question Rust Removal

I have some just on a small piece of kit, an easy remedy, according to home grown information, is to soak in white vinegar, I am assuming that the reason for not using malt is that it could stain

You could look into electrolysis too.

You could look into electrolysis too.

Thanks, never heard of it in removing rust only rust prevention

I wrote an how-to for electrolysis on another forum:

http://www.wwiireenacting.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=91846

Note: the process is harmless for the original metal but it will remove paint, so if you want to preserve that you'll need another method. :angel:

Yes, vinegar works. I use an organic cider vinegar which I can get hold of quite cheaply locally. It works very well. Slightly better is some stuff called Evapo-Rust which is also biodegradable but more expensive.

It is surprising how effective these mild acids are - they're great for cleaning up nuts, bolts and washers, and anything which has relatively light surface rust. They brought my Land Rover tub supports up very well indeed - I soaked them for several days in a bath made of plastic guttering just a bit longer than they were (so as to use as little vinegar as possible) and, once given a going over with one of those aluminium scouring pads they were fine.

10 68

I wrote an how-to for electrolysis on another forum:

 

http://www.wwiireenacting.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=91846

 

Note: the process is harmless for the original metal but it will remove paint, so if you want to preserve that you'll need another method. :angel:

Thanks for this, looks quite simply as well, strangely enough I have a pioneer shovel needing to be stripped of paint as well as the spot of rust so I might try it first.

One question from the article, I assume I have to change the solution after each cleaning process?

Yes, vinegar works. I use an organic cider vinegar which I can get hold of quite cheaply locally. It works very well. Slightly better is some stuff called Evapo-Rust which is also biodegradable but more expensive.

 

It is surprising how effective these mild acids are - they're great for cleaning up nuts, bolts and washers, and anything which has relatively light surface rust. They brought my Land Rover tub supports up very well indeed - I soaked them for several days in a bath made of plastic guttering just a bit longer than they were (so as to use as little vinegar as possible) and, once given a going over with one of those aluminium scouring pads they were fine.

 

10 68

Thanks, one of the reasons I was asking ire malt vinegar is you can buy this in large containers, I have not found the same with white vinegar

One question from the article, I assume I have to change the solution after each cleaning process?

I guess that's best if you do as the solution gets filled with rust particles, but if you can't the worst that can happen is that the process will take a bit longer.

The used solution itself is free of chemicals and even makes a good plant nutrient, but it might cause rust stains if spilled on a poreus surface.

Thanks, one of the reasons I was asking ire malt vinegar is you can buy this in large containers, I have not found the same with white vinegar

Ah! Yes, you can certainly get cider vinegar in gallon containers - that's why I use organic - it was on special offer (£13 a gallon I think it was) in my local organic shop!

10 68

I guess that's best if you do as the solution gets filled with rust particles, but if you can't the worst that can happen is that the process will take a bit longer.

 

The used solution itself is free of chemicals and even makes a good plant nutrient, but it might cause rust stains if spilled on a poreus surface.

You say cleaning soda in the article, I am assuming this is the same as caustic soda?

You say cleaning soda in the article, I am assuming this is the same as caustic soda?

No, it isn't!! Cleaning soda are white chrystals, like salt. Caustic soda is something completely different chemically and very nasty stuff.

For electrolysis you'll need something like this -> http://groceries.asda.com/product/limescale-plug-unblocker/homecare-soda-crystals/19846 (just an example)

No, it isn't!! Cleaning soda are white chrystals, like salt. Caustic soda is something completely different chemically and very nasty stuff.

 

For electrolysis you'll need something like this -> http://groceries.asda.com/product/limescale-plug-unblocker/homecare-soda-crystals/19846 (just an example)

Many thanks, as you will gather I am learning as I go and ask when not sure

Have a look at page 13 of my Civilian Militant Restoration Blog. There's pictures of electrolysis, and a write up on how I made it work for me. Got, and still getting some fab results.

First Attempt, 100 litres of water and a large anode, 20 tablespoons of soda crystals. nothing. reduced anode still nothing, added another tablespoon full

Suspect that its the type of battery charger, although 8amp.

Thinking of looking at a reducer to 24V and try again.

soda crystals & water

correct mixture is 4 % ..no more

so

4 / 100 l

use only 6v or 12v .....and .....minus (-)on the piece that is to be cleaned !

for example

http://antique-engines.com/electrol.asp

pekka

soda crystals & water

correct mixture is 4 % ..no more

so

4 / 100 l

 

 

use only 6v or 12v .....and .....minus (-)on the piece that is to be cleaned !

