I have tumbled wheels removed from the trucks with good results. I used rouge walnut media. You just need to wipe them off well after you’re done. I recommend cutting short pieces of coat hanger and stringing the wheels together loosely on them, then bending the ends over to keep them on the “skewer”. At least, that’s the size wire that worked for Std Ga. Otherwise, the walnuts make it into the hollow wheels through the axle holes. You’d be amazed at how it packs in there, then you need to pick it out enough to get the axle back through. My first run at this resulted in wheels that rattled like maracas when you shook them. Once in, it never comes out. That’s OK as the cars make more than enough noise to drown it out.
Hollar,
The electrolysis method is tried and true. Many gunsmiths use it to remove rust from used valuable gun parts that they want to recycle. Thanks for posting the mechanics.
And yet, I think that the cost of a small container of Rust-Off is about the same as the cost of the 5 or 6 rebar stakes, the nuts, the welding materials, etc. Plus, you can use the same Rust-Off over and over and over.
Mannyrock
Is the old school rust remover, "Naval Jelly", still available?
@Tinplate Art posted:Is the old school rust remover, "Naval Jelly", still available?
I've wondered that for a long time. I entered "naval jelly" into the search engine, and lo and behold...
https://www.loctiteproducts.co...lyrustdissolver.html
I guess I missed seeing it because the packaging has changed. But it sounds like it's just as toxic as it ever was.
I remember using it cautiously and getting some good results with tender frames in the seventies.
@C W Burfle posted:One more thing, I have wire brushes for my Dremel. I end up with a mess from the wires coming off and going everywhere. If I wear only socks in my workshop, I am picking wire out of my socks for months.
I'm picking the wires out of my feet
.
I'll raise you one wife on that. Somehow one of those threads got on the floor upstairs from the shop. She was not happy to have her husband who is an expert in removing small things from skin with tweezers employ that skill on her foot.
@C W Burfle posted:One more thing, I have wire brushes for my Dremel. I end up with a mess from the wires coming off and going everywhere. If I wear only socks in my workshop, I am picking wire out of my socks for months.
I'm picking the wires out of my feet
The solution is a matter of good aim. Now I always hold the wire brush in a position that will cause those flying wires to land on the work bench.
Not sure if they're magnetic, but I try to keep my locomotive work to 1949 and before - no Magnetraction.
@John H. Shetler posted:Please tell my wife the use of wire wheels is ok. Either that or I gotta refine techniques such as Dennis. Had to pick wire strands from wife after she used our tractor. Seems the wires from dremel brushes landed on tractor seat.
John
You're making me feel good !! I only had to pick them from her feet. From the butt would be #$#$$#.
In all the talk about rust, I haven't seen any mention of acetic acid - 7% solution. It's also called white vinegar. I keep a gallon jug ($2.99) in my cleaning area.
I'm finding that rusted parts left in vinegar overnight will clean right up with a stiff brush or a Dremel wire brush at medium speed. Sometimes there will be light rust on the iron/steel surfaces after they dry, but I've found that comes right off with gentle wire brushing or WD-40.
BTW, Wouldn't do this if I don't want to risk damaging good paint, but that's usually not present on stuff that is rusted enough for the vinegar treatment.
After reading this thread, I am just glad to report I have zero rusted items to clean up! LOL! :-)
