Electrolytic Cleaning 101

[MrKingdig]

Hi Aussie,thanks for the tips,is it possible to clean several items at the same time by running several wires from the charger clamp or maybe by linking the pieces to one another by wires to create a chain of pieces? thanks

[network0120]

Do you mean baking soda?

[Aussie50]

@network0120 thats correct. baking or washing soda will work. washing soda is actually better!

[midkhan424]

I dont understand your english :p

[rustyjonesjr]

Though i have heard washing soda before, we call it Arm & Hammer baking soda.

[Axemurderer62]

Thanks for the info mate ;)

[Axemurderer62]

Another question, How often do you have to empty the tub and is it safe to dump in the soil? 

[Aussie50]

@Axemurderer62 I empty the tub when there is simply too much sludge in the bottom, 4" of it at some times!

if you avoid anything stainless, or lead based paint on items, and use sodium bicarbonate/carbonate its safe to dilute and pour out somwhere out of the way. it will look nasty because of the iron oxide and dirt in it tho.

its as safe as you keep it, keeping nasty chemicals out is the best thing to do.

[Axemurderer62]

How thick does your tank need to be? Can I use a large rubbermaid storage type tub?

[Aussie50]

@Axemurderer62 thick is good but if its a once off job you could use a thinner tub as long as it does not split at the corners.

the $30 clear K-mart handy bins work well but need a wooden frame to stop the sides bulging out and stress cracking. likewise I put a plastic panel from the top of a old copier in the bottom to prevent smashing the bottom if I put a heavy object down on it.

[shades2]

From what I read, _don't_ use SS as an anode, as it can create chromium compounds that are really pretty nasty. Unless you have a safe way of disposing of those sorts of things.

[thenomadrhodes]

Question my good man, I want to use some thing like this to clean old coins and other metal detecting finds, and every thing I've read says to use Stainless steel for the Anode.

If using SS can create toxic compounds why do they say use a SS spoon or rod when building a DIY Electrolysis Coin Cleaning tank?

I really want to try Electrolysis Cleaning but don't want to poison my damn self in the process..

Thanks for any info you can give.

Great video, thank you for shearing your knowledge.

[f7ipper]

"Lectric Soda" is Australian washing soda brand. Available from any supermarket.

[p00pl0rd]

If you put baking soda in the oven at 300F for about an hour you end up with washing soda

[Stizogm]

You RULE

[toxicproductions100]

will aluminium work?

[Aussie50]

@toxicproductions100 Aluminum will break down fast as a anode, and it will be attacked if you are trying to clean it as a cathode..

so, no it wont work properly

[toxicproductions100]

@toxicproductions100 ok! wat works the best?

[utsports]

thanks for your video and your excellent information im thinking of setting up a system like you have showed i have a battery charger that goes to 55 amps

[HDXFH]

I Use Washing Powder Concentrate, works heaps quicker

[Aussie50]

yeah? what brand?

I'd be careful of the used solution though, electrolysis could turn it into a chemical cocktail (bicarb breaks down into NaOH alone)

[HDXFH]

i used FAB laundry concentrate, just go to a supermarket and look in the laundry section theres also other brands that make the concentrate too, its usually in a smaller box

[HDXFH]

@Aussie50 I have a 10 litre container as my tank and i mix 1 heaped tablespoon per 4 litres of water, which i mix in a 4 litre bottle, shake it up to mix thoroughly and it works great

[mattyvt93]

What is the best way to suspend your work piece off the rod? I think i see that in the video its blue wire?

[Aussie50]

yeah, just make sure you don't short from the anode to the cathode and you can use whatever you want.

I normally use cable or nylon rope

[mattyvt93]

ahh ok, Thanks mate :)

[coolbluelights]

Thanks for the vid! it looks pretty simple! we do have Arm&Hammer Baking soda, I think that's the same thing as washing soda. it's sodium bicarbonate anyway. all I need to do is get a good power supply and the rest should be simple to get!

[mattyvt93]

Im thinkin of building a small one like in a tub about the size of this grey one, is there anything else i need to know of?

cheers

[mattyvt93]

Awesome video mate.

[TehMG]

eBay is good too. I got my hands on two Astec industrial switching power supplies for $35 each. One is capable of 30A at 24V and the other 60A at 12V.

[Aussie50]

I guess thats a hazzard I forgot, don't use chloride salts for making the electrolyte!. chlorine is nasty shit.

[V8Jagnut]

good vid.

[67tr876]

thats cool i should try to build one but idk if parts hear are hard to find well i will get it one day thanks a lot for the vid

[Aussie50]

I guess the hardest part would be a good DC supply, keep an eye on yard sales, you'd be surprised what turns up!