Cannonball before and after electrolysis

[Darby]

Posted this find previously but wanted to share pics of it after cleaning. After a lot of good input from thecannonballguy, and the fact that we found several War of 1812 Artillery buttons at this site, I believe this ball is from the early 1800s. I really appreciate the wealth of knowledge available to us through this website and the friendly people who take the time to share their knowledge! Thanks for looking.

 

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[BVI Hunter]

Can you post pics of the electro set up / tank / connectors used / power supply etc? That would be most helpful!

Will you now "treat" the finished ball?

Looks great, well done!

 

[mr helton]

Wow great results. I have a lot of things that look like your before pic, I really should build myself an electrolysis setup.

 

[Darby]

Can you post pics of the electro set up / tank / connectors used / power supply etc? That would be most helpful!

Will you now "treat" the finished ball?

Looks great, well done!

I use a large plastic bucket, a 12 volt battery charger and a stainless steel plate. Hook the negative lead to the piece your cleaning and the positive to the stainless plate. Add soda bicarbonate (baking soda) to the water, about one tablespoon per gallon, and let it "cook". This method seems to work the best for me cleaning iron relics. Thanks for looking! Also, as far as treating, I just wiped it down with some oil.

 

[Darby]

Wow great results. I have a lot of things that look like your before pic, I really should build myself an electrolysis setup.

I'm really pleased with this method. Really easy to set up and fun to see how iron relics clean up!

 

[lost crow]

Looks great, how long did you let it ''cook''?

 

[Darby]

Looks great, how long did you let it ''cook''?

I let this one stay in about four days. Thanks for looking!

 

[CoilyGirl]

Looks great Darby! My husband uses that method too,much safer than some electrolysis treatments I think.

 

[firemac]

Looks good!

 

[Darby]

Looks great Darby! My husband uses that method too,much safer than some electrolysis treatments I think.

Thanks CoilyGirl! Wasn't real sure about putting a cannonball in electrolysis but when it was apparent it was solid and not filled with gunpowder I went ahead with it (would have hated to hear a big boom after plugging it in!!) Thanks for looking

 

[Davers]

Great Job ,& Looks Awesome .

You Use the Dreaded , Stainless Steel (OH NO!)
Just Kidding it works great , Just Don't Heat It Up.
Davers

 

[The Rebel]

That came out awesome! 12pdr?

 

[Darby]

Great Job ,& Looks Awesome .

You Use the Dreaded , Stainless Steel (OH NO!)
Just Kidding it works great , Just Don't Heat It Up.
Davers

Thanks Davers. What's up with stainless ? Is there a better choice?

 

[Darby]

That came out awesome! 12pdr?

Thanks Rebel! Yep a 12 pounder

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Thanks Davers. What's up with stainless ? Is there a better choice?

Stainless steel is the best material to use for a sacrificial anode, but it can be hazardous. You should definitely wear protective gloves and mask. Google it and you'll see what I'm talking about.

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

I use a large plastic bucket, a 12 volt battery charger and a stainless steel plate. Hook the negative lead to the piece your cleaning and the positive to the stainless plate. Add soda bicarbonate (baking soda) to the water, about one tablespoon per gallon, and let it "cook". This method seems to work the best for me cleaning iron relics. Thanks for looking! Also, as far as treating, I just wiped it down with some oil.

Nice job Darby. But it looks as if your cannonball may be drying out and starting to oxidize a bit. I've never tried using oil, but instead use polyurethane (3 coats) on all my iron relics to lock out the moisture. It also gives the item that nice black appearance that I prefer. I'm in no way being critical, but just wanted to let you know about another option. Below are before and after pics of a 6 pounder I dug back in Nov. After the electrolysis was done I soaked it in alcohol for a day to drive out all the moisture. Then let it air dry which allowed a little rusty haze to develop. Then I sprayed with WD-40 and let sit for a bit, then rubbed completely dry with a clean cloth. At that point I applied the first coat of poly, let it dry for several hours and then did a 2nd coat. I ended up with 3 or 4 coats, and its still looking great. Everyone has their own methods and preferences, but just wanted to show you what works for me.

 

[Darby]

Nice job Darby. But it looks as if your cannonball may be drying out and starting to oxidize a bit. I've never tried using oil, but instead use polyurethane (3 coats) on all my iron relics to lock out the moisture. It also gives the item that nice black appearance that I prefer. I'm in no way being critical, but just wanted to let you know about another option. Below are before and after pics of a 6 pounder I dug back in Nov. After the electrolysis was done I soaked it in alcohol for a day to drive out all the moisture. Then let it air dry which allowed a little rusty haze to develop. Then I sprayed with WD-40 and let sit for a bit, then rubbed completely dry with a clean cloth. At that point I applied the first coat of poly, let it dry for several hours and then did a 2nd coat. I ended up with 3 or 4 coats, and its still looking great. Everyone has their own methods and preferences, but just wanted to show you what works for me.

<img src="http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=990414"/>

<img src="http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=990415"/>

Thanks Bill D. Your ball does look great! Thanks for the input. I have several other iron pieces that would look really good sealed like that too! Going to give it a try and thanks again for the tip!