Electrolysis Tank Basics

[@B30pt87]

Thank you! I looked for videos about this and the first ones I started watching were over 30 minutes long, or started with people either trying to get the pieces to be de-rusted apart for seven minutes, or building a plastic tank and showing every screw-hole they were drilling for every piece of rebar (plus the cutting of all the pieces of rebar)... I am thrilled that I found your video- it was simple, with plenty of examples of everything you talked about, and mostly, right to the point. After watching this video, I set up a tank and took all the rust off of two cast iron pans and a cast iron muffin pan. It worked beautifully. Thank you so much.

[@tommyleddy8728]

Thank you! I’m retired now and have some physical issues and can’t do the things I use to and have been trying to figure out what to do with myself. I think this finding and restoring cast iron, tools whatever may be the ticket. It all started on Reddit. I enjoy camp cooking, just can’t camp anymore. I am also glad to find somebody that ties in the Word.

[@cotteeskid]

I've been using your videos as an instruction manual to restore a neglected camp oven over the weekend. It came out very nice and quite amazing the difference after the electrolysis bath and a scrub after. Although something I noticed was the variance in voltage depending on what I had in the bath and how many anodes I used. I have not seen this mentioned by others either. I discovered this only because I thought I had problems with my charger and so pulled out the volt meter. For the lid, I just turned the piece half way through for each side to be closer to the anode, but for the base I used an anode on both sides and noticed with just one anode, voltage dropped from 12 to 8 volts and with the second anode to just over 6 volts. Maybe because of the size of the item I needed a large drum and so quite a lot of water and therefore conductive material to pass through. Still had lots of bubble activity etc but left it in for longer and also gave a scrub in between for the largest item.

[@daletaylorjr.4786]

Great info. Thank you. I'm trying to convince my wife that I need a shed with an e-tank, lye tank and old oven in it. She isn't fully on board today so I'll be seasoning some CI this evening in the kitchen. lol

[@castironfan9455]

Let us know how that works. I plan to as well.

[@FuriousTortoise]

Like you suggested, the chromium content in SS bothers me enough to avoid it entirely for food grade applications. I’m probably being overly cautious but I’ll stick with my old and warped sacrificial cast iron pan. A little history on the Erin Brockovich trial: PG&E was dumping hexavalent chromium (Cr-6) into their industrial tanks to prevent rust. The issue wasn’t their SS leeching chromium it was the fact they knowingly dumped their contaminated grey water into unlined ponds that seeped into groundwater. I’d like to read a study about how much current it takes to release a significant amount of chromium into a small tank from these SS anodes before I sound alarms. From everything I’ve seen and read it must take more than we typically have access to. All things considered, I’m not yet convinced SS anodes are safe enough to trust with my cookware until I learn more about the process.

[@philyawhomestead5279]

Thanks for the video! I am loving your easy beezy seasoning! I just ordered 2 more tubes!

[@castIroncookware]

Awesome. Thank you.

[@brandonrobertson6327]

​@@castIroncookwareAt what voltage, current/amperage draw you use for the 1/2cup to 5 gals of water do you use? You talk about water evaporation and the washing powder. I was thinking, your amperage may change slightly due to contamination, but you should stay relatively constant to main the right ratio of electrolyte solution. This may use full in determining if voltage or amperage is the helpful for quicker rust removal. Also, do you recommend distilled water or city municipal/country well water? I would think that contamination could cause issues. Finally, do you recommend heating the electrolyte solution of running it at ambient temperatures? Thanks in advance.

[@frankroper3274]

I used Arm and Hammer baking soda and it works fine! I use a battery charger connected to a deep cycle 12V battery so that it reduces the draw on my charger directly.

[@timothyhackett7372]

i use my 210A ac-dc tig welder set to DC arc welding mode for a power supply, as you could imagine, it doesn't exactly burn out

[@jheurtin1120]

Dude NO STAINLESS STEEL!! During the process of electrolysis it breaks down and forms a by-product called hexavalent chromium. If you don't know what that is, just think Aaron Brockovich. Certain metals and chemicals can form hazardous by-products during electrolysis so it's best to just stick to ferrous metals and washing soda only.

[@RustyNail5856]

Great video. thank's for the info.

[@Threedog1963]

I was wondering if rock salt would work as the electrolyte. However, even if it did work, the gas produced would be chlorine. Gonna pass on that one.

[@chevysaregr8]

And salt rusts iron, good idea

[@Sinnbad21]

If you did it in your garage or outdoors and had a fan blowing towards the tank, then any escaping gases would get blown away outside and away from any property of yours. I can’t imagine it would be too much of a problem. You should be okay using a Rock salt or Kosher salt, etc…

[@Literally.the.letter.M]

I made a small one that used steel scouring pads packed into PVC tubes with holes in them as the sacrificial anode. It worked good, it’s really cheap, and PVC protected the anode and cathode from short circuiting.

