A couple recently completed electrolysis projects

[Bill D. (VA)]

I've found quite a few interesting iron relics this season, and my electrolysis operation has been in constant use. I recently completed my conservation efforts on 2 items I found in the last month or so. One was a large colonial broad hoe that dates between the late 1600s and the mid-1700s. It's one of the larger and heavier hoes I've recovered over the years. It came from the site I've been hunting with Joey, and was a nice deep iron signal. Thought I might be onto a trash pit, but this hoe, which came from about 2.5 ft down, was the only find in the hole. The 2nd item is this very large mid-to-late 1700s lock that came from the pit Dan and I dug out at a new site last month. It was one of 2 almost identical locks that came from the same pit. I'm also working on a nice colonial grubbing hoe, and an early splitter or chisel that I think will clean up very nicely. I need to dedicate a separate display for large iron artifacts as I'm getting quite a nice and varied collection, and they deserve better than sitting in a closet in boxes. Below are some before and after cleaning pics of the hoe and lock.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Diving for Pleasure and Treasure - Grab it through Amazon!

[detroitdigger]

Very cool,the cleaning looks good.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector, Waterproof Gold Detector, Pinpoint & Terrain Modes, Professional Metal Detector - Grab it through Amazon!

[Tnmountains]

I love doing electrolysis. They turned out very nice. It is amazing when that rust comes off. I have waxed some items and used poly on others. Polty holds then very well. I like the satin. Nice job and thanks for sharing. I have things that need cooking now.

 

[HEAVYMETALNUT]

they look great! i gotta set up a 5 gal bucket and do some relics soon.

 

[BuckleBoy]

It's great that you're preserving the iron relics. It's a sad result of preserving iron that not only is the stuff temperamental, but it also takes up lots of display space--since many iron items are large sized. I think iron is great though--some of it is really cool!

I too have had trouble with flash rust, so I have experimented with dipping in EvapoRust and letting air dry thoroughly then using a thin coat of crisco in the oven. I may try WD40 because that is probably cheaper and less trouble.

Best Wishes,

Buckles

 

[Davers]

You did a nice job, I also have the same problem to many nice iron relics like Axe heads, horse/mule shoes [from cw camp sites], also a couple of splitting wedges etc. I don't have room for it all. .p.s. I usually cook , then oven bake , then poly coat the smaller pieces [buckles /grape shot, smaller tools] & use Tung oil on larger stuff ,also ill use a wire toothbrush to remove any flash rusting-[while dry of course]. Good luck to all .