I have been using the method of using a solution of arm and hammer super washing soda and
using 12 volt 10 amp battery charger to successfully remove rust from old tools and license plates for restoration.
my question is what electrical device can I buy reasonable cost to increase the rate of rust removal?
I was looking on eBay for old model train transformers but don't know if they put out more power than a battery charger.
A DC welder will work faster. It can also be used for zapping mag magnets and of course you can weld with it too. Three birds for the price of one.
Jim
24 or 36 volt battery charger works very well. Scott
Electrolysis is about the only good use for a non-automatic battery charger.
Rick,
in my neck of the woods, my automatic charger stops working when it gets below zero outside, but my old one works to at least 35 below.
A Manual battery charger is about the best bang for your buck.Just stay away from the Harbor Frieght 1's.I use a Schumacher 2-6 amp 1 at about 4 amps when I do rust removal.
Train transformers wont put out enough to be a improvement for you.
Thats a Lionel KW AC transformer now selling for about $70 used. You will have to add a large full wave rectifier to get the DC you need to clean your parts. The cheapest 10 amp charger will cost half as much. I've been using one now for about 10 years and still no problems.
Remember that chargers with polarity protection
will not work unless the charger has an over ride switch
(or you put a battery in the circuit).
My advice, William: move your automatic charger to where it isn't suffering in 35 below.
You could do the same for yourself.
One of the best things I ever bought for battery charging was a 1amp unregulated Schumacher. I liked it so much I know have 3 of them (different locations). Best thing I have found for recovering a sulphated battery with little risk of "boiling" it dry if you forget for a few days. It works a -40 and will bring a battery up over night
DC power supplies are on EBay most of the time, for less than that L transformer (which puts out AC anyways.
Thank you Mr. Bell. I have a modern day charger with the polarity protection. Once I wired a 12 volt battery in parallel with the rusted parts, I went from less than 1 amp output to 7 amps! problem solved.
Evaporust is easier than electrolysis and it's much faster. It doesen't harm the base metal.
It costs about $20.00 to $30.00 per gallon.
It's the easiest rust removal that I have ever used.