 

 

for example

http://antique-engines.com/electrol.asp

 

 

pekka

Is that 4% by weight (against the weight of 1 litre of water multiplied up) or by volume (using a measuring jug/cup)?

Either way, I'd imagine 20 spoons is significantly less than 4% of 20 litres.

in my experience:

about 0.6 l soda crystal & 20 l water

i have used measuring jug/cup

no big difference if less than 4 %...but if u use more soda than 4 % it does not improve the results

mabe 2 % works too, you can try it if you have a big bucket

and few days after you can (steel/ brass) brush the black silt away... easily

it works..

pekka

Molasses works well. I have only recently read about using it and was very doubtful about it, but it works!

5 litres of molasses from the local riding shop costs £4.99, dilute it about 10 to 1 with water (10 water to 1 molasses) although I've seen descriptions of people using ratios between 20:1 and 4:1. Chuck your rusty bits in and leave for several days.

I'm in the process of cleaning up a bayonet which was found on the seabed(!) still in its sheath. It was lightly rusted all over, with some patches of heavier rusting. After 4 days and the occasional stir, the bayonet was black but after a quick clean with a nylon abrasive pad all the rust had gone. Of course the surface of the steel is pitted where the rust had eaten into the steel, and this spoils the bayonet's appearance, but on rusty MV parts which will be painted this isn't a problem.

Molasses won't cut through grease or paint so the rusty metal has to be clean but it's definitely the cheapest and easiest rust removal process that I've come across. It washes off with water and it doesn't hurt you or the environment.

I shall be trying it on a very badly internally rusted petrol tank next.

Molasses works well and dosent touch original paint.

Needs to be free of oil and grease.

DO NOT put alloys in it. :embarrassed:

I use 7/8 parts water to 1 part molasses for a week to 10 day's and then scrub with wirebrush under tap and return for another week if needed.

As good as shot blasting if not in rush.

Peter.

The only function of the soda in electrolysis is to improve conductivity of the water, it does nothing to the object itself. If there isn't enough soda in the solution the current won't flow very good and the process will be very slow or just stop altogether. So there is a bit of experimenting needed to get the proper amount of soda, but I think I would put at least 1 kg in 100 liters of water.

i have used Citric Acid Monohydrate..chinese made foodstuff ..couple of years ago was about 75€ / 25 kg here in finland

they said that is also good for pigs stomach problems ...but do not try !!

acids also work well, but they say that the pores must be neutralized with f.ex. soda crystals

how acid affects the strength of steel ?

for example fine threads and springs

in my experience,

electrolysis has one advantage that the solution can be re-used several times

if the precipitate is filtered off with gauze etc. between uses

pekka

soda crystals & water

correct mixture is 4 % ..no more

so

4 / 100 l

 

 

use only 6v or 12v .....and .....minus (-)on the piece that is to be cleaned !

 

 

for example

http://antique-engines.com/electrol.asp

 

 

pekka

Just back on the forum, busy trying to get some work in, reading this I would say the solution was not strong enough

The battery charger says fully automatic

http://www.halfords.com/workshop-tools/garage-equipment/car-battery-chargers/halfords-fully-automatic-battery-charger

So not sure if its the right type to use

The only function of the soda in electrolysis is to improve conductivity of the water, it does nothing to the object itself. If there isn't enough soda in the solution the current won't flow very good and the process will be very slow or just stop altogether. So there is a bit of experimenting needed to get the proper amount of soda, but I think I would put at least 1 kg in 100 liters of water.

Hi

You are correct in the context of electrolysis the soda is there to promote electrolysis. But in the process look at ways to improve the rust removal I tried Heating the Water and in the process discovered that Washing Soda will also remove OD paint quiet nicely.

I took a strong solution of washing soda and water in a pot filled with small parts and heated it in electric pot to 180-212 F let it cook for 1/2hour and then pressure washed them with 180F water and the paint all came off. Great way to process bolts small parts.

Cheers Phil

Sounds like a good methods for cleaning smaller parts!

your battery charger ..yes it looks right type to use

if i remember right 6 volts is recommended, but i use 12v

if you have a car frame and 1000 l water & soda crystals you may need more amperes than 8 ?

....i´m not a specialist for electricity

pekka