[@williamtell1477]

Lot of good tips, ty.

[@rahanibacarra5720]

Does it work to strip aluminum with chrome in it?

[@rbnhd1976]

Hey you should make a page on gab please

[@tonyaporter7224]

Have you ever used the electrolysis for a large CS Bell & Co cast iron bell?

[@justinupshaw672]

I dont know how to ask this. How could you do this with sheet steel that wont fit in the bucket or is not removable? I bought a school bus and when removing the ply wood floor i found large areas of surface rust, given mostly contained to about 1 foot spots I was wondering if I could rig an electrolysis tank over the rust and watch it go away. I know there are other methods sanding and chemicals but for larger areas I thought of electrolysis.

[@sassylovesdylan]

We use mule team. Also when using the oven cleaner we use a rubber storage bin. Lay piece on top and cover with tub. Works like the bag but less mess👍🏻

[@bustabass9025]

Great idea! Just got into this cast iron hobby. Used oven cleaner in a bag and what a mess that was! Guess what I'm using next time? Thx!

[@stevendunbar9612]

Another electrolyte alternative is pH-up from Clorox. It is pure sodium carbonate, available in the swimming pool products section of your hardware store, walmart, etc... As an electrical engineer, I would strongly recommend against connecting DC power supplies in parallel to get more power. Depending on how the power supplies are designed/built, this could be catastrophic if one supply backfeeds into the other one if not setup right. If you do use a DC power supply, find one with an output current limit and operate it in current limit mode. To do this, you set the voltage to maximum and then the DC supply will limit the voltage automatically to operate at the current limit set point. The current limit is set with a separate knob. The supplies shown in this video appeared to have a current limit feature, but I don't know for sure. For electrodes, graphite rods work very well, aren't consumed quickly in the process, and won't gunk up the solution, though these are perhaps more practical for a smaller electrolysis rig. You cannot solder to graphite, so you must attach to them with alligator clip leads instead.

[@zetuskid]

Will a 1 or 1 1/2 amp charger work? Like a motorcycle battery charge.

[@weswalker1208]

I am passing this video along to my brother who is cleaning Automotive Parts via electrolysis. When he sees this it's surprisingly will be what I told him but it is so much better to see it in pictures. We both say the same words lawn mower blade rebar I said bed frame also. One difference is I popped my bubbles on purpose with a large lighter. It was about 2 in of foam and I got quite a crack. Since I did this there will be no surprises and I was no longer afraid of hydrogen in the garage. I use stainless steel serving platters from resale shops and estate sales sence I was there anyway looking for C.I. at just a few bucks each. I can clean them with a toilet brush in the tank in minns. What a great video .thank you

[@kennethgalland6829]

I get the reason why you would want to use a steel tank (stainless or otherwise) as your anode, its convienent. However, keep in mind what that is. Its a sacrificial anode, emphasis on sacrificial. Your anode (the tank holding your elecrolyte) will erode material onto your cathode (pan or other target metal) hence the term "Sacrifical". The tank will eventually literally dissolve. In the end, thats a pretty exspensive way to go. Not to mention the possibility of creating toxic gases and toxic liquids as a by product of using stainless steel as the anode.

[@DavidPortera]

I’m not quite getting the great boil you have in the video. I’m only at 4.3amps and i can’t adjust it any more. I’m using the same dc power supply which is supposed to get 10 amps- I think it’s a shitty supply.

[@jasonwojie120]

Thank you this is the best video I've seen

[@duanehovenga2965]

Very informative video. Thank you and god bless...

[@AXNJXN1]

Steven, could you please share a link to where you purchased the hexavalent chromium test kits? I'm not seeing any on Amazon so was curious if you picked those up somewhere else. Please advise and thank you!

[@boydmcree9085]

You will want to not use the stainless steel as an anode, anodizing stainless will result in hexavalent chromium, an extreme toxic substance. Please use iron rebar for the anode.

[@LegalAmerican4]

Weird it's almost like he knew people were going to say that and that's why he addressed it directly

[@boydmcree9085]

@@LegalAmerican4 it appers he thinks it is a gas, no it will be in solution, although I don't have any direct links I'm reasonable shure that if you are using 12 volts that is more than enough to get it. the only reason he may not be is improper test procedure or he doesn't have stainless steel, could be a high nickel and have no chrome in it. All though I don't have proof it does it it is better to be safe rather than sorry, cancer and poisoning your neighbor is kinda unforgiven mostly.

[@Bigtexbbq]

@@boydmcree9085 he showed the test strips he used to check his solution for the mineral

[@nicholasadamstone]

Wrong. Nowhere near high enough amps

[@JoeTardif-hx3lh]

No Stainless steel! Erin Brockavich will show up an beat you senseless.

