PART II: How To Clean Coins and Jewelry with Electrolysis, page 1
The Most Detailed and Illustrated Tutorial On The Web!
This tutorial contains detailed information on how to build a simple electrolysis machine (device, apparatus, system) to clean coins and jewelry. Please feel free to submit your own practical tips and methods that could help others!
This tutorial describes an activity that involves SOME risk of harming yourself, other persons, animals, and property. So please pay attention to all details, use common sense, be smart about what you are doing, proceed with caution, and stay safe so you can enjoy your coin cleaning projects!
TABLE of Contents:
- 1. Introduction To Electrolysis:
- 1) What is Electrolysis? (page 2)
- 2) Practicality of Coin Electrolysis (page 2)
- 3) Electrolysis of Jewelry (page 3)
- Extracting Gold from Gilded Jewelry (page 3)
- 2. How To Make a Simple Home Electrolysis Machine:
- 1) "CLASSIC" Type Electrolysis Device (page 4)
- DC Power Supply (page 4)
- Anode - Sacrificial Electrode (page 4)
- Basic Electrical Tools and Accessories (page 5)
- Assemble the Power Source - How-To's in Basic Electrical Wiring (page 6)
- Non-Conductive Container for Electrolytic Cell (page 11)
- 2) "PIPE" Type Electrolysis Device (page 12)
- DC Power Supply (page 12)
- Anode - Sacrificial Electrode (page 12)
- 3. Prepare Electrolytic Cell for Electrolysis:
- 1) How To Make Electrolyte (page 13)
- What water to use for electrolyte (page 13)
- How to determine right amount of baking soda (page 13)
- 2) Prepare Coin for Electrolysis (page 13)
- 3) Place Electrode in Electrolyte Properly (page 14)
- 4) Line of Sight (page 14)
- 5) Suspend Coins in Electrolyte Properly (page 14)
- 6) Set Up Correct Polarity (page 15)
- 7) Make Good Electrical Contact (page 16)
- 8) Choose Proper Place for Setup (page 16)
- 9) Time Duration of Cleaning Process (page 16)
- 4. Process of Coin Electrolysis:
- 1) Starting the Process (page 17)
- 2) Troubleshooting at Starting Point (page 17)
- 3) Attend Electrolytic Cell (page 17)
- 4) Maintain Proper Level of Electrolyte (page 17)
- 5) Control Voltage and Current (page 18)
- Four ways to reduce the current (page 18)
- What is hydrogen embrittlement? (page 18)
- Wasting energy through heat (page 18)
- 5. After Electrolysis Coin Preservation (page 19)
- 6. Safety Precautions:
- 1) Dangerous Levels of Voltage and Current (page 19)
- 2) Avoid Getting Electrocuted (page 19)
- 3) Avoid Short Circuiting (page 20)
- 4) Protect Your Eyes and Skin (page 20)
- 5) Avoid Toxic Gas Danger (page 21)
- 6) Prevent Accumulation of Explosive Gases (p. 21)
- 7) Keep Electrolysis Setup Undisturbed (page 21)
- 8) Prevent Overheating of Power Supply (page 21)
- 7. Effects of Coin Electrolysis:
- 1) Dug Copper Coins with Verdigris Coating (page 22)
- 2) Non-Dug Clad Quarter w/ Well-Preserved Surface (page 24)
- 8. Conclusion (page 25)
Related Articles and more:
A Complete Guide to Coin Cleaning
