One big big thing some of the idiots on the web forget to mention is that during the process you are generating hydrogen gas! do it under cover out side and be mindful of turning off the juice to the charger or other source of power. Before rearranging the part or what you are using a sacrificial metal (rebar).
before and after
Set up before water and washing soda
The process is line of site. So having the rebar on the bottom and the item on wood slats, in addition to around the sides. will speed up the process.
Under way the foam bubbles will contain the hydrogen gas, had a idiot neighbor stop by and moved one of the clamps and it sparked and conditions were right for a nice loud pop and flash. He hasn't been back to ask me to fix anything since! :wink:
The rebar after 12/16 hours of working.
The same rebar after washing the crud off good to go till they are thin down to little wires of themselves.
Something to consider in choosing a container to use, NO METAL. Make sure it is strong enough to hold the water weight about 8 pounds per gallon. You can see what happens to the storage bins. Also you want to be able to cover the item.
I have since gotten a 40 gallon stock water tank from Tractor Supply with a nice thick wall and rim. I am planing on putting a plastic drain valve in it so I can run a hose to the side of the drive. to drain the sludge and rust off.
You must have the NEGATIVE LEAD CABLE connected to item being cleaned! The POSITIVE LEAD CABLE connected to grid of sacrificial electrodes. This is very important if they are reversed you will rust the item.
Here are a couple of the best sites for info on the web.
Rust removal by electrolysis
Rust Removal by Electrolysis - Ford Muscle Forums : Ford Muscle Cars Tech Forum
ELECTROLYTIC RUST REMOVAL (ELECTROLYSIS)
Reverse Electrolysis - Perfect Patina this is the reverse of the process adding rust yes it works.
Be safe think and do not do this in an enclosed space or garage or attached garage! Depending on the amount of soda used and the power inputed into the tank a large amount of hydrogen gas can be generated or so I have been told. In an enclosed space over night you can have a rude awakening! :wink:
And what were the rims for?
80 pound hold downs for the shade canopy on the drive in front of the shop.
:clown: