Besides the obvious threat of electrocution presented by the suggestion of using a car battery, most modern small automotive battery chargers will not function without a voltage present in the circuit.
Why not just have them media blasted? Quicker, cheaper, and no chance of changing the character of the pieces.
Vikki 1969 Goldenrod Yellow / black 400 convertible numbers matching
I think I will make a set-up like that in the future just 'cause I'm interested to see it work. As it turns out I just bought a used set of Rally II's that have a little rust and I wouldn't build a set-up big enough for rims so if I have to go to a media blaster anyway I will just bring my spring eye brackets and shock mounts there. I think you're right about a fused system Vikki...better safe than sorry.
It works, but kinda slow. And it's safe. I use a battery charger with a surge protector just in case. The trick is using a large enough electrode, Super Wash baking soda, and not to large of container. Bigger the part, bigger the electrode. And as close to the part as possible.
If you plan to use your existing battery charger, read the manual first. Most of the new consumer models have a safety built in to protect against reverse polarity and short circuits, and require 10v or more on the circuit in order to power up the output. Have you ever tried to charge a stone dead battery and had to hook up another good battery just to get a surface charge to energize the charger?
My battery maintainer, my jump box and my Craftsman battery charger all have this safety circuit. My old Sears charger that my dad bought in the '70s did not, and until it died it could be used for such applications.
Vikki 1969 Goldenrod Yellow / black 400 convertible numbers matching
I was reading about this recently and in the diagram it showed the charger was hooked to a battery and then the leads ran from the battery to the electrode in the tub. Seems like it would be safer that way. I am going to try it, just haven't yet.
It's not a reverse polarity. All it do'n is running a current from one metal to another thru a mixture of water and baking soda. I've used this method for at least 10 yrs on thin stuff i didnt want to blast.
4dabird, i use Armor Hammer SuperWash baking soda. Been about 5 yrs since i bought the last box, but think it's located in the laundry section.
No, it's not reverse polarity. It's a zero voltage circuit so many chargers won't start.
Ever have a battery terminal or cable short into a fender, or have an alternator wire or starter cable short out? Instant arc welder. Mix that with water with electrolytes and steel conductors and the potential for trouble is there.
Vikki 1969 Goldenrod Yellow / black 400 convertible numbers matching
Be careful with that set-up. The surge suppressor will not protect you from electrocution. It is merely a capacitor designed to "soak up" excess power. It will always allow enough current to pass through the system to electrocute you.
It only takes .005 amps to kill a human being. We don't want to lose any more car guys!
- Jake Licensed Electrical Journeyman Licensed Master Electrician Licensed Electrical Contractor Certified Responsible Safety Officer Certified Arc-Flash Engineer Certified High-Voltage Technician Certified Red Cross First Aid Certified Red Cross CPR (get the idea?)
