Electrolysis : Preserving Iron Relics

[@aquachigger]

In this video, I explain and demonstrate one method of preserving iron relics. I hope you enjoy the video. Please leave a comment and any questions you may have. Thanks for watching! Follow the Chigg’s Army! My Patreon: www.patreon.com/aquachigger Instagram: instagram.com/aquachigger/ Facebook: facebook.com/chiggsarmy/

[@bearschmidt3180]

I really enjoyed this informative video. Thanks Chigg for giving us these extremely fun and informative videos. Stay safe and good finding.

[@robwilliams287]

thanks! was just thinking of looking into how this works the other day.

[@keepdigginmetaldetecting]

Thanks, Chigg LL

[@AnotherMN_Fan]

Thanks for continuing my education, Beau. Hope I'm never too old to learn.

[@aquachigger]

Glad to hear you enjoyed the video and thanks for your donation!

[@SandyWolf-]

Your never to old to learn!😊

[@generaldisarray4146]

I love these videos where you show us stuff. Keep it up, Chigg.

[@timhawkins543]

I really like your instructional videos , so much knowledge that most detectorists will not share

[@Manticore2024]

Fascinating procedure, now when I see these relics in museums, I’ll have a better appreciation for what it took to make them look like that.

[@jerrydwyer9057]

I enjoy sharing in many of your passions and hearing it in your voice. No need to shorten.

[@greghomestead8366]

I/ we would love a updated relic room tour. Thanks in advance

[@GreenNoDeal]

Came here for the same thing lol

[@markg4561]

Having been in this hobby for only 3 years, I have learned electrolysis is the gold standard versus using chemicals to clean iron relics. It has been a process and I keep getting better at this process thanks to people like you. Then the hot wax process next. By the way we would love to have you speak at the SMRCC club if you can

[@DirtHoleFarmer]

I used the crap out of my electrolysis tank. Great for cast iron skillets, too! Thanks, Chig!

[@squirrelorama]

I'm liking this Professor Chigg series! 👏

[@coindigger5392]

Wow, so much information and a learning experience.. only the Chigg can do in plain easy understandable way.. Great full for his love of relic and history shared..

[@Gaming.with.Benjamin]

Would love to see your collection!!

[@ashleeaustin358]

This was fascinating! I feel like the video length was just right for the amount of information you were giving. Whenever you feel the teaching itch then drop a video because i really love the knowledge i get from your channel. 😊👍

[@kevinwhitehead6076]

Amazing content! And your humble and straightforward presentation only makes it better!

[@MrBobguy3]

Great video I’ve been searching garage sales and estate sales for an old charger for a couple years now. I have a couple more modern ones and I found that if you run them through a battery it’ll usually work.

[@jaywinters2483]

One of the many things I like about Chigg is he teaches me so much. My former pastor use to say: "Every man knows something I don't. I must probe till I find it; hence, all men are my teachers". Love to learn. We can learn a lot from guys like Beau. Notice how the bayonet is 3 sided? Geneva Convention outlawed them in warfare. It's too hard for surgeons to stich up wounds from 3 sided blades. You get stabbed with that & you're done. Another great video from Chigg.

[@JoeCangelosi-e3r]

Chigg youre a brave soul on so many levels ! Thanks for all your highjinx !

[@electroncraz91]

Better than a battery charger is just a simple lab power supply. Can set the voltage and the current for all kinds of various conditions.

[@MrBottlecapBill]

Yup. I bought one on amazon really cheap The best part I find is it will also self regulate the voltage as conductivity improves or falls in the tank over time. Works great.

[@aquachigger]

@electroncraz91. I'm old school...lol. I didn't know about them. I'll have one for my next video. Thanks

[@electroncraz91]

@@aquachigger They typically do 3-5 amps, some 10A, but they're pretty "dumb", not like the "smart" chargers.. yes, you can set it in constant current limit as well! Thanks for the reply! been watching since 2012!

[@TomFromMN]

All your videos are educational, Professor. Thanks as always for sharing.

[@cdd4248]

I didn't think the video was long at all & I would love to see some more restorations!

[@threewheeler624]

Thank you for a good video. Very interesting. Have a great week.

[@ericfairchild5431]

I've started using a steel can as my sacrifice. Easy to find, good surface area, and throw in the recycling when im done. Thanks for the video!

[@stevebroadway3713]

Thanks for the info. I liked how you showed the results of electrolysis compared to the other objects that were not done.

[@kendallrush1868]

Do more !!! Very interesting just that there seems like a good hobby to get me into detecting thanks for sharing !

[@DavidDavis-fishing]

Gooood evening from central Florida! Hope everyone has a great night!

[@aquachigger]

You too.

[@jabeachdates853]

I find watching your electrolysis videos very relaxing.

[@jimthompson9992]

Way, way, WAY back in the day we used Red Devil lye in water, put the iron relic in that completely covered and put an old zinc canning lid on top and walk away for a few days. As the lye dissolved the lid it popped the rust off the iron. This was back in the 60's, 70's and early 80's.

[@aquachigger]

I've done that back in the day. I still want to collect the old lids I find although I'll never do that process again.

