel suspending the first ring 5" above the base of the barrel and the second ring 3" below the surface of the solution, then extends out of the solution a couple of inches. Connected the positive to the vertical rod and the negative to the parking brake cable suspended in the center of the barrel to the battery charger. No bubbling, no reaction. Hooked up the Lincoln AC welder lowest setting in the same manner after removing the battery charger. Instant bubbling, rusty foam to the extremities within a minute. The welder is to strong. The solution is hot to the touch. There was a green slim on the parking brake cable after a couple of tries at it. Do the multiple strands of a parking brake cable create a resistance that heats everything up? Is there something I should be looking for in a battery charger that is compatible with this process?

Re: rust removal by electrolysis
 

I have used two different battery chargers, both Century 6/12 volt with no problems . One is 2 / 10 amp and the other is 2 / 10 / 55 amp. Always set on 10 amps and never drew over 2-4 on the ammeter gauge
As to the heating question . I have not ever checked temperature of the solution.The solution is a resistor that conducts current flow so it would make sense that it would heat up while in use.
Voltage pushes Amperage through Resistance. And resistance = heat
With a welder it may heat up real fast in a small vessel.
How much did you mix in your water? and I suppose the water quality/ hardness varies in regions. This may require some trial and error in the mix ratio

Post #34 has a picture of the battery charger I use the most.. And I found things work better when the outer grid begins to deteriorate and "break In"

Re: rust removal by electrolysis
 

Aerotruk, the only problems I've encountered had to do with either the connection at the part that needs cleaning or the grid becoming fouled with transferred rust. Since your grid is new it obviously isn't the latter problem.

I wouldn't think the solution is the problem (that was an unintended pun, sorry) as it would have to be pretty weak and I'm assuming you mixed per instructions.

When you tried hooking the battery charger up, did it indicate any current flow? If not, then the problem is most likely at the point where the charger attaches to the part. I've gotten into the habit of cleaning a spot on the part so the connection is good and wiggling the battery clamp around until I get a response from the charger. As soon as the charger indicates current flow the bubbling should start. Like Bubba, my 10-amp charger has never indicated more than about 4 amps.

I might be wrong, but to me the rust on the part offers the first line of resistance which the welder easily overcame, perhaps in part because the welder clamp itself provided a better connection.

The green slime is interesting. The outer portion of the e-brake cable may have a coating (zinc maybe?) that may cause the slime.

Re: rust removal by electrolysis
 

Thank you. I thought of using a rheostat on the welder to try and reduce the amps.

Re: rust removal by electrolysis
 

How's this been working for everyone?

Re: rust removal by electrolysis
 

It is a easy way to clean stuff! I have no problems with paint adhesion or rust through.
I was reading something about the caustic properties of Coke and its use as a rust remover and cleaner. I have not tried that yet..
I will see if I can find the article and post it

Re: rust removal by electrolysis
 

haven't used mine in a while but it works great. you need to try it if you haven't already

Re: rust removal by electrolysis
 

I use mine occasionally, I cut a 55 gal poly barrel down for mine and it worked very well.

Re: rust removal by electrolysis
 

I will surely try it.

I've used phosphoric acid with decent results.
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Re: rust removal by electrolysis
 

If you can't find the washing soda locally, try the Arm & Hammer shopping website.
http://www.greatcleaners.com/Product...ID-33200-03020
Free shipping with $20 products order.

Re: rust removal by electrolysis
 

I found the article i was looking for about using Coke for a solvent and rust remover
http://antique-engines.com/rust-coke.htm
This is from "Bills electrolysis pages"-- The same site where I found out about the washing soda system
( while on this URL click on the "back to Bills electrolysis page" icon to take you to the original article)

I have read that that Coke will clean a lot of things including hard water spots in toilets, clean your chrome, dissolve battery acid ETC.
I won't drink it any more after my kids dissolved chicken bones in it for a science experiment.:lol:

Re: rust removal by electrolysis
 

Coca Cola has Phosphoric Acid in it:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphoric_acid
I believe that's why some people have had success with Coke.

Re: rust removal by electrolysis
 

I bought my washing soda at Krogers

Re: rust removal by electrolysis
 

Isn't that their slogan?: :)

What's on your list today? You'll find it at Fred Meyer!

Re: rust removal by electrolysis
 

This may have already been posted, I admit I have not read thru the 3 pages of posts so my apologies if this has been posted. That being said the link below is along the same theme "rust removal by electrolysis
http://www.cadillacpower.com/forum/v...hp?f=2&t=10467