Before/After CSA Cannonball

[outtair]

This is the before and after of this 6" 24 lb CSA Cannonball I found Thanksgiving Week. I have used electrolysis, cleaning, baking and coating since then to get to this condition. I think she is ready to display.
I have been hunting since but no big finds like this, I hope there are a few more of these big guys left.

 

[SandFiddler]

You did a really outstanding job of cleaning this artifact.
Can you share some details of how you did it.

 

[Jerry1NJ]

Great job!!!!

 

[allen]

you did a good job on cleaning that cannonball...

 

[outtair]

First I soaked and washed for several days. This was a live round so I then slowly worked on removing the powder, I was able to do it because it had a wooden fuse. Using a fiberglass rod and highpressure water I got the fuse out. Then was able to remove the powder. I put an 8" clamp around the cannonball and attached the negative to it and positive to a splitting wedge and started my electolysis.(Found on big items the bigger your positive the better it draws) I use a slow trickle 1 amp motorcycle/jetski charger you can get at Harbor Freight. I put the items in a plastic bucket and add water and baking soda. I watch and change the water about once a week watching the progress. Each time I bring it out I buff with a soft brush and wash. When it gets good and smooth, I dry it on my propane grill baking all the water out. I then rub in linseed oil over a week. I then hand rub lightly with black antirust paint making sure all the pits fill. After it drys I heat again and wax or coat with light varnish.
Hope this helps.

 

[Trond]

Beautiful work..

 

[crazyjarhead]

WOW, that came out really nice

 

[outtair]

---Thanks for the compliments!!!!---- The restoring is another fun part of our hobby, when you are able to restore an items' beauty it is almost as exciting as finding it.

 

[SandFiddler]

Helpful info. Thanks

 

[girardpaguy]

Wow! Well done.
I'm glad you where careful taking the fuse out. Have you done that sort of thing before? Just curious.

Mark

 

[mcksdigger]

WOW

 

[Hutch911]

Great job takes time but well worth it

 

[kdismuke1]

SUPER JOB ON THAT CANNON BALL.

 

[BuckleBoy]

As you have said, the Best electrolysis takes

1.) Low Amperage

and

2.) Patience


These are fantastic results. Such a good find deserves the patience, care, and hard work you put in to clean and preserve.



Best Wishes,


Buckles

 

[johnreb1980]

That is a beautiful cannon ball. You did very good on it. Nice find.

 

[outtair]

--Yes, this is the third cannonball I have defused/disarmed--- I am working on 2 large Read Shells now and will post when done, but they are real slow works so it maybe another 3 to 4 months. Will keep you posted, hopefully I find another shell before these are done.

 

[seger98]

Wow, absolutley amazing!

 

[DANGLANGLEY]

That's an amazing job on restoring that cannon ball. WOW, beautiful job!!! Thanks for sharing the find and the method you used to restore it. Great information.

DANGLANGLEY

 

[baspinall]

Man that came out sweet.

Trust me I wouldn't try but, Fiber glass rod and high pressure water? Don't get it............... You forced water inside?

Brian

 

[fortbball9]

Awesome job

fortbball9