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Rust removal with electrolysis questions..

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  • Member since
    October 2011
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Posted by TrainLarry on Sunday, November 23, 2014 8:51 PM

You can use the unit. Just remember not to immerse the positive clip from the power supply if it is steel, or coated steel, in the solution, as it will eventually dissolve away. It acts like an anode. Connect the steel anode to the power supply lead using a copper wire. All you need now is a non-steel bowl or tank and the washing soda.

Larry

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • 292 posts
Posted by teledoc on Sunday, November 23, 2014 7:17 PM

I realized I have an Astron 20 amp power supply sitting around, so I presume that would be sufficient to use as the power source?  Just have to get the other components together in the next few weeks.

  • Member since
    October 2011
  • 969 posts
Posted by TrainLarry on Saturday, November 22, 2014 8:42 PM

By removing the pins, you will insure that the inside of the track where the pins go will get cleaned better than if they were left in.

You can use a car or motorcycle battery, or any heavy duty DC power supply that can output a couple of amps or more. Even your train transformer with a full wave bridge rectifier connected across it's output can be used. The DC out of the rectifier is used for the electrolysis.

Larry

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • 292 posts
Rust removal with electrolysis questions..
Posted by teledoc on Saturday, November 22, 2014 8:10 PM

     I think I am ready to take the plunge into using electrolysis to remove rust from a mess of 027 and "O" track that I have.  I will probably do other things, but mainly the track.  When doing the track, is it a good idea to remove the track pins before dunking in the tank, or can they stay in.

     Second question relates to the power source.  Is there an alternative to a battery charger.  Can something else be used to replace a battery charger.  I'm open to suggestions on both questions.

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