So far the fastest way I've found to make this whole process efficient is the following:
1. Electrolysis
2. Klingspor medium rust eraser to remove any dingy layer + Maroon Scotch brite to get into the teeth and clean them ( rust eraser would get chewed up)
3. Foil + Polish
IMG_20140713_151556407 by Christian Castillo1, on Flickr
IMG_20140720_104058815 by Christian Castillo1, on Flickr
IMG_20140720_104205720 by Christian Castillo1, on Flickr
The main difference I'm seeing from using carbon rods is the stubbornness of the greyish layer, It comes off very easy and doesn't require heavy abrasion to get past it. The whole set up is much much cleaner as well with carbon rods vs. rebar.