Doug Hobkirk
07-19-2014, 12:00 AM
I need to remove rust from a pile of stuff - a bunch of auger bits, several bench planes, a bunch of small foundry tools (for pattern-making in sand casts, I think is the correct phrasing), etc.
I've used Evapo-Rust in the past and thought it worked pretty well. But maybe there's something better, or a better approach. Here are some of my ideas (feel free to correct any wrong thinking):
Electrolysis seems like it's too complicated for my needs.
I have battery chargers, buckets, rebar, etc. Making it wouldn't be hard (4 pieces of rebar spread around the outer edge). And it seems sort of cool, since I've never done it.
But my projects are mostly small and many - maybe 200-300 mostly smallish pieces. Making a "rack" for housing 8-12 alligator clips and keeping the items from touching - it seems like a hassle.
Do I need to remove the rust from the rebar after each batch?
Molasses? This was new to me, but apparently it works quite well. I assume my local feed store carries it.
But it takes a LONG time - at least a week - and it stinks.
Evapo-Rust
Dump some it an appropriate sized plastic bin, dump in rusty stuff, and wait an hour, or two, or overnight. Remove black slimey objects and hose off (or use sink)
Spray w/ something or wax immediately so it doesn't start rusting immediately.
Concentrates are new to me, but several companies seem to advertise "we're as good as Evapo-Rust but our conentrate is cheaper!"
Companies like Liquid Specialties, Espirit, Industrial Rust Eliminator
Cost
This is what I found last week. I was looking for the best price per gallon. I was thinking 2 gallons would probably do for my current projects, but 5 gallons might save money in the long run and I know I will need it again. All prices include shipping.
Evapo-Rust - $18/gal for 4 gal., so out-of-pocket = $72 (the best of the many packages I found at Amazon)
Conccentrate - 3 different products, but they all end up costing $10/gal. (after it's mixed w/ water), for 5 gallons, so O-of-P = $50
Molasses - FYI, it works out to under $1/gallon
What say you all?
Thanks
I've used Evapo-Rust in the past and thought it worked pretty well. But maybe there's something better, or a better approach. Here are some of my ideas (feel free to correct any wrong thinking):
Electrolysis seems like it's too complicated for my needs.
I have battery chargers, buckets, rebar, etc. Making it wouldn't be hard (4 pieces of rebar spread around the outer edge). And it seems sort of cool, since I've never done it.
But my projects are mostly small and many - maybe 200-300 mostly smallish pieces. Making a "rack" for housing 8-12 alligator clips and keeping the items from touching - it seems like a hassle.
Do I need to remove the rust from the rebar after each batch?
Molasses? This was new to me, but apparently it works quite well. I assume my local feed store carries it.
But it takes a LONG time - at least a week - and it stinks.
Evapo-Rust
Dump some it an appropriate sized plastic bin, dump in rusty stuff, and wait an hour, or two, or overnight. Remove black slimey objects and hose off (or use sink)
Spray w/ something or wax immediately so it doesn't start rusting immediately.
Concentrates are new to me, but several companies seem to advertise "we're as good as Evapo-Rust but our conentrate is cheaper!"
Companies like Liquid Specialties, Espirit, Industrial Rust Eliminator
Cost
This is what I found last week. I was looking for the best price per gallon. I was thinking 2 gallons would probably do for my current projects, but 5 gallons might save money in the long run and I know I will need it again. All prices include shipping.
Evapo-Rust - $18/gal for 4 gal., so out-of-pocket = $72 (the best of the many packages I found at Amazon)
Conccentrate - 3 different products, but they all end up costing $10/gal. (after it's mixed w/ water), for 5 gallons, so O-of-P = $50
Molasses - FYI, it works out to under $1/gallon
What say you all?
Thanks