Electrolytic rust removal
I have a large tub hooked up to a battery charger almost full
timefor restoring old tools . Heres a few hints. Use good quality
CALCIUM HYDROXIDE, not sodium hydroxide. I place a thick sponge
between the tool and theelectrode. the paint sticks to the sponge .
This process does not dissolve rust so yuor tools are safe, the rust
and paint simply break down into a sludge. Dont try to do toolarge a
part of a tool at a time. I use a 6"x3" SS electrodeand work over a
few days along a sawblade . My trough can do 8' crosscuts. use a tub
a bit bigger than the job . If blisters start to form on yuor tool
its time to throw yuor solution out and mix a fresh batch.
When you pull the tool out of the solution use a high speed wire
brush on a drill. if its still brown back to the soln, if silvery
black its done. Old iron tools polish up better.
Edge tools will get a brittle edge from this process( hydrogen
embrittlement)so yuo need to leave them in a warm place for a few
days.
as a protectant I coat the steel in Dubbin(For boot)
Cheers Paul
timefor restoring old tools . Heres a few hints. Use good quality
CALCIUM HYDROXIDE, not sodium hydroxide. I place a thick sponge
between the tool and theelectrode. the paint sticks to the sponge .
This process does not dissolve rust so yuor tools are safe, the rust
and paint simply break down into a sludge. Dont try to do toolarge a
part of a tool at a time. I use a 6"x3" SS electrodeand work over a
few days along a sawblade . My trough can do 8' crosscuts. use a tub
a bit bigger than the job . If blisters start to form on yuor tool
its time to throw yuor solution out and mix a fresh batch.
When you pull the tool out of the solution use a high speed wire
brush on a drill. if its still brown back to the soln, if silvery
black its done. Old iron tools polish up better.
Edge tools will get a brittle edge from this process( hydrogen
embrittlement)so yuo need to leave them in a warm place for a few
days.
as a protectant I coat the steel in Dubbin(For boot)
Cheers Paul