Dennis Thompson
Member
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- New Jersey
Can someone explain how to set up an electrolysis system for a hobbyist to clean saw blades?
Thanks
Dennis
Thanks
Dennis
After reading a thread on this site about cleaning glued up clamps using electrolysis I recalled a conversation with a fellow at FS Tools here in Canada about cleaning saw blades. He told me they use electrolysis to clean the blades sent in by customers, at that time I had little knowledge of just how easy it was to set up such a system and for very minimal cost. I used sodium carbonate purchased from the local pool supply shop, it is actually called 'Soda Ash' and is one and the same product.
One thing to note is that this process will clean everything from the blade including paint.
[FS Tools] did say they now use ultrasonic sound waves together with an acid bath to clean the blades
I left each blades in the solution for 30 minutes but I suspect this could be refined depending on how dirty the blades are. I'd check the blades every 10 minutes but first turn off the charger and put on some gloves. I couldn't find 'sodium carbonate' anywhere, the pool cleaning shops label it 'soda ash', probably so they can charge more for it so there may be a cheeper source.
Best,
Wayne
For the actual electolysis, better than baking or washing soda is a mild solution of Citric Acid.
Baking powder has less sodium bicarbonate than baking soda, and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is still less effective (based on what I've read) than true sodium carbonate. Probably explains the "disappointing" part of your experience....It caught my eye because my experience with electrolysis has been awfully messy and disappointing. I used ordinary Baking Powder...
When the above steps have been completed, there is one final procedure to stabilize the metal and prevent future corrosion. Wipe it down with a solution of Phosphoric Acid, sold at hardware stores under the name of Ospho. Your steel will be clean, acid and salt free.
These measures are used to prep corroded metals for painting. Squeeky clean results.
For the actual electolysis, better than baking or washing soda is a mild solution of Citric Acid. Sold also at hardware stores.
Gary Curtis