Electrolysis for rust removal?

Bmachine

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As I was researching rust removals methods, I came across this option. I did not find mention of it elsewhere on the board (in the titles anyway) and I was wondering if anyone uses this instead of pouring chemicals of one sort or another...

Seems like it would be pretty cost effective especially for larger pieces like bumpers.... IF it actually works of course.

http://youtu.be/54ADeB6V1rQ
 
To (partially) answer my own question in case someone else is considering this, I read a few comments on that video that seem to indicate this works great on rusted metal but should not be used with chromed surfaces:

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"Don't do it - chrome is plated onto steel. This will plate iron onto the chrome. This isn't "rust removal" as much as re-plating iron onto iron or steel."

"This works nicely but please do not try to use partitial rust removal for chromed or otherwise layered parts. The process will also remove partitally other layers from metals. I tryed to remove tiny rusted dots from chrome plated motorcyle part and killed the chrome surface."

"No lead, chrome, stainless--if you stick to iron, cast iron, and steel your waste water remains far less toxic, containing ferrous compounds and whatever came off the piece being cleaned. Yes, it will remove everything, rust, paint, oil, BUT it will not fill in any pitting from rust. Yes hardening will occur, but after removal the piece will become stable again given time. Use a plastic a plastic container unless you want to clean the inside of a metal item."
 
oddly enough, I am restoring an old Snap-On tool chest and I wandered over to a forum for info. Guess what I found more than a few guys doing? That's right, setting up custom electrolysis tanks to completely strip all rust and paint off the drawers and even the frames in steps.

Yes, it works amazingly well but it is slow and a bit tricky to get setup right.

There's places that actually do entire car shells this way, like this one:
http://www.autorestorationdepot.com/about.html
 
Interesting science project but I have two words for you: blast cabinet. I don't own one but have a local DIY place nearby. It's magical how you can bringa derelict, rusted hunk of steel back to fresh steel, then have it plated and it looks like the day it came out of the factory. Magical.

Although electrolysis works you have to have the patience of Job. For small stuff just toss it in a vibratory tumbler and come back the next day and you're done.
 
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