[@JimWatsonTheframingMagician]

I've used this method to clean many antique carpenter planes. Never use a wire wheel for obvious reasons..use a grey scotchbrite pad instead. It will remove the rust and not damage the delicate Japaning AKA PAINT.

[@TheJoeyboots]

Chig you should really publish a book about Civil War relics. Your knowledge and collection is so comprehensive. You are really taking the history to a new level. Outstanding! 👏

[@terrencebuller7676]

Thanks for the lesson on electrolysis. Take care 👍

[@rickyb2200]

Thanks Chigg,

[@heden1460]

For me, it would be interesting to see more of that. Who knows what could be discovered when something is cleaned up.

[@robertlund5905]

Great video. Love the artifacts you find I lived near a Tongva village as a child. My brother and I found a matate and tons of clam shells.

[@blkjckgtr3075]

Very cool Chigg thanks for sharing,Happy Mother's day hope the kitties are doing well,Cheers!

[@markasof]

Perfect explanation! Love all that you do!

[@router5840]

Another interesting video.

[@Chris-CardVault]

Chigg, always an interesting ride, watching your videos! Been a subscriber, for 8 years! Entertainment! At its best!! Thank you!! Much appreciated!!

[@richardklapka5147]

Great video Chig! I really like how you teach us how to preserve these most awesome artifacts! Rk.

[@MeezerGurlMakes]

This was so interesting! I think we did this in high school science. Thanks and I would watch more!!!

[@joeylandry4933]

Great video! You can’t rush quality work 🙂👍

[@RickRahrig]

Thanks for the information on cleaning up relics and preserving them. JB Weld has been my go to for many years. I have used it for many years.

[@craigroberts3982]

I've used this method a few times myself and an older battery charger is the best. Arm and hammer soap works good to help the process. Evaporust is another option

[@cgtbrad]

I came here to suggest Evaporust. I've found it to be equally as effective and require MUCH less attention compared to electrolysis and acid methods. It removes ONLY the rust and leaves all the base metal.

[@rogermisner3368]

Nice video. The corroseal method is something new to me. I have been using the paraffin wax method that is on another video of yours. Thanks for the information.

[@jthreeb]

Well done man, they turned out great!

[@harridan.]

wonderful video! i have to frequently charge the battery in the rv in which i live. (transmission died, can't drive it) i have found that a great way to create a good connection with charger cables. first, i cut the lousy clamps off and strip the insulation back a bit. then i use vice grips for an excellent connection of wire to battery. if i were going to attach a wire to an artifact, i would find a way to make a gentle connection, which is easily facilitated with the adjustable grip offered by vice grips. then wrap the jaws with foil or place a plate like a coin between jaw and artifact, etc

[@allenscarborough3484]

Excellent video, Chigg! Setting mine up now.

[@monicawilder9411]

Wow! Very, very interesting! Thank you for showing us this technique! ❤

[@dougsnyder8963]

I learn a lot from you Chigg. Thanks so much for the electrolysis set-up and iron relic resto help. Awesome video!!! 👍

[@iukaboy7790]

Turned out good. Thanks for sharing.

[@johnbrown8059]

Great video! Very informative and interesting.

[@liamk148]

I would pay to walk around that room all the history ❤😊

[@standbarrett755]

Great video Sir! Really enjoy these relic room videos! Thanks for taking us with you!!!

[@davestelling]

I'm going to search your playlist to see if you might have some content on conserving sabres? Recently acquired a "Mansfield & Lamb" light cavalry sword & scabbard, dated 1864 from their Rhode Island munnitions factory. Just neeeds some light rust on the scabbard cleaned up, but haven't found much on what to use to preserve the leather grip, etc. Sure enjoy these episodes where your showing us your admirable collection, thanks!

[@WristwatchMedic1953]

Great information.. Thanks

[@rustymebane8265]

Great video. You have the knowledge of finding & preserving some awesome civil war relics 🫡🇺🇸

[@dougalexander7204]

I like it. Please show us how you preserve other special relics.

[@milestoneroadsongs]

Excellent video

[@48thstateprospecting]

Not to long and not to short juuuust right another killer video from the relic room what a heck of a way to preserve history very cool what would be the value of that bayonet? I know it’s priceless to you and us since we saw you find it but just curious… I say heck yes let’s find a cannon ball I’m ready if you are😬 thanks for sharing see you on the next one👍🏼👊🏼

[@jerryeasler440]

Very Educational , Thank Chigg

[@stackstacksaveuk5350]

very cool conservation work there chig

[@kevincarver9949]

MORE please 😁👍👍👍

[@Digger-rn9yh]

Awesome video!!!

[@SandyWolf-]

I love seeing your collection, referring to back ground, i remember you made a video long time ago showing it! Maybe on one of these hot days you could make a update video of it??

[@BocageTiger]

Great tutorial, Chigg! Thank you for posting!

[@patrickwolf9809]

I used to use some random steel for my sacrificial anode until I learned it deposits dangerous metals, like chromium. Now I get large graphite rods and it's much less messy.

[@barbarafritchie2000]

Thank you. Your videos are just right.

