Rusty Parts Cleaner From Old Cement Mixer

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hi Jon! Fantastic results! Can’t wait to see the hoist video! Chain is always hard to clean. 😃👍

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right On! 🙌 Thanks John! This worked out great! Chain is tough. This got into all the little nooks and crannies.

[@heliarche]

I'm out in the boonies. We had a recycler not too awful far so we'd save up glass and make it worth the trip. The recycler went belly up. I dragged an old cement mixer out of the woods and got it working. I threw all my glass in there with some old rusty hammerheads and railroad spikes. Cleaned all the old concrete from the mixer, reduces the glass to nice round pebbles and yea really works great to remove rust. Anymore if I have something like your chain I'll throw it in with a bunch of glass and let it roll all day. I don't have a lid for mine but mine will angle back. I put in about half a gallon of water to keep the dust down. After it's all said and done I have rust free parts and some attractive landscaping material. Still works for concrete too!

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right On! 🙌 I’m sure that glass does a great job. Would definitely want some water in there with the glass dust. Probably some cool looking pieces of beach glass at the end! My grandparents uses to restore old antique furniture and they would use broken pieces of glass to scrape down the wood and remove the finish. Different shapes for different areas. Pretty cool. Thanks for your comment!

[@heliarche]

@@RightOnJonCrane It really does work nicely. Only catch is the glass has to be broken up somehow. The mixer I have will do six bags at once so there's plenty of room for hammer heads and whatever else to drop and break the glass as it runs. I can throw in whole bottles, gallon pickle jars, even small CRT televisions and monitor tubes and it'll chew it all up. A lid is definitely advisable with this and I want to make one. Your design looks like a winner so thanks for that! Even with the water keeping the dust down it still wants to throw flakes of glass out as it runs and they get everywhere. If you can get around all that though, save up your jars and bottles. This is a good way to directly recycle by yourself and for sure the glass that comes out after a while really does look neat!

[@jdouglas4564]

Wow, I have the exact same cement mixer that I inherited from my father. I have never seen another one in my life. Thanks for the great idea.

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right On! 🙌 That’s cool. I always thought it was some homemade type of mixer as well. The one I’ve got here is made by Sears and Roebuck! It’s a good stout machine!

[@rawbacon]

20 years or so ago I got a rock tumbler and put sand in it to clean up a ton of antique bolts, nuts & washers I had been given. Since they had threads I didn't want to use anything more abrasive than just dry sand which worked great. My Dad had an old cement mixer and back then I told him it should make a good tumbler for larger stuff................I would think maybe bust up some old cinder blocks for some aggressive media might be worth a try and also might try mounting something like a 5 gallon plastic bucket inside that mixer to quiet it down.

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right! I keep thinking about beach glass on the beach getting sanded down! It works for sure. Right On Raw 🥓 ! 🙌 I like to hear that it’s a time tested method.

[@805ROADKING]

Jon Crane, thinkin' outta the box!! Brilliant Mate!! I'd try Play Sand or Contractor Sand, save a couple hundred dollars and work just as well!!☻

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right On! 🙌Thanks Roadking! I know you are always working with parts that could use a tumble. I thought you might appreciate this thing!

[@greggarnham8497]

I find kitty litter good for fine abrasive parts cleaning. Removes plasma cutting dross too.

[@waynespyker5731]

They are good to tumble ratch straped vintage car and tractor gas tanks. A friend and his father took a Saturday afternoon to tumble his '30 Model A cowl tank by each at an end alternating raising, rotating, lowering! A plastic drum is an excellent suggestion, either style pad the opening well.

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right On! 🙌 Model A! That’s cool. I’ve always wanted to work on one of those old cars. That tank was probably pretty stout!

[@tonylenge424]

Now that was thinking out of the box!

[@jeffreyswisher6534]

6:42 broken link in chain, left side of screen, good idea

[@RightOnJonCrane]

You have a good eye! 👁️ Nice catch. I’ll have to go look in the shop and see. Right On! 🙌

[@bryanhoward1587]

That would be the link to connect the ends of the chain for the hand chain

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Well done Jon, worked great. Black Beauty is a great product. I will loose it sharp edge and loose it effectiveness. Most of the time it is used as blasting media, like for ships hulls and pipelines. The size and shape of the media can really matter depending on the item being cleaned. I will depend if the media can get into the small nooks and crannys. Things to consider when selecting media. The chain came out great, right on Jon.

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right On Randy! 🙌 Thanks! I know you’ve got that nice blasting cabinet in your shop. That’s a nice tool to have. I’ll have to try some different blast media. This is working pretty good but will be good to experiment. I like that this tumbler is working on the parts while I’m doing something else. 😄

[@custos3249]

Evapo-rust does "go bad" after a while, by which I mean one of the active ingredients gets used up. Generally when it's dark brown/black, it's spent. You can rejuvenate it from what I've heard after filtering it, but I can't recall if it's the phosphating agent, sulphating agent, or both you have to add back in. The chelating component that does all the work doesn't actually get used up. For the cost of a new 5 gallon bucket, seems well worth poking around.

