Electrolysis, build your own, how to use and what to expect.

[batcap]

I use a model railroad transformer, but only do relatively small items. With a transformer with a "speed controller" you can be quite gentle.

You can successfully do "whatzit" coins if you keep an eye on them. I turned an unknown large cent into one that I could determine was a braided hair Liberty. I could read "Liberty" in her headband, but still couldn't get the date. Way better than a brown disk with a raised area where a wreath *might* belong.


I use baking soda because I heard about bad gasses when you use salt. I understand washing soda is better yet.

 

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[boogeyman]

I use a cheapo 12 / 6v charger with a surplus pot wired in where the switch for 10 amp or 2 amp was. After using it awhile I can pretty much tell what's going on by the bubbling & how an item is cleaning up when I check them. If you're not sure get some of the junk out of your junk pocket or bucket and do some tests or grab up a couple pieces of scrap from the junk pile or junkyard and try them before you try cleaning anything you really value.

I don't understand your reasoning for putting a pot in place of the switch for 10 to 2 amps. The small transformer type chargers only put out milliamps and trickle on the car charger is around 2-2.5 amps. What would I be gaining with this pot?

I use the same charger to do everything from coin sized objects up to lathe beds antique motors & vintage car parts. For an item like the head off an antique drill press, it goes in a tank made from half of a plastic 55 gal. drum with several strips of stainless placed around the drum hence higher amperage. smaller objects in a 5 gal. bucket or a tupperware bowl. Guess I'm lazy, but I rather have one supply that will work for everything instead of having a pile of different supplies laying around my already cluttered shop.

 

[Erdspiegel]

I use a stainless steel bowl,instead of plastic.
So I don't have to use any extra steel object.

 

[Roland58]

Yeah, that's what I mentioned earlier in this thread...........thanks for confirming it works well!!

 

[boogeyman]

Using a SS restaurant insert is a great idea. Just have to be more careful of shorting and after awhile the little pinholes. Good if you can find one cheap. Around here, strips of SS are alot cheaper than an insert or pan.

If you find one big enough for me to do large power tool parts in I'd be interested!

 

[Probed]

Just wanted to thank every one here for the electrolysis tips and the website mick56 recommended. I used my titanium anodizer equipment and the process is basically the same. I'm able to regulate the volts by tuning the dial and a multimeter that is in the loop gives me total control of the voltage up to 125 volts. I couldn't figure how to shrink the photos to post here but my photos can be seen at my Flicker account so feel free to browse.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/44203239@N08/

 

[Roland58]

I have found what I believe will be the ideal electrolysis transformer........it is the control unit from an old electric train. It is 120v~AC in with 0 - 17 VDC out at 6 Amps. The really cool thing is, the control switch that regulates the speed of the train by regulating the voltage applied to the tracks, not only goes 0 - 17VDC + for forward, but, it has a reverse that applies the same 0 - 17VDC -, so, if the wrong thing starts bubbling, just crank it in reverse!

I did a coin last night and the transformer never even got warm!

 

[boogeyman]

Good idea! The only thing I would add is a fuse or other thermal protection. I don't think train transformers are fused like battery chargers etc. They may be now days to meet UL standards.

 

[Roland58]

Good idea! The only thing I would add is a fuse or other thermal protection. I don't think train transformers are fused like battery chargers etc. They may be now days to meet UL standards.

Very good suggestion. I'll open it up and see if there is any sort of fused or thermal protection, if not, it will be easy enough to add a 10 amp fuse (since it is only supposed to be able to output 6 amps). Good idea, thanks!

 

[boogeyman]

Good idea! The only thing I would add is a fuse or other thermal protection. I don't think train transformers are fused like battery chargers etc. They may be now days to meet UL standards.

Very good suggestion. I'll open it up and see if there is any sort of fused or thermal protection, if not, it will be easy enough to add a 10 amp fuse (since it is only supposed to be able to output 6 amps). Good idea, thanks!

Wouldn't even have to open it up,just add a fuse holder to your + output wire.

Glad to help! Just wouldn't want to see any "What not to do photos"

 

[nsdq]

i use a quart size glass jarr 1 in of salt in bottom 9v batt, 2 peaces of afct stainless steel safty wire and a lead sinker , one wire with sinker into salt conn to neg side of batt , other wire to pos side and make a 4 way wrap aroud coin and supend it in the water for 3 min and coins come out clean but not to clean and shiny as if new looking they still have patnia on them,,,, i then pull them out aft 3 min and warm water rinse and light brush with a tooth brush

 

[MetalDetectMatt]

View attachment 483081

View attachment 483082

WARNING !
Don't let wires touch each other. Only takes 2 Seconds to Burn Unit out.
View attachment 483083

This might be a simpleton question, but which wire is the negative and which is the positive?

 

[maipenrai]

Do you think electrolysis could be used to remove gold plating from junk jewelry? Just wondering if there is a way to recover some of the gold, instead of throwing it in the recycle bin.