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Old 01-03-03, 09:01
Bob Moseley (RIP)'s Avatar
Bob Moseley (RIP) Bob Moseley (RIP) is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
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Default Molasses Derusting

Hi John

Molasses, as you probably know is a sugar extract syrup used for stock feed suplements etc. Its a bit like treacle. I'm not sure of the exact formula but 1 part molasses to 5-6 parts water would be ok. Its a bit like a science experiment with an enzym activity between the molasses and the rust. A by product is a thick furry scum that I think is probably penecillin. It takes a lot longer but as stated is effective on parts such as seized hinges and other areas where the electrolysis derusting doesn't penetrate. It does need some warmth and could I suppose be likened to an action similar to yeast. Its a real old timers method. The other advantages with this is that any container can be used and it doesn't give off any volatile gas.

Hope this helps.

Bob
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