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Has anyone made an electrolysis machine?
Djevel  
Posted : Monday, 16 September 2013 12:18:59 PM(UTC)
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I saw some videos on youtube on how to make an electrolysis machine from a phone charger, alligator clips and a spoon, seemed to get old rusty coins to near new condition in under 30 mins, and all they had was lemon juice and salt in the water.

Has anyone tried making one of these, if so how did it go?

I might go get some clips and give it a try.
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l0gic  
Posted : Monday, 16 September 2013 1:54:47 PM(UTC)
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Did you watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FNUjFYY-cU

I just saw that the other day and after I finished laughing I thought I should give it a shot on some coins.. Haven't gotten around to it yet (I need clips too) but I plan on doing it when I can.
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Shilo  
Posted : Monday, 16 September 2013 1:57:25 PM(UTC)
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Yup, I've made a couple and swear by them. 1st one was with a phone charger but found it under powered and not the best. Mark 2 was a 12 Amp Regulated Power Supply that I had stashed away (Jaycar sell them), this one worked extremely well and even the worse coins or rings only need a 5 min zap with it.

Somethings to be aware off:

1. Don't use salt or lemon juice. The lemon is a corrosive acid that will remain eating away the item afterwards and the salt under electrolysis gives off a dangerous gas. Instead simple Washing Soda is safe and works just as well.

2. The spoon or electrode has to be stainless steel. Anything else apart from carbon rods (like in the middle of those old fashioned 6v batteries) will disappear before your eyes. Even stainless only lasts so long.

3. What ever you do don't let the item touch the electrode - BANG.

4. After zapping give the item a rub down with damp bicarb of soda. This will neutralise the process.

5. Silver, gold etc are ok being zapped but don't try it on bronze (pennies, tokens etc) nor use any acid cleaning them. There is a type of corrosion called "Bronze Disease" that any contact with acid or electrolysis can bring it on and its impossible to get rid off unless its soaked in distilled water for months or in a very finely ground mix of baking soda and washing soda. You will know when an item has it if it gets a fluffy green growth and it will spread to other copper based items it is in touch with.

6. Keep a very close eye on the item whilst being zapped. It should start producing bubbles and discolour the water when its working, but after only a couple of minutes of this turn of the zapper and take it out to check. Left to long and the item will start to pit and dissolve away. 30min even with an under powered phone charger is way to long! Any discolouration that remains after a few minutes can be easily wiped away with a nylon dish cloth and baking soda rub, don't leave the electrolysis to take it all off as it has already been loosened after a few minutes.
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Guardian  
Posted : Monday, 16 September 2013 3:09:08 PM(UTC)
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A 12v car battery charger works well, most can handle a few accidental shorts as well.
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andy  
Posted : Monday, 16 September 2013 4:16:31 PM(UTC)
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yep i use electrolysis also works great!not so great on pennys tho!
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NUGGY  
Posted : Monday, 16 September 2013 6:41:05 PM(UTC)
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Look at soaking rusty items in 10 parts warm water to 1 part molasses. Lot of videos on you tube on this, could work on coins too, seems low impact. Mate said it made awesome job of some rusty tools he has. NUGGY
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Djevel  
Posted : Monday, 16 September 2013 7:17:29 PM(UTC)
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Hey Guardian

I actually had a 12v car battery charger sitting on the kitchen bench, gave it a try and it works amazingly, going to have a good clean up session in next few days using it.
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Guardian  
Posted : Monday, 16 September 2013 9:14:04 PM(UTC)
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Cool, a good suggestion is resist the temptation of using the clips of the charger to hold your work, just use them to make an extension.
I got impatient and lets just say there wasn't much left of my clips last time I went to charge my car battery. *8^)
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foss391  
Posted : Wednesday, 18 September 2013 11:02:14 AM(UTC)
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Been having a play, works a treat,
I use a car jumpstarter with a couple of wire extension and alligator clips, went to jcar and bought two alligator clips and a metro of wire, under $5.


i have tried warm water, warm water with a drop or two of dishwashing liquid.
Its amazing how much crap comes off coins that look clean.

Edited by user Wednesday, 18 September 2013 11:10:46 AM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

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