Is this an adequate battery charger for electrolysis? Harbor Freight

[k2gleaner]

It's described as an analog charger which I hoped was equivalent to "manual".

https://www.harborfreight.com/21050-amp-12v-analog-charger-with-engine-start-59424.html

When I saw the switch on it, I figured it was what I was looking for the description seems to indicate there's a lot of protection built into it so I assume not. Truth be told I just don't know what I'm looking for.

 

[daddyflea]

Old Cell phone chargers work just fine. All you need to see is a few bubbles. I did a Video on this.

 

[Cherry Picker]

I generally just find an old 9v charger I don't use anymore. The higher the amperage, say 9v 850ma, will do a faster job on a larger iron piece.

 

[k2gleaner]

I have a stash of the in the attic... Thanks

 

[markinmichigan]

I generally just find an old 9v charger I don't use anymore. The higher the amperage, say 9v 850ma, will do a faster job on a larger iron piece.

Will it clean coins? What's your process if you don't mind sharing.

Mark in Michigan

 

[daddyflea]

Will it clean coins? What's your process if you don't mind sharing.

Mark in Michigan

Check out my video above this post.

 

[GroundSweeper]

It's described as an analog charger which I hoped was equivalent to "manual".

https://www.harborfreight.com/21050-amp-12v-analog-charger-with-engine-start-59424.html

When I saw the switch on it, I figured it was what I was looking for the description seems to indicate there's a lot of protection built into it so I assume not. Truth be told I just don't know what I'm looking for.

I used one similar to that to dunk a cast iron tea kettle. Borrowed it from my dad. I had read somewhere about running it through a deep cycle 12v battery in circuit but I can't recall if I did that or not. I used washing soda and water, plain steel anode as I had read that SS produced toxins you don't want (gas and liquid). Always been curious about the smaller power supplies, just never tried them.

 

[Cherry Picker]

Will it clean coins? What's your process if you don't mind sharing.

Mark in Michigan

Yes. Does a good job on those pesky red nickels. Great on copper & brass as well.

I find an old DC wall charger and cut the end off. You put an alligator clip on each end, if you want, and you're ready. Clip the wire with the line on it. Typically, on a 9V DC wall adapter, the positive wire is marked with a solid or dashed line, or sometimes ridges along the insulation. However, this is not a universal standard, so it’s always best to confirm using a multimeter or check the adapter’s labeling. I usually use one of the old forks or spoons I find detecting and connect it to the wire with the stripe which is usually the positive, and the coin/iron to the negative. Use plain old water. I've heard of putting salt in the water, but I never have.

In this case, my adaptor happened to be a 8.5v 350ma. It doesn't need to only be a 9v, it's just I have more 9v laying around.

This is what it looks like while cleaning after about 30 minutes to an hour.

 

[Linesider]

Old Cell phone chargers work just fine. All you need to see is a few bubbles. I did a Video on this.

DON NOT USE STANLESS STEEL. !!!! It has a chance create a nerve agent Hex-chrome that is hazards to have,transport or even be near…

 

[Cherry Picker]

DON NOT USE STANLESS STEEL. !!!! It has a chance create a nerve agent Hex-chrome that is hazards to have,transport or even be near…

Hum? I used nothing but stainless steel for years.

 

[daddyflea]

DON NOT USE STANLESS STEEL. !!!! It has a chance create a nerve agent Hex-chrome that is hazards to have,transport or even be near…

All I ever used was SS

 

[Kansashunter]

I have not tried this yet, looks interesting.

 

[EmuDetector]

If you want a more controllable option, I use a bench power supply

a little Electrolysis

Performed some electrolysis for Squeaker's artillery shell piece. Has some dimpling from the corrosion, but I think it came out great. If anyone is on the fence with the process, it definitely is an easy way to clean and preserve things. As always, thanks for looking. Before In the tank...

www.metaldetectingforum.com

 

[Linesider]

Hum? I used nothing but stainless steel for years.

All I ever used was SS

Just do y’all a favor and look it up. There is other cost effective alternatives.

 

[Pete e]

Using stainless steel can produce toxic chemicals some of which are cariogenic. In reality, given the small amounts generated, I don't know how much of a risk this actually is, but it's a risk I would rather not take....

You can use ordinary steel and when I started I used old HSS drill bits and they worked great, but the electrolyte solution soon became covered in crud like some witches brew.

By far the best material I have found is graphite rod....I got some 3/8" rods off eBay, and they work a treat. The electrolyte actually stays fairly clean save bits coming off what you are cleaning.....The only down side of the rods is that they are brittle, so can break easily if not handled carefully...

Below is the set up I use for coins and other small items. Obviously there is no electrolyte as I just set it up for the pics.

I have the option of either using the 9v battery shown, or switch to the other lead, and plug it in to a usb charger...In reality the 9v battery works fine on silver coins...The grey connector block is a lever operated wago, as used by electricians..

 

[Jose159]

If you want a more controllable option, I use a bench power supply

a little Electrolysis

Performed some electrolysis for Squeaker's artillery shell piece. Has some dimpling from the corrosion, but I think it came out great. If anyone is on the fence with the process, it definitely is an easy way to clean and preserve things. As always, thanks for looking. Before In the tank...

www.metaldetectingforum.com

What voltage and amperage do you normally use with your power supply?

 

[Pevehouse]

if I were you I would look for a inexpensive dc power supply

 

[spence]

I used one similar to that to dunk a cast iron tea kettle. Borrowed it from my dad. I had read somewhere about running it through a deep cycle 12v battery in circuit but I can't recall if I did that or not. I used washing soda and water, plain steel anode as I had read that SS produced toxins you don't want (gas and liquid). Always been curious about the smaller power supplies, just never tried them.

Stick with battery chargers and variable DC bench power supplies. Don't mess with a deep cycle battery. There's way to much power available. You do not want to short circuit a deep cycle accidently messing with your anode and cathode. If you use a battery a small amperage fuse is a must. Battery chargers and bench power supplies will have a current limiting circuit overload protector it's a better method.

 

[daddyflea]

It's described as an analog charger which I hoped was equivalent to "manual".

https://www.harborfreight.com/21050-amp-12v-analog-charger-with-engine-start-59424.html

When I saw the switch on it, I figured it was what I was looking for the description seems to indicate there's a lot of protection built into it so I assume not. Truth be told I just don't know what I'm looking for.

Any old Cell phone Charger will work.

 

[Pete e]

It's described as an analog charger which I hoped was equivalent to "manual".

When I saw the switch on it, I figured it was what I was looking for the description seems to indicate there's a lot of protection built into it so I assume not. Truth be told I just don't know what I'm looking for.

Just to clarify, what are you hoping to clean?

You only need a large battery charger or bench power supply if you are cleaning large iron objects..

For small stuff like silver coins, a modified cellphone charger or a 9v PP9 is fine...

For larger iron items, I have an old laptop charger and also an old 12v Scalexric (slot car) transformer I want to try...I don't know if it will have enough amperage for larger items, but we will see....