Restoration Tip: Electrolysis Derusting

[Bob Moseley (RIP)]

Hi all - I don't know who uses caustic soda and a battery charger, but my tip, that started the Restoration Forum, was utilising washing soda. I still marvel at this process and use it exclusively for electrolysis derusting of the instrument panel parts.
Bob

[Jeff Gordon]

I have been wanting to give it a go for years and have never got around to doing it.
Does the negative or positive go to the part?
Does a higher amp charger work faster?
I was told to use washing soda and a scrap piece of stainless steel as it lasts longer.
I have a caustic soda wheelie bin for paint removal and a molases bin for rust but it is too slow.
Jeff

[universalgrl]

First off Pepsie contains more phosphoric acid than coke. I prefer rum with my coke, spiced or dark :
I am trying a produce called Evapo-rust which works by a selective chelation process www.evaporust.ca tel 416-543-0717 which is avaiable at most automotive shops.
The product works pretty good for soaking ferrous items overnight

Roberta
AKA Universalgrl

[Bob Moseley (RIP)]

Hi Terry - to get swivels, hinges and such like un-seized, you are better off using a solution of molasses. It takes a while but works.

Re. all the fumes, toxins released from stainless, that should not be a problem as you are electrolysis derusting in a well ventilated area, or hopefully so.

Bob

[Dave Schindel]

I've been using vinegar and it works great.Just soak the parts for 2 days or so,and an air blast will remove most rust.Then a wire wheel or brush to finish.It's relatively clean,esp.compared to molasses,and doesn't need to be mixed.And environmentally friendly.

[Bob Carriere]

...Sail surplus branch has a whole stack of deteriorating 303 rifle boxes which they may part with a lot of them for some $$$......... wood is bad but the hardware may be in good shape.


Chemistry....... Duh..... don't mix washing soda and lye unless you are trying to remove stains from your underwear. .......... I used Lye INSTEAD of washing soda as it is more agressive...... seriously the lye solution conducts electricity like wild fire....... it is a serious degreaser and paint remover.....so three jobs done in one soak..... but it is toxic.....as in corrosive...... when I dipped my hands in teh solution to fish out parts my skin came out very clean and slightly slimmy....... which is indicative that body fat is being desolved.

I hung whole CMP axles from the tractor bucket soaking one half the axle at a time....... axles came come like brand new.

Bob

[maple_leaf_eh]

Bob: Can you keep the chests at SAIL as our little secret? And, you earned you rations today.

Home Hardware not only had Arm & Hammer "So Clean, super washing soda", but the salesman knew exactly where to find in and there were 4 boxes on the shelf. The little half-width store at Heron Rd and Bank street moved up the hill nearer to Alta Vista. Bigger and much less cramped, but with no less high quality service. Phooey on Walmart, Zellers, Canadian Tire and Shoppers Drug Mart!

So, this weekend the electolysis tank will be reconfigured to Mk II. More to follow.

[maple_leaf_eh]

I bought a single bit forged axe head with an eye for a round handle and no striking surface on the rear. It reminds me of a Medieval or Viking fighting axe.

So, into a shallow pan and poured in the white table vinegar. Moved it around a few times and turned it over, but in the liquid no more than a week.

Upon removal and scrubbing with a green scratchy pad, I was quite pleased except where the steel grain seems to have been lifted. Imagine looking at side grain of a board that has been sandblasted. Not happy with the steel quality there. But I will give it more polishing and put the handle on.

So, folks the cautionary tale is do not leave your steel immersed in baths for very long. The acids will do unexpected things.

[Matthew P]

Yes vinegar or other acids will continue until neutralized. When using vinegar I only do overnight. But with the electrolysis process I've left parts for a week with no ill effects.

Matt

[Dave Schindel]

I've used vinegar as well but only for 3 days max. worked well.