[@RightOnJonCrane]

I think that is the case here! Mine is all black and used to work great. Must be shot. I’ll have to get a new batch going. I think the combination of the evaporust and the mixer with the sanding media would be good. Seems that the evaporust turns the parts black and I end up putting them on the wire wheel to bring back a nice shine ✨

[@joeheilm]

CB at NBS Welding uses cut nails as the media in his cement mixer. There is a state park near me with a 10 mile sand road, I recently drug a rusty chain behind the truck. It worked okay, but not nearly as nice as yours turned out. The hoist and the cement mixer are super interesting to me....can't wait to see more. Cheers

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right On Joe! 🙌 Thats cool you tried out the sand road chain cleaner! Florida is surely a good place for that. Cut nails sounds good. I saw another guy who used sheet rock screws. I’m hoping to have the hoist video out on next Saturday. Cheers 🍻

[@ddblairco]

thanks Jon

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right On! 🙌

[@836dmar]

I think I’ve seen water added for some lubrication. Might keep the dust down and make the media last longer? Good stuff!

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right On! 🙌 Yeah I’ll have to experiment. I’m really liking the results!

[@Shawn_the_Protogen]

Not sure water would be best result just because of corrosion. Maybe a thin oil.

[@WApnj]

How about just the tumbling media and some used transmission fluid.

[@spektrum426]

Water dampens the sound on the vibratory tumbler

[@andyc972]

Thanks John, great idea and great result, I'd really like to see how it worked with just sharp sand and maybe.a little water to damp down the dust, economic but maybe less effective ?

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right! I’ve been thinking about the water?! It surely works on the beach, wearing down and polishing beach glass. Is it less effective than dry sand? Less friction? For sure better for the dust and keeping the lungs clean and safe! Might be the way to go.

[@CalPil0t]

Video is of my using fine gravel leftover from winter road treatment that accumulates in low spots alongside the road. Laboratory test tube shaker agitates and does a great job cleaning out the rust.

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Oh cool I’ll check that video out! Tube shaker, that’s a good idea!

[@beerdrinker6452]

Nice video. Send the cement mixer to ScoutCrafter for restoration.

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Ha! Scouton Crafter is the best! He would have it all polished up and looking deluxe. Maybe Scout Crafter red! 🔴

[@VinceEspositoJr]

Any ideas for treating the chain to resist rusting, or is the nature of the beast?

[@RightOnJonCrane]

I think it’s a coating of oil or to hit it with some paint. A clear coat or colored. CRC does make a Zinc spray paint called Zinc It. It might be interesting to try. www.amazon.com/dp/B000BKIH7M/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_BNPPRZXS74Z0DBMFR4TF?linkCode=ml2&tag=rightonwithjo-20

[@ChrisLoganToronto]

Great idea with the cement mixer. My thoughts on a plastic barreled mixer would be it would wear out faster than the old steel one. But it needs to be tested to find out. Also your evapo-rust looked pretty black, it seems to lose it's effectiveness after a few uses. Might be more economical to buy new Evapo-rust. Great idea overall though, thanks

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Chris! I think you’re exactly right! This evaporust I have used to work great. It must have bit the dust! Not doing much anymore! Time for a new batch.

[@WeberMachineWorks]

Don't use a plastic one,tons of microplastic particles will be produced in the process. Keep the metal one going.

[@57WillysCJ]

I think sand and or pea gravel would do the job. We use to find a gravel road, hook the chain behind the truck and drag it down the road. It cleaned it pretty fast although you ended up with sand and dirt to blow out before hanging it up.

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right On! 🙌 I think that would work! I’ve heard of the chain behind the truck deal but have never tried it. Seems like a good farmer trick!

[@setdown2]

Whatever happened to the airstream...did I miss it or did you not film to the end...also if I'm not mistaken on rock tumblers don't they add water to the media..?? If that mix polishes stones maybe adding H2O is worth a try...you may be on to something new for rust removing...🖖

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right On! 🙌 Yeah this is pretty sweet. I’m liking the results! Yeah the I wanted to finish the Airstream but the owner decided to work on it himself! I only got so far on that.

[@cwthemachinist]

Try adding a couple gallons of water with a large amount of fish soap in it. It will eliminate the dust and it cleans the parts as it runs. Also brings all of the debris down to the bottom of the barrel.

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right On! 🙌 I will have to try it with the water. I wonder if it reduces the friction? Fish soap? Now I have to look that up! What is fish soap? 🐠 🧼

[@cwthemachinist]

@RightOnJonCrane hahaha, autocorrect! Dish soap😆. It might reduce friction, though. It will lower the surface tension of the water which might actually help with cleaning.

