ELECTROLYSIS RUST REMOVAL

An easy and relatively safe method of rust removal is the use of electrolysis. It involves a few common items that can be scrounged or bought quite cheaply.

Parts needed:

• water
• washing soda (sodium carbonate)
• a battery charger (with a current meter if possible) or a car battery
• steel or iron electrode (I use rebar as it's cheap and the anode will eventually be eaten away)
• a plastic tub (slightly larger than the part to be cleaned, although it is possible to clean a part with some of it sticking above the solution and then rotating it to clean the rest it may leave a small mark or discoloration which is undesirable)
  
  Visit these web site for more info
  http://www.rowand.net/Shop/Tools/Electrolysis.htm
  http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/andyspatch/rust.htm
  http://www3.telus.net/public/aschoepp/electrolyticrust.html
  http://antique-engines.com/electrol.asp
  http://www.rickswoodshopcreations.com/Miscellaneous/Rust_Removal.htm
  
  Now if you want to reverse the process look here:
  http://engines.rustyiron.com/electrolysis/index.html
  

**Caution** Hydrogen gas reacts explosively with oxygen (in the presence of heat) to produce water vapor. Take Michael Sullivan's advise seriously about shutting down the power before adjusting/removing the electrodes.

If you are using electrolysis to remove rust...and have a considerable broth of bubbles...be very cautious. That broth is not the place to discard a glowing cigarette ember, lit match...or any other spark. Be warned...!!