[@troynorris7418]

I read where stainless steel should not be used as an anode, it puts off chromium when doing so. But it's safe to use as a diode, is that true?

[@castIroncookware]

From my personal experience, I have been hexavalent free when testing my tank water. I would stay away from using stainless for suspending the iron in the solution.

[@arbortechjones9774]

Will bother thr pan if it sits or touching bottom of plastic tank

[@castIroncookware]

Not a problem whatsoever.

[@arbortechjones9774]

@@castIroncookware thanks

[@christdriven8790]

Been watching u for a while, thx for all the gr8 info. What's the second best method to completely strip cast iron down? Also, I have a Wagner Ware Sidney O 8 A. I can't find any info on this skillet, any resources you can direct me to? Thank you for your time.

[@castIroncookware]

If you do not have access to electrolysis, a lye bath is the second best option.

[@turdferguson5300]

By the looks of your tank you are either a pipefitter or you know one. I'm out of Local 43 myself. There was a guy at Watts Bar that built a beautiful tank like that but the guards confiscated it. If he had only smeared a small can of beans in it they would've let it go as something he had brought from home. You know what they say "a fool and his bean pot are soon parted"... or maybe...

[@castIroncookware]

I found this one at a sale outside of a storage unit. I got really lucky.

[@hurcellwilson212]

I have a question Sir. Is 3.5 Amps sufficient ? My charger reads 16.5 volts and 3.5 Amps when cleaning my Dutch oven pot.

[@castIroncookware]

Yes, absolutely. The only difference will be how long it takes.

[@dwaynelejeune3508]

Just watch vid and now setting up my tank for the 1st time! My question is that I have a few CI that has wood handles attached and I can't remove! Will the solution effect the Wood?

[@castIroncookware]

I'm not really sure. I have always removed the handles first. There are many types of handle connections. You can post pictures of the handle in one of the Facebook groups and ask if there is any info on how to remove it or you can send me an email picture. [e-mail]

[@allennorris3650]

If I ran a lead contaminated piece in my tank is the whole thing ruined or can I just change the solution? How about my all thread hanger and anode? Thank!!

[@castIroncookware]

I would replace the solution and scrub down the tank. I have started using nonmetal cord for hanging and clip the negative cable directly to the iron.

[@jessefrazier9263]

Ive got an old fish tank can i use that?

[@williammcguire3rd]

I have a skillet that was given to me and I was wondering if you could help me identify it. It has a heat ring with one notch and the number 9 and letter x. Thanks for the help.

[@castIroncookware]

That one sounds like a single notch Lodge. 1930-1940.

[@kkilcoinjob]

I know there are variables but how long will it take to remove the rust from a 12 inch CI pan? Light rust? Medium rust? Heavy rust?

[@castIroncookware]

It has a lot to do with how strong or week your power supply is. Generally an hour or so for light rust and a few more hours for heavy.

[@larsrnningen7628]

I place it outside and use regular salt

[@denny5450]

I am in the process of building my e-tank. I have both solid conductor copper wire #10 from a submersible pump and also have #10AWG stranded wire. Is one preferred over the other? Manual battery charger question: have 2 chargers: one rated at 2 amps/ 60 amps, and the other rated at 2 amps/ 12 amps. Do you have a recommendation on which one to use? Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience and making great videos! dfq3

[@Threedog1963]

"...will my electrolysis tank explode..."? Wow, so, I get to experiment with 1. Water and electricity 2. Get my cast iron cleaned. 3. Play with the explosive nature of hydrogen and oxygen? AWESOME that sounds like a trifecta!

[@castIroncookware]

Absolutely!

[@Mynameis7nad]

if you stick a bag over the bubbles over the anode then another over what you cleaning in your tank. you can seperatly bag the hydrogen and oxygen.

[@denny5450]

I am in the process of building my e-tank. I have both solid conductor copper wire #10 from a submersible pump and also have #10AWG stranded wire. Is one preferred over the other? Manual battery charger question: have 2 chargers: one rated at 2 amps/ 60 amps, and the other rated at 2 amps/ 12 amps. Do you have a recommendation on which one to use? Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience and making great videos! dfq3

[@williamreichwein9828]

Hey buddy, I'm trying to find a power source. Can you elaborate on what you mean by DC power supply? Harbor freight cells what they call a manual battery charger for 59 bucks. But that's the only place I've seen a a new one and do you know well, that would work?

[@bluenoser1567]

Really good information. I found this very interesting. Thanks ... Cheers

[@castIroncookware]

You're absolutely welcome.

[@barrystraughan]

Not sure I heard your name correctly but I think you said David Straughan? I was a bit surprised when I heard it so if that is correct I might be a relative of yours in Edmonton, Alberta Canada.

