RUST , HOW DO YOU REMOVE IT ?

[Terra (Mike)]

What is the best way of removing large accumulations of rust , without damaging the item

[handyman [Alan}]

..ask the wife!!!

[Terra (Mike)]

She puts the lumps of junk as she calls them in the bin,,,,,, very effective way of getting rid of it

[handyman [Alan}]

there we go -- -she's solved the problem!!

but, joking aside ... i'm interested in hearing the replies to the original question

[SEAHAWK]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8vT2mdXBs8&feature=related

[Meatslicer]

Removing heavy rust incrustation can be a bit of a fiddle.

I found some wrought iron chisels once that had been under clay for about 80 years.

The only thing that worked was electrolysis.

You need a 12 volt battery annd some jump leads, a bowl of water with some soda crystals and vinegar in. I would experiment with the concentrations to get it working.

Clamp an old iron item in the negative clamp, then the item to be cleaned in the positive clamp. immerse both items into the soda solution so that they are about 1 inch apart and connect the battery to the other end of the jump leads.

You will see some bubbles forming around the electrode. Give it an hour or so, then turn off the power and check your rusty thing.

Only do this in a well ventillated area, coz you will be producing poisonous gases and acids.

Good luck.

And remember, you didnt get this tip from me.

[audiolab]

depends on what type of metal is "rusting" / oxydization

[Terra (Mike)]

Its difficult to tell , looks like a blade, but i don't know what the handle is made of , its the handle thats badly coroded, it looks as if it has a pommel and the remnants of a hand guard, ,,,,, but it could be junk