I tried electrolysis for the first time and I love it.

Truth

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Guys I wish I would have taken a “before” picture, but it was just a chunk of rust (but deep) with a hollow hole, so I didn’t think much of it. But I guess it was interesting enough to capture my curiosity. I left it on for 48hrs knocking off rust along the way and here I have it....a cool old lid!! IMG_2451.JPG IMG_2452.JPG IMG_2453.JPG

Wife not to happy with location I chose I can tell you that. Lol IMG_2450.JPG
 

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redcobra8u

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Truth, using a stainless object in the process creates a toxic brew. Wear gloves and keep that water away from food.
 

BLK HOLE

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I have been using the apple cider vinegar soak, it takes a bit longer but I have managed to stay out of the doghouse :laughing7:
 

halfstep

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Truth, using a stainless object in the process creates a toxic brew. Wear gloves and keep that water away from food.

Correct, stainless is toxic in an electrolysis tank. I recommend rebar. It is cheap and can be bought at a home improvement store.

I have a 75 gallon E-tank and a 50/10/2 battery charger. I use arm and hammer washing soap I use the E-tank to clean cast iron cookware. Skillets, lids, dutch ovens, cornbread pans, griddles, ect. My wife likes cast iron. She has a fairly large collection. I get the distinct honor of cleaning it. lol
 

ecmo

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I don't think you have a lid, what I think it is is the front cover to an old car starter housing.
 

ecmo

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Maybe that’s why they had that hole in It already. Thanks ecmo
Also betting if you scrape a little more rust from immediately around the large center hole and scrape in it you should see brass color from the bushing for the armature shaft. The 2 small holes near opposing edges is for the small diameter, but long, bolts to rear end of housing. Even think it's a GM starter.
 

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Truth

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Also betting if you scrape a little more rust from immediately around the large center hole and scrape in it you should see brass color from the bushing for the armature shaft. The 2 small holes near opposing edges is for the small diameter, but long, bolts to rear end of housing. Even think it's a GM starter.

ecmo that’s amazing to me lol
 

pa plateau hiker

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Electrolysis becomes addictive. I'd had 3 chargers going at times to clean my rusty relics.
 

villagenut

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You are going to start looking for iron now lol.Actually there is a lot of great old historic iron in the ground but it takes a heck of a lot of love to stabilize an artifact once out of the tank.Rust never sleeps.
 

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Truth

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You are going to start looking for iron now lol.Actually there is a lot of great old historic iron in the ground but it takes a heck of a lot of love to stabilize an artifact once out of the tank.Rust never sleeps.

Yeah that’s wear I get lazy lol
 

pa plateau hiker

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Before you do electrolysis on old rusty iron, knock the loose rust off with a hammer. Sometimes I scrape the relic with an old file to get more rust off. The electrolysis process goes a lot quicker with that rust off the relic.
 

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Truth

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Before you do electrolysis on old rusty iron, knock the loose rust off with a hammer. Sometimes I scrape the relic with an old file to get more rust off. The electrolysis process goes a lot quicker with that rust off the relic.

Yeah I’ve been noticing mine where taking days. Thank you pa
 

villagenut

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Worth it IMO, but remember that forged material is easier to stabilize than cast iron. The axe should be a good candidate for conservation......Just do it outside, haha.
 

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