Quote:
Originally Posted by ohboy321
When I first started to collect lanterns I tried a couple of methods I read about on the internet, including molasses. None of those methods take the rust off like reverse electrolysis.
I use swimming pool pH increaser for the sodium carbonate/washing soda. One tablespoon per gallon has been working for me.
The process creates hydrogen gas, so make sure you have good ventilation. I have read that using stainless instead of rebar creates poisonous gasses.
I have used graphite/carbon plates instead of rebar with good results. The plates don't rust like rebar so the water solution stays pretty clean and can go a long time without having to be changed.
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Stainless is iron, chromium and nickel. I suspect that the person telling you this had used some galvanized iron, which
could present a problem from zinc content, if it bubbled out as zinc hydride. I know people who have died from zinc fumes from either burning the metal off to weld it, or not bothering to burn it off first. I realize that welding is different from an electrolytic bath, but the threat could still be there.