[@RightOnJonCrane]

@@cwthemachinist Ahhh!! Ha! Okay dish soap! I was thinking, is this some soap to remove fish smell? 👃 🐠😄😂

[@cwthemachinist]

@RightOnJonCrane funny! 😆😆 That's a great idea, though. Using that old mixer as a tumbler.

[@craigb8145]

try a bag of play sand and a bag of pea gravel tumble for about 7 hours to get the ultimate finish. Or try a mix of crushed walnut shells glass slag.

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right On! 🙌 All of those sound good. I will experiment! Thanks

[@Boscovius]

Coat the outside of the drum with truck bed liner for sound deadening.

[@RightOnJonCrane]

I like that! That’s a really good idea! 🙌

[@JustinMiales]

There's heavier tumbling media you can buy for that

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right! I know! I need the bulk shipment of it!

[@ponkkaa]

Home depot sells media and Amazon sells it by the pallet.

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right On! 🙌 I will take a look! Thanks for the tip!

[@tomdale1313]

thxs for sharing...say hi to the Kat

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right On! 🙌Thanks Tom! The Lat says Meow!! 😸

[@palmlimit9297]

It’s a common practice to use small shale/driveway stone rock to clean out the inside of a gas tank. 🤷‍♂️ might work definitely cheaper.

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right On! 🙌 Seems like that would work pretty good. Shake can be nice and sharp!

[@katelights]

wonder if it would be better with some water in it? it would certainly keep the dust down.

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right On Kate! 🙌 I will try the water. I wonder if it reduces the friction and the sanding? Would be good for the dust.

[@katelights]

@@RightOnJonCrane people use water in rock tumblers, so...

[@scroungasworkshop4663]

You will end up with flash rusting if using water.

[@katelights]

@@scroungasworkshop4663 depends what you do after.

[@scroungasworkshop4663]

@@katelights Hello Kate, I do a lot of soaking parts in vinegar to remove rust and they come out pristine but when I remove the parts from the vinegar and rinse them in clean water, by the time they’re dry they already have flash rust on them. I now have a solution I add to the rinse water that stops the flash rust. Cheers.

[@lolatmyage]

sand or granite gravel should work adequately When you use a cement mixer, eventually the inside is shiny bare metal, all you need is something abrasive. I guess these special medias just work better

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right! I saw someone on KZbin who was using Sheetrock screws for the media. Seems like it would work good!

[@beerdrinker6452]

Put a large propane grill cover over the mixer if you leave it outside. Just sayin.

[@RightOnJonCrane]

That’s is a prefect thing to cover it with! Right On! 🙌Thanks! I look around and see if I can find one. I was thinking of sewing a cover but I’ll look first for the grill cover. Right now I clamped a small harbor freight tarp to it.

[@theironscorpion2128]

You should check out Beyond Ballistics video on home made (Better than Evapo rust) rust remover.

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right On! 🙌Thanks! I will definitely check out this recipe! Sounds like a few people here in the comments are using that! Must be good!

[@theironscorpion2128]

@@RightOnJonCrane Please let us know how it turns out.

[@RightOnJonCrane]

@@theironscorpion2128 yes! I will!

[@theironscorpion2128]

@@RightOnJonCrane Thank you.

[@D-B-Cooper]

Just drag the chain behind your car for a few days and it will be nice and shiny.

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right On! 🙌 I like this! I grew up in farm country. Mostly corn and soybeans. Makes me think about dragging it down those old farming roads.

[@JustinMiales]

BB's for media

[@RightOnJonCrane]

I need to find an old BB gun range! That would probably work good!

[@armageddonready4071]

Interesting, I posted my “washing machine” weeks ago. This is why I haven’t posted any other ideas. To many idea snatchers out there.

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right On! 🙌 Did you make a tumbler out of a washing machine. That sounds like a pretty good idea. I will have to check out your video.

[@jdfleo8140]

A bucket of nuts and bolts is also a good way to clean that crusty mixer.

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right On! 🙌 I did see another guy who had his half full of sheet rock screws. Seems good too. Old bolts sounds good. I’m sure each type of media would give a different finish. Thanks for the tip!

[@JonesyMcDanes]

For rust a good method is: 1 liter of water, 100 grams of citric acid, 40 grams of washing soda / 63 grams of baking soda / 30 grams of caustic soda. Leave rusted items in for 30 minutes(more or less depending on the level of rust) then wash with water and dry. Cheaper, faster, quieter. Source of recipe is backyard ballistics

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right On! 🙌 A few people have commented that I should try the Ballistic recipe! I will definitely check it out and experiment. 63 grams?! 🙌😃⚡️💥

[@JustinMiales]

Some pea gravel

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Yes! That seems good!

[@integr8er66]

Just put a trash bag over it and a bungee cord

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right On! 🙌 That’s a good idea! I do have some big rubber bands

[@internet_internet]

Add water, citric acid, and baking soda. Thank me later.

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Right On! 🙌 Thanks Internet! 🛜