That method of derusting works well. I built a setup with a 5 gal
plastic pail and a length of black pipe inside a sleeve of PVC central
vac tubing. The PVC tubing has slots sawed into it in addition to
numerous 3/4" drilled holes: It makes a good insulator to keep the parts
and the anode separated.

I use about one tablespoon of dishwashing detergent per gallon of water
as a starting ratio for the electrolyte, then add more until the
amperage increases to about mid range on the battery charger.

A chemist monitoring one of the auto restoration news groups cautioned
against using stainless steel as the anode because as it is eroded
chromium is released into the water. Chromium is a nasty element and
renders the electrolyte a hazardous waste. Use a chunk of steel or iron
instead.

Tim

Lawrence A. Ramsey wrote:
Do a search om electrolyic derusting. Will de-plate also.
http://www.icehouse.net/overland/derusting.html
There is also a way you can plate with a charger.



On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 20:11:32 GMT, "Michael Daly"
wrote:


I bought a Millers Falls #14 at a garage sale for C$2 (US$1.50).
I dated it to 1950-1955 or so.

It's in mediocre condition, well used with some rust and a lot
of grime. It's not worth keeping as an "antique" tool but
is definitely worth using as a working tool. To that end, I'm
reconditioning it. I disassembled it, stripped off the rust
and repainted the frog and body. The iron and chipbreaker
just needed a bit of steel wool and solvent to remove the
grunge.

The problem is the lever cap. It's chrome plated and the chrome
is pitted and chipped. I'm not in a position to spend the money
on having it professionally re-plated, so I'm looking for alternatives.
I DAGS and only found books and stuff on refurbishing hand planes.
Nothing online on what to do with the chrome. Removing the chrome
looks like using nasty chemicals. I'd consider removing it and
painting the cap, or just polishing it up and putting on a clear
coat. Any suggestions?

Maybe I should just sand off the worst of it and wait till I can
afford to get it re-plated.

Mike