Shopsmith Forums

I wanted to mention that I have experimented with putting aluminum through the electrolysis process to remove the white aluminum oxide that was on the surface. I posted the process here and here.

I have a couple of questions about the electrolysis process. Hopefully they will contribute to the discussion and not be a thread-jack.

First, when wiring the anodes together, do you make a complete circuit or not? Does it matter since the circuit essentially completes through the solution?

Second, is it ok to submerge the negative lead coming from the charger when connecting it to the rusty part? Or do you need to suspend the part with something conductive and connect the negative lead to that?

Thanks.

-Loren

hobbydad wrote:I have a couple of questions about the electrolysis process. Hopefully they will contribute to the discussion and not be a thread-jack.

First, when wiring the anodes together, do you make a complete circuit or not? Does it matter since the circuit essentially completes through the solution?

Second, is it ok to submerge the negative lead coming from the charger when connecting it to the rusty part? Or do you need to suspend the part with something conductive and connect the negative lead to that?

Thanks.

-Loren

If your using more than one electrode as the anode (+), all you need to do is connect them, for example, one piece of wire. No need to run a second piece back to the positive lead.

Submerging the copper negative lead isn't recommended. Copper doesn't like the electrolyte solution.

mickyd wrote:If your using more than one electrode as the anode (+), all you need to do is connect them, for example, one piece of wire. No need to run a second piece back to the positive lead.

If I am understanding correctly, a setup like the top picture is ok, and a setup like the bottom picture is not necessary.

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--Loren

hobbydad wrote:If I am understanding correctly, a setup like the top picture is ok, and a setup like the bottom picture is not necessary.

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--Loren

TECHNICALLY, for the process of electrolysis, there is no difference between the two. In both pictures, the rods (+) are all connected together and in turn are connected to the positive terminal of the power source.

The circuit is completed via the solution to the negative lead which is connected to the item to be derusted. Avoid making direct contact between the rusted item (-) and the anodes (+).

mickyd wrote:If your using more than one electrode as the anode (+), all you need to do is connect them, for example, one piece of wire. No need to run a second piece back to the positive lead.

Submerging the copper negative lead isn't recommended. Copper doesn't like the electrolyte solution.

I have been submerging the copper lead. Is there a problem with doing this so long as I consider the negative lead to be sacrificial? That is - is this hazardous to anything other than the copper?

hobbydad wrote:If I am understanding correctly, a setup like the top picture is ok, and a setup like the bottom picture is not necessary.

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--Loren

Your correct. Both methods are ok but the extra connection on the last photo isn't required.

dusty wrote:I have been submerging the copper lead. Is there a problem with doing this so long as I consider the negative lead to be sacrificial? That is - is this hazardous to anything other than the copper?

It ok to submerge the copper lead as long as you view the copper as sacrificial as you said. There is nothing hazardous.....it just corrodes the copper over time.

I am curious to know if you can see corrosion on the copper? I've never tried it but just read about it. How long has it been in the solution with current passing through it?

mickyd wrote:Correct-a-mundo. Aluminum will be harmed by the electrolysis if it is kept in too long.

Were you planning on putting the carriage assembly to remove the paint, remove aluminum oxide of the casting surface, or to derust the steel components?

The carriage that was scheduled for electrolysis is an ebay special and it looks horrible. No corrosion. Just somehow stained and somewhat rusty (corroded).

It was to be an experimental restoration before I start on something more valuable.

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dusty wrote:The carriage that was scheduled for electrolysis is an ebay special and it looks horrible. No corrosion. Just somehow stained and somewhat rusty (corroded).

It was to be an experimental restoration before I start on something more valuable.

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You can try it dusty but from what I've read, you need to visually check it often for pitting. My aluminum table insert was in the tank for a total of ~45 minutes, checking it every 10 minutes and in the end, wire brushed quite nicely with no sign of pitting. With your part having paint on it, I don't know how long it will take to remove the paint and get down to base metal. If you have nothing to loose, and you have time to babysit the process checking it often, give it a shot. I'd be really interested in your results. My thinking is even if it pits the aluminum, texured paint will hide it. And even if the way tube bearing surfaces get pitted, so what.

Like Heath said with the cement mixer polishing that PG-ZAG proposed, GO FOR IT (for the good of the forum!!!:D )