First time to use electrolysis for rust removal

[Todd Burch]

So far, so good.

This is an old pulley block I bought the other day (w/ sheave) and I am removing the rust from it via electrolysis. I've already sanded and oiled the sheave. It's waiting on the bench now.

I have a 5 gallon bucket full with water and 5 tablespoons of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda, and have a piece of sheet metal bolted to one side. The pulley is hanging from some annealed wire from a stick.

Negative to the pulley (cathode), positive to the sheet metal (anode). I'm using my 12 volt battery charger/car starter for power. When this picture was taken, it had been about 2 hours in the cooker.

Now, after 4 hours, the water/sodium carbonate is REALLY murky. Should have a nice bare metal pulley block sometime later today. This is EASY!!! Can't wait to do more.

Todd

[John Aspinall]

Nice! I've done this a couple of times, after reading about it on the web. There's tons of information (and mis-information) out there.
I like this guy's take on it: http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/andyspatch/rust.htm
He is clear on the chemistry, and he has a recommendation for current density.

[Myk Rian]

It's an everyday occurance over on OWWM.
I'm getting a 7 foot length of vinyl gutter ready to do my drill press post.