electrolisis

[georgeky]

Well guys, I rigged up a electrolysis tank today and giving it a try. Got parts in now. Will know tomorrow how it does. Thanks to everyone who has posted info on this. Should save a bunch of time and elbow grease.

 

[FarmallAK]

I would be interested to know if you have this setup inside a garage or shop, or outside in the open air? Are you using washing soda or something other than that? I built one but am afraid it might put off fumes inside using TSP instead of washing soda. Would appreciate any comments on the experience others have had regarding fumes.

 

[georgeky]

I have it set up outside the shop, as it had no room left in it. I am using washing soda and a battery charger. Seems to be working quite well. This is a trial run and if it works as well as I hope, I will build a larger one. Just search electrolisis in the search box at top of page. You will find lots of info on it. I haven't noticed any fumes, but it sure is churning and eating old paint.

 

[MurrayE]

Washing soda works great, as with any type of project, where fumes might be created it is best to be in a ventilated area, even if you set up outside and place a piece of plastic over the battery charger, when weather is damp or raining. Great way to clan up old metal or remove paint. cheers, Murra

 

[riverbend]

The fumes are hydrogen and oxygen. One is formed on the - terminal and the other on the +.

 

[Dave H (MI)]

Wow, George. You aren't going to believe how well this works. Now you can learn about flash rust and the treatments for that. Beats heck out of a wire brush! My tank has been empty only in the heart of winter since I set it up two years ago.

 

[georgeky]

Dave, can I speed it up by running the charger on 6 amp instead of 2?

 

[Dave H (MI)]

I don't know with your charger. I would try it. I use a rectifier that my dad used in his basement electroplating lab. I watch the dial and when it starts to drop amps I turn it up a little and it seems to start cooking a little better. As long as there is rust to convert it should show some small bubbles and there will be some foam/scum above the part. Moving where you hook up to your part will speed things up too. If it is over-cleaning one side of a part you can flip the part over so the dirtier side is closer to the electrode. I also use multiple hookups on the part sometimes too if it is large. There is nothing better than armchair part cleaning!

 

[Rumplestiltskin]

I set up a tank (a pail, actually) about three weeks ago using washing soda. I keep it locked in my garage to keep my kids away from it.

I haven't noticed any fumes at all, but then again I haven't spent much time out there. I do wear safety glasses whenever I mess with it. I also do my best to keep the solution off my clothes. I don't know if it would hurt them, but better safe than sorry.

It seems to work pretty well. I especially like the fact that it minimizes scraping / brushing / blasting leaded paint off the parts.

Mark W. in MI

 

[Anonymous-0]

Please tell me this magical process! No more wire brushes sounds great. Thanks

Andy in Indiana

 

[georgeky]

Well guys it worked just fine. All the old paint and most the rust loosened right up. Done got the first batch of pre cleaners shot with primer. Load of brake and clutch pedals cooking now. I can see right off, that this will be in service for a long time. Got lots of rusty stuff.

Andy, just search the archives for electrolsis, and lots of info and pics will come up. That is how I made mine.