Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Archives of the best of past topics How To Questions and Answers Electrolysis question

When using this method to strip metal parts, does it compromise the part being cleaned in any way?

No,It's just soap and water!

Does this work for non-ferrous metals also???

I use this to clean Model T Gas Tanks, Model T Transmission's and other parts - even the engine blocks can be done. The only thing I have found that is "eats" is babbit & aluminum. These parts will damage REAL QUICK and it tends to destroy the water/batch after you are done. That is ok - just drain and re-fill then re-treat and go again.

Now for SOAP - no - use arm & hammer washing SODA. It works BEST - but you should wash the parts REAL GOOD after soaking to get all the washing soda off - it is a corrosive. I then bead blast my parts in the blasting cab..


Travis E. Towle
Topeka, Kansas

Travis is correct about the washing soda I was using soap as a generic term!
Tom

I was wondering if salt would work better than soap since it is a conductor in water but Travis answered that one.The washing soda is caustic, baking soda is a base, have you ever tried baking soda? It should have the same conductive properties and may not be as corrosive.
Is it the electricity or the alkaline that lifts the paint or is it both? How is it you set up the electricity and what material does the tub need to be ,I had never heard of this untill a few months ago.Does it set up like electroplate??

[This message has been edited by jkyocom (edited 01-25-2007).]

[This message has been edited by jkyocom (edited 01-25-2007).]

[This message has been edited by jkyocom (edited 01-25-2007).]

[This message has been edited by jkyocom (edited 01-25-2007).]

jkyocom, Check here....
http://antique-engines.com/electrol.asp

Yes, Baking Soda and Laundry Soap is great. The Arm & Hammer is just boxed and ready to use. For me, I do not always have the Arm & Hammer product. But I always have baking soda and laundry soap!

LARRY



[This message has been edited by st.rod (edited 01-25-2007).]

so if it eats aluminun....does it hurt brass , copper??? Or is it basically for ferrous metals , iron, steel ??

...try this, gotta have that 'www' in there, or it won't load:
http://www.antique-engines.com/electrol.asp

jkyocom,
It will eat up Babbit, Potmetal/Whitemetal,Magnesium & Alum.

[This message has been edited by Dick Bennett (edited 01-26-2007).]

The original "How To" feature about electrolysis can now be found in the How To Archive.

Paint Removal By Electrolysis

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Jim "Oldgas" Potts
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