Electrolysis Tank

[DukeOBass]

I put an electrolysis tank together this evening to clean up some heavily encrusted beach found coins.

I burned up the first transformer. I guess I'll have to watch the heat up on those closely.

I had read that the coin end - negative should fizz. Both my spoon and the coin are fizzing. Does this indicate that spacing is too close?

 

[thinkin2]

What kind of container are you using? Glass, or some other non conductive material I hope. Why don't you get a tumbler because they work very well for cleaning up beach corroded coins and can do quite a few at one time. The tumbler I have has two barrels and works great. I clean em up, roll em and take em to the bank. Amazing how much you can find in a year. Electrolysis is good for cleaning certain items of value though. I used to use the method you are describing to clean up old Civil War buttons when they were in really bad shape. Was always careful not to over clean though.
Jerry

 

[DukeOBass]

Thanks Jerry. I was wanting to get a tumbler but can't afford one right now.

 

[thinkin2]

Well, keep cleaning those coins and taking them to the bank and before long you'll have enough to buy one. That's what I like about this hobby. Lots of things pay for themselves.
Jerry

 

[DukeOBass]

Well, I just ordered an Excalibur 1000 today. I'm hoping that I find a bunch of good jewelry in the surf.

We live Central PA and are planning trips to the beach.

Our family doctor just told my wife of a Rolodex that was lost in the local river 2 weeks ago by another doctor's wife who was water skiing. There's a reward for it. I'm going to have to make the 15 minute trip to the spot to see how clear and how deep the water is. I expect the detector will be here by the end of the week.

 

[DREAD PIRATE RACKHAM - aka-vbmax]

http://gometaldetecting.com/electrolysis_cleaning.htm

 

[DukeOBass]

Thanks for the link. My issue: The spoon and the coin Fizz. What's up with that?

 

[DREAD PIRATE RACKHAM - aka-vbmax]

n/t

 

[DukeOBass]

I look more closely.

 

[Martin(Qc)]

Let's revise the steps you are taking...

1- you use a low voltage machine (6 to 12 volts DC current) but if amp is higher, it perfect. Check

2- you use a non conductive container ? Check

3- You use warm water to witch you add a few tablespoon of salt or lemon juice or other products to improve conductivity ? Check

I remember that we did managed to make both ends fizzle on science class. One of the electrode produce oxigen and the other Hydrogen... my guess would be the water conductivity... double check this web site. It might help!

http://gometaldetecting.com/electrolysis_cleaning.htm

 

[DukeOBass]

Hi Martin. Thanks for writing.

1) I'm using 12 volts at 1 amp. One wire on the transformer has a white stripe on it. I've always heard that means that wire is the positive side. I connected that to the spoon.

2) I'm using a plastic container.

3) I used warm water and a heaping tablespoon of Baking Soda.

I did notice the finish is coming off the spoon and the negative alligator clip that is connected to the penny turned black.