Electrolysis - Is This A Possibility

[alsparl]

I was browsing local CL adds due to a child that is wide awake (he's on my lap) and came across these acrylic fish tanks. My first thought was these could easily house an entire frame or deck using the electrolysis method. I am in no manner able to acquire them nor do I have the room to keep them, but wanted to throw them on here to see what you all think. If nothing else, maybe someone could grab them if to use.

http://bn.craigslist.org/grd/4535133599.html

Another option I have found works for a tank is a 20 gallon "Shop Vac" with a electric motor that does not run. Remove the head and motor (save cord) and you have a large capacity tank on rollers, with a drain, and a cover.

Fortunately, the dealership I used to work at saves me the combine grain tank fill auger sheeting that they take out and replace. Cut the ends off where they are bolted together and they slide real nice down inside a 5 gallon pale. Flatten them out a bit and they line the Shop Vac real nice as well.

Just showing a few different options but interested in opinions on the acrylic tanks for knowledge only, not personal purchase.

[Sugarmaker]

Good suggestion.
The fish tanks would work. it looks like they are connected and would hold a lot of water? I just salvaged a 36 inch square fiberglass tub about 24 inches deep. Had to do some repairs to hold water, put 12 plates around the inside. Wired to a old battery and new HF battery charger. Doing large tractor parts, (fenders and stuff for Allis WD projects).
Regards,
Chris

[PaulS]

Having a bit of experience with the process I would say those tanks would work. I did make a vat long enough and deep enough to do a frame on our 102. I just used 2x10s. I built a box long enough, wide enough and deep enough for the frame and lined it with some visquine plastic. It worked quite well but had to be really careful not to poke a hole in the plastic. I actually set the frame on a piece of plywood to keep that from happening. Of course it can be used for smaller parts too. A plastic 5 gal bucket can be set up easily for the process as well as a plastic garbage can. Not too much need to be real careful about leaks as the stuff I use, washing soda, is biodegradeable, and the water can be used many times. The electrolysis process works very well but is slow but still beats the mess of sand blasting or wire wheeling and requires only minimal elbow grease.

[J-Mech]

You guys doing this should put a cover over the vat and harness the hydrogen gas and feed your furnace or something.

[Steve149]

I am curious as to how long it takes to do an entire frame this way??? I have seen this process work well in restoring small parts and such, but never mention of how long the process actually takes.

[EarlJ]

When I built my tank, I framed it with 2x4s, lined it with a fairly heavy tarp I had lying around then got a piece of pond liner from the garden section in lowes. It works perfect. My only complaint is I should have made it wider, deeper and longer. But I can put an entire 1x6 frame in. I dropped every single piece of my 126 in it.

As for time it takes, you can do a quick dip in about 12 hours. With this crazy hard ih paint I let it sit for several days. It doesn't remove it all, but does make it softer thus easier to remove with the wire wheel and sander.

[Steve149]

Once again I am amazed at such a simple process. As you can see in the first picture the subframe for the plow was in less than perfect condition.


Pic 2 was after 24 hours...


And the finished product...I am impressed!!!!!



The springs and other small parts are in the bath now.

[j4c11]

I am sure everyone already knows this, but in the interest of safety, do not use stainless steel anodes. They release VERY TOXIC chemicals into the water when subjected to electrolysis. I believe galvanized metals are also an issue. Always use plain steel anodes.