Rust stripping Electrolysis tank

[Yamaguy]

I have been looking for a easy way to remove the rust from odd shaped parts and was looking at sandblasting, but it is too messy and kind of expensive to get setup and continually buying media. With the electrolysis only using washing soda, (which is harmless and can be dumped on the ground when finished) is a good alternative.

I decided to build a tank for electrolysis out of a 55 gallon drum I picked up on craigslist. I went the 55 gallon route because I am going to be restoring my snow thrower and tiller soon and want the large capacity. I used the setup found at http://1bad6t.com/rust_removal.html as a basis to my tank design. Since it will be stored outside between the garage and shed, I wanted to still be able to use the lid so it would be water tight. I have only been able to get the rebar mounted that will act as the electrodes. will update as I get further along.


Untitled by yamaguy, on Flickr

I decided go with 6 electrodes to get good line of sight coverage.


Untitled by yamaguy, on Flickr

I tacked a 1/4-20 bolt to the rebar to mount it to the tank, and also to connect the wiring.


Untitled by yamaguy, on Flickr

I ran the wires on the inside for a cleaner look.


Electrolysis tank by yamaguy, on Flickr

Here it is so far all sealed up. I put a 1/4-20 coupling on the outside of one of the bolts that the battery charger lead can hook to (not pictured)

It has the ability to strip 31" high at a time. I can't wait to use it!!

[Methos]

Dale that's a swet setup! Looking very forward to your updates!

[ACecil]

Same here!

[_DX3_]

This is making me very interested in electrolysis. Keep us updated..

[hydrocub]

Looking good so far . Keep it coming .

[gcbailey]

nice, nice... I've got a few of those state chemical barrels. Do you plan on just keeping the same water in all the time, or thought about putting a drain at the bottom?

[Yamaguy]

I want to put a drain, but I need to see if the brass will be ok in the tank first. That is today's task I hope. Anyone have any insight to this?

[_DX3_]

Maybe try a plastic drain?

[Yamaguy]

I had a chance to finish setting up the electrolysis tank and to try it out.

I took an extra piece of rebar and welded a C-clamp to it to hang parts from.

Untitled by yamaguy, on Flickr

I drilled holes in the barrel to pass another piece of rebar to support the part hanger.

Untitled by yamaguy, on Flickr

I placed it outside between the garage and shed. Don't mind the placement of the charger, I plan to put it in the garage on the work bench so it will be out of the weather.

Untitled by yamaguy, on Flickr

I started to "treat" the depth guide wheel for my Brinly Cat-0 plow, but took it out after a few hours so that I could cook the battery tray for the 882.

Untitled by yamaguy, on Flickr

Even though it was only in there for 3 hours you could tell a big difference in person, but it will take an overnight soak to really clean it up.I had the battery tray cooking overnight and there was a huge improvement in the rust. Pics to follow

Overall so far I would say if you have odd shaped parts that are rust covered and don't have a sandblaster the electrolysis tank is the way to go. I would say if you follow the link I posted earlier only use a 1/3 cup of the washing soda per 5gallons of water (I used more). It also seems that once the water has a bit of rust in it it seems to allow the battery charger to be turned to a higher setting. When I put the first piece in I had to turn it down to the 6v setting or the amp gauge on the charger was almost maxed out. With my second piece I can have the charger at max output. I am not sure if things go faster at the higher setting, so if anyone has any insite that would be great.

[nikster]

Great set-up.

What I did to help speed things along was that I slopped some potent paint stripper all over the nose of my #122 & really speeds things up.

Nik,