"The Hurdy Gurdy Man" wrote in message
...

I've been reading through web pages and old posts about electrolytic rust
removal, and apparently using stainless as an electrode is a no-no due to
toxic waste concerns. As such, a "graphite rod" is the preferred thing.
My question is, when they say "graphite rod" do they mean any specific
type of graphite rod? Could I use rods for carbon arc welding, or
graphite rods used for EDM? Looks like Enco has graphite EDM rods on sale
(or at least they did a little while ago) and I've been wanting to try
removing some rust with this technique, but I'm not sure if these are the
rods I should/can be using or not. Thanks in advance for any assistance!

First, I'm curious about what the toxic waste issue would be with stainless.
Do you have a link or a reference?

For swabbing, I use a 1.25" x .75" x 9" slab of Poco 3 (EDM graphite) that I
cut off an old EDM electrode with a hand saw. It cuts about like maple. EDM
graphite has no binders and Poco 3 is very dense and strong. It probably
will outlast me and the next two generations of my family. I just clamp the
battery clamp from my 4A battery charger to the end of it and wear rubber
gloves.

For use in a tank, my electrode is a plain sheet of mild steel (the cover
off an old microwave oven) that I sanded clean on one side with a disk
sander. Just wipe it dry when you're done. I see no need for stainless.
However, I do wonder about what could be toxic in using stainless for this
job.

Ed Huntress