Electrolytic rust removal...

[DonaldJ]

Designed and printed parts for rust removal gizmo: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:971667

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[thawkins]

Designed and printed parts for rust removal gizmo: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:971667

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Would this work for removing rust from 8mm rods etc, humidity here in manila means that I get rust all over my metal parts after about a year, despite my efforts of keeping it well greased. I have taken to keeping my spare smooth and threaded rods in an oil bath (big Rubbermaid with 2 quarts of engine oil in it), to stop my stock of printer building parts from rusting away.

[DonaldJ]

Would this work for removing rust from 8mm rods etc, humidity here in manila means that I get rust all over my metal parts after about a year, despite my efforts of keeping it well greased. I have taken to keeping my spare smooth and threaded rods in an oil bath (big Rubbermaid with 2 quarts of engine oil in it), to stop my stock of printer building parts from rusting away.

It will remove the rust, but the surface will be pitted, depending on the severity of the rust. Non-rusted steel should be unaffected, but I don't know how the process affects things like surface hardness or temper.

How do the mechanics and workers in machine shops deal with the humidity problem?