Battery charger recommendation for rust removal

[tool_scrounge]

Well my old battery charger was borrowed once too often and has disappeared. So I need to buy another one. In addition to the usual charging battery duties (usually someone else's I might add), I would like to use it for rust removal purposes. Most of the stuff I need to remove rust from is 50 lb vise size or smaller and I do not need super speed. New or used is fine. Do you have any not smart battery charger recommendations?


Thanks!

 

[oneandgone]

How will a battery charger remove rust? This is new magic for me, I've not heard of it. Google here i come....


And here's a link with lots of info on it for anyone else like me who had no idea.

http://www.rickswoodshopcreations.com/miscellaneous/rust_removal.htm

 

[Lhorn]

Google "electrolysis" or check it out on youtube.

Edit: ah I see you found it.
I plan to use a power supply from a computer.

 

[454ragtop]

If you use a car battery in conjunction with the charger, most any charger will do, even a "smart" one. I find I get better results this way, even with an old "dumb" charger.
Jim

 

[SeattleKent]

I use a Sear "DieHard 10 amp Manual Battery Charger". It is Sears model number 71221. Gives you a choice between 2 amps and 10 amps. I'm currently using to restore an old Snap-on tool box. Also doing motorcycle parts and old tools. Works very well. Cost about $35.

 

[Mr.N]

I would like to use it for rust removal purposes.

I went through well over 4 Battery charger before I gave up on them.
Had a old computer and just used the computer power supply, works great.

 

[SteveL]

Pretty much any 12v power supply that puts out 5 amps or more will work just fine. I use a 12v/30 amp supply that I used to run R/C car battery chargers for years when I raced them. Works almost too well as you have to be carefull not to leave the part in too long.

The key is to use Arm & Hammer washing soda for your mix. Lots of info on the web for the process. I've used it to restore a '39 Delta Uni Saw and a '43 Delta jointer using a concrete mixing trough from HD and rebar for the electrodes. The trough was deep enough that I could do half of the table saw cabinet and then flip it over to do the other half.

 

[87Pomona]

Use Arm & Hammer Washing Soda

 

[pipsters]

I'm using this one right now, no extra battery hookup needed

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/we...humacher_5570271-p?searchTerm=battery+charger

There is a 10 off coupon out there, so it's around $30.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Thanks for all the recommendations. Last night I got a lead on a quality used battery charger so I will check it out. Otherwise the Sears or Advanced Auto ones look pretty good. CIt is good to head a PC computer power supply would work. I need to get a battery charger anyway so I'll start there. I'll head over to Vons and pick up some Arm & Hammer Washing Soda - from everything I read it works better that baking soda.

I have also read that carbon electrodes work well and do not foul like rebar? If that is the case, my next search is for a source of carbon electrodes. Thanks again!

 

[pipsters]

Walmart sells "washing soda" in the pool chemicals department, forget the name but look under the pool chemicals for a "ph" adjuster. Active ingredient is sodium carbonate or Na2CO3. You can get a lifetime supply for $10.

 

[Bunk]

I use a Sear "DieHard 10 amp Manual Battery Charger". It is Sears model number 71221. Gives you a choice between 2 amps and 10 amps. I'm currently using to restore an old Snap-on tool box. Also doing motorcycle parts and old tools. Works very well. Cost about $35.

+1 on that recommendation.
I have no personal experience with using a computer power supply, however, I have seen/read about some people having experiences with them not lasting terribly long. I chose the inexpensive Diehard charger route because of that.

 

[serviceguy]

Would the DieHard battery charger work well for zync plating ? The electrolysis process should be the same but in reverse. Would the washing soda work for that process as well? Just started looking into it after playing for a while with biodegradable rust remover.

 

[Bunk]

Would the DieHard battery charger work well for zync plating ?

I suspect it won't, but I really am not that well versed in electroplating. If you haven't already, go here: http://www.caswellplating.com/ I'm sure you'll find the answer there.

 

[padronanniversary]

I use the Lester iron core chargers. Higher voltage but works just fine at 24 or 36. Works a little faster

 

[tool_scrounge]

Thanks to everyone for their recommendations. As I was about to buy a new Sears charger, I ran into this 25+ year old but barely used Schauer Model CR312 10 amp battery charger (US made). As you can see in photo, it has switch for manual and automatic charging modes. So I will be useful for both rust removal and automatic battery charging. I am sure the new chargers are probably more sophisticated internally, as this one is mostly transformer with a bridge rectifier, a few discretes, and a regulator. I'll probably add a small AC fan fan for good measure.

 

[SeattleKent]

Looks great. The amps meter is super helpful. I sometimes get thing all set up perfect. Turn on the meter and is shows 1 amp. Then I know it is not perfect after all. Maybe a corroded wire or a loose clip or rust build up on the plate. Let us know how the electrolysis turns out.