Electrolysis question

[rykroll]

Hello all recently started using electrolysis I have used it 4 times and it's been taking forever to work about a couple of hours. I have been using a 12v 1 amp charger with salt water and a splash of lemon juice. Any advice on what I'm doing wrong would be great. Thank you everyone!

 

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[BigWaveDave]

Trade out the salt for baking soda....might get better results...
What are you trying to zap?

 

[redcobra8u]

What are you using as your electrode?

 

[rykroll]

I have been cleaning my silver and a few wheat pennies, and I have been using a stainless steel spoon.

 

[WaterWalker]

Electrolysis of metal detecting finds:

Material: AC to DC power supply (radio AC adapter) my choice is a 1.5-12Volt, 1Amp converter Stainless steel alligator clips (2) with a red and a black boot Stainless steel spoon (MUST be stainless steel) Pyrex glass custard cup Baking soda

Optional: Variable AC controller for input to AC adapter Timer adjustable in seconds Alligator “extra hands” Insulation mat

Operation: Mix approx ½ cup of water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda Connect NEGATIVE lead of AC adapter to the OBJECT to be cleaned Connect POSITIVE lead of AC adapter to the stainless steel SPOON Place the spoon in one side of the cup Place the object in the opposite side of the cup Place insulation mat between spoon and object

DO NOT LET THE OBJECT AND SPOON TOUCH

Adjust the adapter’s output until bubbles appear on the object and spoon This should yield approximately 5ma on a dime, 10ma on a quarter and 15ma on a large class ring. Amperage is calculated for surface area NOT diameter Check progress at 30-second intervals for the first 2 minutes If more than 2 minutes is required, check at 1 to 5 minute intervals depending on progress

Hints: Use lower voltage / amperage (less bubbles) on more delicate items Disconnect object and clean with water and baking soda periodically Do not splatter solution on counter or clothing Use a fan to remove sulfur odor from working area

REMEMBER: You can always resume electrolysis after checking its progress, but you can NEVER undo the destruction it may cause if left too long or done at too high amperage.

 

[Irishgoldhound]

I rap my silver coins each separately in tin foil and bring to a boil with water and baking soda. I boil about 5 minutes and then take coins out and rub off with baking soda and rinse under water and repeat if needed to get brighter results. Works great. Faster than electrolysis. I do this for silver rings as well.

 

[Irishgoldhound]

...make sure you use an older pot as well. I use a Pyrex pot

 

[redcobra8u]

I have been cleaning my silver and a few wheat pennies, and I have been using a stainless steel spoon.

You might have the wires crossed or have a bad source. In 5-6 minutes my silver comes clean like new with baking soda.

 

[Jason in Enid]

If you aren't getting solid contact to metal, it's not going to work well. The biggest problem is that people only make contact to the layer of external corrosion. I don't know if that applies to your situation, but it is a common problem for beginners.

Also, you want it to take time! If it goes too fast you run the risk of seriously damaging an item

 

[dieselram94]

I have only used electrolysis on steel...so far. However I have excellent results using washing sofa instead of baking soda. I assume it would help with coins as well.


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[updownup]

Thanks for the information. I found this useful too.

 

[rykroll]

Just needed baking soda thank you