[@JustPlainSteve5372]

Thanks for the detailed, informative tutorial👍

[@bobpiffle1660]

Very interesting! Thank ye, Chiggs!

[@JimWatsonTheframingMagician]

I haven't used this method for years, but I remember it's important to get the correct amount of baking soda (tbs. per gallon of water).

[@Spotted_liver]

Amazing content chigg!

[@dirtclodmetaldetecting]

Awesome video! It looks like something I could actually do.

[@Majormusket]

Great video, Chigg! Have you used corroseal on an artillery shell? Would also love to see a wood preservation tutorial for gunstocks/base cups.

[@LongIslandsHardcoreDetectorist]

The video was just perfect thanks Chigg

[@targetshot2]

Good stuff as always, Chig! Keep diggin!

[@cynthiaswearingen1037]

Very nice instructions, Chigg!❤

[@Uwannawatch]

Excellent video. Chigg! You really cleared up the electrolysis process. Appreciate it. I guess it depends on what relic you have and it's condition whether or not you use the blackening solution. I kinda like both finishes.. I know you use melted paraffin wax but do you also use bees wax? Just wondering your thoughts about if one is better than the other.

[@Foche_T._Schitt]

Rust converters can be a Tannic or Phosphoric acid of 5 to 10% percent. Some will include a Vinyl something-acrylic-something-latex which leaves a coating which cuts off oxygen but also kind of prevents further conversion of under laying rust. I find it cheaper to buy 85% Phosphoric acid and use it to make 8 gallons of my own rust converter. The acid converts the iron oxide into iron phosphate which is more stable. It takes a few weeks of treatment under cars to convert the rust but it's not permanent, I follow up by applying lanolin based undercoatings every fall.

[@TheMikeTownsend]

Get some brass wire brushes. Much less aggressive on iron than steel wire. Thanks as always for your videos and CONGRATS on the sweet bayonet!

[@cleansweep999]

I like these videos because when your in the field it's sometimes hard to know exactly what's going on for a beginner like me. And what to do with the treasure we find

[@Superstitiousace]

That cannon ball collection is quite impressive 😊

[@aliasfred]

Wait till you see his pyramid of balls out back.

[@dfdigger3820]

Have you ever used a battery carbon rod for the sacraficial metal ? I have found many in the river and thought to use them when I get a electrolosys set up.

[@aquachigger]

I have not, but have heard they work. Been meaning to try one.

[@slimwantedman6694]

Good morning from Southeast South Dakota

[@jamiebrown2703]

Great video chig, :) learned a lot from your tutorial :)

[@williamemerson1799]

If you think of the anode, or sacrificial component as a magnet using the positive side of your power source, it may be easier to remember. I remember someone stating that they used graphite rods claiming they lasted a long time, and they simply wiped them off when done. Available from McMaster. 👍🍺

[@notanotherbottletop9892]

Thanks Chigg... best nugget

[@OnCloud108]

Heck yeah, thanks for the video!

[@TeamLynchBMD]

Thanks Chigg I use my Ugly box for coins and other small items, but I still need a setup like this

[@HankPanky]

I prefer the before for something like this. Electrolysis is good for tools and whatnot.

[@loupanella9632]

I have been wanting to try this but was not sure of which type of battery charger to use. The new ones are mostly automatic was not sure if it will work. Glad I watched this video!

[@vicferrari9380]

I buy the cheapest old transformer battery charger i can from garage sales. 5 bucks all day long! Great video

[@Steven-l1g3k]

YES!!!!!!......Chig could make a video about pumping sewer tanks and ide still watch.

[@jeffblack2014]

I did electrolytes on an old sausage stuffer that was all rusty and crusty.. it turned out looking like new!

[@JustPlainSteve5372]

LOVE seeing your Relic room Chigg. What's it like to have to dust all of that?

[@jmkfromtheuk]

Hi Chig, just a little suggestion for you, RUBBER GLOVES! You can even use the simple larex gloves used by nurses, or marigold kitchen gloves, all provide insulation from mr electric 😂😂

[@rbolo29]

I'm not an expert, but in the mid-90's I used hydrochloric acid[Muriatic] to electroplate with copper. It worked fairly quick.

[@BLURby84]

Cool.

[@debrabrooks6138]

Great information! Thanks for the tips! I have asked my son to build me a electrolysis but he has yet to do so. well he works and lives a town away so I got to bug him more I guess. :) From the shots behind you, your trophy room is huge! Awesome collections! Would love to see all of them. :) I love your wood stove! I grew up with a potbelly and those huge 3 section coal/wood stoves darn sorry forgot name of them, but they sure were great to cook on and heat a place up!. Any updates on your property and bamboo growing and your caves?

[@bigbasil1908]

That battery charger looks like a relic itself. Must be from the 70's at least if not older. And all these decades later its still working good as gold

[@greamespens1460]

Enjoy the look and learn

[@brianranck5601]

Great one! Best video of the process I've seen. Knocked it out of the park as usual dude! Question? Instead of the coroseal step, have u ever used wax to seal the relic? I have used it with success. I've never tried the coroseal.