[@jasont1079]

Where did you get your stainless steel tank? Do you know how many gallons it is?

[@castIroncookware]

I ran across that 1 by accident. There was a guy selling stuff out of a storage facility and that just happened to be there.

[@TheFatPeguinBand]

How many amps for how long?

[@yomamma6756]

Thanks internet dad you guys have no idea how much you help people like me thanks dude What do you mean when yoh say the charger could die because of the thicker solution like kill it for good? Like break the charger completely?

[@xwig16]

Could I use a 36v manual golf cart charger?

[@castIroncookware]

I believe that you could as long as it does not have an automatic function that detects shortages.

[@terrypadgett4258]

I put vinger in my tank wish i would have seen this first and aluminum im plastic tank . I gues ill see first run in now.

[@stephenmarshall5529]

I saw a KZbin vid showing that acid works better than electrolysis. Why choose one or the other?

[@jerrym2321]

Amen, Brother. Thank you for the information. One question: How much voltage and current do you typically use?

[@crewnail1763]

I haven't used my easy beesy yet, waiting to get an electrolysis tank set up. I had a conversation with a guy that said it's possible to use an automatic battery charger if you add an old battery between the tank and charger. I bought my super washing detergent at Walmart. I have quite a bit of iron to restore, have been adding to my collection and much of it is in need of restoration.

[@castIroncookware]

I've heard of that working but have seen it myself.

[@crewnail1763]

@@castIroncookware Until I find a power source I may try it, I already have an old dead battery. Trying to avoid spending too much on it , I'd rather spend the money on more cast iron. I recently bought a Greer and King bean pot on Ebay patented 1868, it has been restored already. Also have added quite a few other pieces to the collection.

[@marcusramirez5092]

How many items can be put into solution at one time?

[@castIroncookware]

I have seen others do 4 pieces at a time but I personally just do one at a time for the best results.

[@JanKowalski-bd8rv]

Is the anode + or -

[@shaneseabolt4217]

I have a 30 gallon cauldron that I want to do. How long does the process normally take? How long should I expect to leave it in the electrolysis bath?

[@arbortechjones9774]

What would it cost for you to build a tank for me

[@castIroncookware]

I'm sorry but I do not have the time.

[@arbortechjones9774]

@@castIroncookware ok thank you great videos also

[@sherrithorne5634]

Just got my Easy Breezy the other day. Thanks!

[@castIroncookware]

You're welcome.

[@mdcraig62]

You can still get manual chargers at harbor freight.

[@franceshamilton1225]

LOVE YOU God Bless you and your family

[@ray5781]

I'm afraid I have to disagree with the stainless steel.

[@richardried4197]

I make my own sodium carbonate by baking baking soda

[@tedfinkenauer42]

Great tip on adding too much electrolytes

[@TSemasFl]

Why not just put the Cast Iron into a glass bead booth and blast it off and be done in a few minutes? Glass beads won't hurt or pit like sand basting.

[@C.dieslevonankwek7]

This setup is alot cheaper to make, not everyone can buy a bead blaster system

[@RadDadisRad]

The ad for this video was “uber honey” app on the App Store. Not sure that ad aligns with this channel.

[@castIroncookware]

The adds are set by KZbin and I never know what they will be on. I had one the other day for a new type of non-stick pan. Lol

[@janbrewington7771]

Thank you for your knowledge

[@pastormichaelmcgrath6093]

Your videos are very helpful. Thanks.

[@cera1902]

I bought EZ beazy

[@papaw5405]

The resistance gets higher as the electrolyte becomes more concentrated. Its like pinching a water pipe, its resistance goes higher and makes it harder for the pump to push the water through.

[@gerardjohnson2106]

Exactly opposite of what you say. Stronger electrolyte solution reduces resistance causing more electrons to flow from negative to positive because of "constant" voltage (pressure). The power supply works harder (is loaded heavier) to supply those electrons. As the load increases to no resistance there is a fault (~short~) and the circuit protector on the device will open to prevent overheating and fire. Eventually the power supply fails from heat caused by heavier loading. The plumbing analogy doesn't work here because the water pump increases pressure against resistance (head) while the electrical "pressure" is a constant as provided by voltage. Voltage constant + resistance lower = amperage (current flow) higher. This explanation works for "simple" electrical resistance circuits. When reactance and capacitance are thrown into the impedance equation it gets more complicated, especially with Alternating Current with power factor, harmonics, ferro resonance etc that affect the electrical power supply (generator + transformer + transmission).

[@papaw5405]

@@gerardjohnson2106 You win! I quit! The way he states things makes it hard to understand. I'm to a point to where his videos are hard to watch. I'm gone!

[@cynthiastandley5742]

Keep the religion out of it.