old ax head--results of electrolysis

[homebre]

I did the electrolysis on the ax head. Worked pretty well but could not get all the rust off. The electrolysis just stopped after a while and I could not get it to continue though I cleaned the contacts, etc. It was a bear just to get most of the caked clay out of the inside even after it was submerged in the bucket for 2 days. I sprayed it with WD40 to stop a new round of rust. Any further comments on the age, etc. are welcome.

Andy from Hillsborough

 

[homebre]

First 2 pictures are before, the last 3 are after!

 

[Walknstik]

Hi Andy,

After looking at your axe I went to look at the one I found a few years back and they are identical. I found mine while searching around a WW1 training camp site so it's probably early 1900's. I have never tried electrolysis but it looks like it's doing a good job for you. I took a hammer to mine and beat it like a blacksmith to get down to bare metal then placed it by the fireplace for decoration I noticed a few small rust flakes on mine but overall it's still pretty rust free. Best of luck to you and HH!

Randy

 

[kaolinwasher]

looks like you got most of the orange off , it is now ready for the museum, I swear as well i found one just like it to . keep the relics coming

 

[TreborBdiggin]

thanks for posting the pictures Andy, I use a sandblaster to remove rust but I wondered what the electrolysis looked like is it hard to set up electrolysis?does it give off harmful fumes?

Rob

 

[homebre]

It is easy to set up. There are a lot of videos on Youtube that show you how. This is one of them: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54ADeB6V1rQ
You need a plastic bucket, car battery charger, wire, clips, and some scrap iron. It gives off hydrogen, so you want to do it outside or in a vented area so there is no chance of a hydrogen explosion in a contained area. If you need help, just write me again.

Andy from Hillsborough

 

[Mississippi Jim]

Good job on the ax, also good video