I just bought a 1937, 12” Craftsman band saw and started cleaning some of the parts with electrolysis. The process simpler than I thought, and really works. I cleaned up the blade guide over night. It really make a difference has fast it works by how close the cathode and anode are (closer is better). I wired wheel the parts with a very soft wheel afterwards to remove the black oxide (converted rust). All the machining marks are still visible in the cleaned part.

The process will eventually remove any paint or plating the part has, and some of these dissolve into poisonous gases (chrome, stainless). The electrolysis produces hydrogen, so I’ve got mine outside.

The machine was located in Mason County in an open barn loft  surrounded by a graveyard of old vending machines, dead Volvos, campers, and boat trailers. The hornets and pigeon-crap patina added to excitement.

 Interesting electrolysis set up (http://www.yankeetoys.org/lee/electrolysis.htm

 ), but I do mine in a large flat Tupperware so I can move the sacrificial piece close to the part.

Equipment /Recipe:

1 car battery charger

1 non-conductive contained

(-) attached to part to be cleaned

(+) attached to the scrap iron (sacrificial piece). Clip should remain out of the water or it will waste under water as the sacrificial piece does.

1 Table Spoon “Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda”/gallon of water

Make sure the two pieces do not touch in the solution. Mine are separated by a ¼ inch.