Electrolysis battery charger

[Kimsl70]

G'day folks,
Just wondering if anyone has any idea of a good power supply for electrolysis (for rust removal). I've heard that some of the newer chargers are too smart and will know they aren't hooked up to a battery.
Cheers

[p38arover]

Any reason you want to use electrolysis, e.g., parts too big to put in mollasses/water solution?

[Mick_Marsh]

What about using an old plug pack?
There are heaps around from old electronics equipment.
What sort of voltage/current are you needing?

[stealth]

I bought a cheap 240/12 volt converter from eBay, ($20) Works just fine.
Electrolysis is so much quicker and cleaner than molasses and doesn’t stink.

[DAMINK]

Old computer power supply always works well.

[goingbush]

Just put rusty parts in Hydrochloric Acid + rinse + WD40, cleans them up as good as new.

[AK83]

.... I've heard that some of the newer chargers are too smart and will know they aren't hooked up to a battery.
Cheers

Check the specs carefully on the chargers you're looking into.
Some have a power supply mode and gives a constant 13.8v.

as a quick example(not recommendation!) CTek MXS10 10 amp, has various modes/programs. Normal, AGM, Recond(recondition) and Supply.
The Supply mode here outputs 13.6v continuous. It says use for power supply or float maintenance when 100% capacity of the battery is required, so you could use that mode to achieve electrolysis.

Doesn't vary current in this mode, so assume it will output 10A continuously
I've used PS mode to run a fridge at home, no worries.

So if you have a smart charger, or are looking into getting one, just check the device to see if it has 'Supply' or similar as one of the selectable modes.

[Kimsl70]

G'day all,
Thanks for all the responses, I'm going with electrolysis for a couple of reasons, not as messy as the molasses (but I'm going to look into that more) and its something I want to learn. Thanks a lot re: looking at specs and some of the brands that work. Given the information that you blokes have provided I'll do some more homework. Thanks again, I really appreciate it.
Cheers

[POD]

I set up an electrolysis bath a few months ago for some tractor parts. Works in hours rather than months as with molasses. I used a very basic old battery charger that I no longer use after buying a modern one. Worked a treat. I reckon you'd pick up an old charger for pennies from a garage sale, flea market etc.

[DAMINK]

I have done loads of electrolysis.
Computer supply is great but laptop supply or any supply like that. Anything that drops the 240 down to around 12-24 volts will work.
Very simple and reliable method. I have had baths setup for months at a time. Used it as a hand wash as well as parts cleaner.

I guess you could even use a really small charger that drops to 12 volts but really low amps and that will still work, just take longer.

[Aaron IIA]

Have have used an old copper core stick arc welder. It was a heavy unit on two wheels at the back, about a cubic foot in size. I rectified it using two 45 amp bridge rectifiers in parallel, mounted on a heatsink. We set the welder at the minimum current setting and let it run. Monitor all parts for overheating. We bought the sodium bicarbonate in a 20kg sack. Be aware of hexavalent chromium. Watch Erin Brokovich if you want to learn about that.

Aaron

[DAMINK]

Be aware of hexavalent chromium..

Aaron

Thats why i stopped doing it actually mate. Was hitting a heap of parts and worked out later there was chrome in there. Had my hands in there many times.
Gave me the heebee jeebees. Turned it off and went back to the old school method. Hard work.

[Zcoota]

I've been using white vinegar, overnight soak or a couple of days with heavy rust and an occasional agitation. It seems to do the trick. You can even dip you chips in it while you wait for it to work [biggrin]

[DAMINK]

I've been using white vinegar, overnight soak or a couple of days with heavy rust and an occasional agitation. It seems to do the trick. You can even dip you chips in it while you wait for it to work [biggrin]

I like your thinking. Get some greasies in ya and cover all the needed heavy metals at the same time.

Yikes lol.