Using electrolysis for cleaning finds?

[DetectorBase]

Do any of you use electrolysis for cleaning coins... ie Wheats and silver? I'm a little hesitant to do this. Obviously you would never do this with a valuable find, but I'm thinking it would be nice for some of my heavier corroded Indian Heads, Wheats and V-Nickles.

Anyone have any bad experiences, or tips on the subject? This is something that I would like to see an article about on the site.. so if you have a great tip or how-to, PM me!

Thanks!
DB

[Boogeyman]

I set one up in a large tupperware container, used it to clean finds from the beach that had a large amount of concretion on them. Chip off enough to get a clip on it and let it work. Also works good for finds from old lakes and ponds. When you set it up, get a rheostat, so you can adjust it to where it just barely bubbles. As the concretion starts to come off cut back on the rheostat to the point where it is just barely bubbles. Also if you cook a brass or copper item change your electrolyte before doing another type of metal. If you need help setting one up give a yell

[NC Jim]

I used my electrolysis setup the other day on 3 very encrusted pennies. I had already tried scrubbing with soapy water and an old toothbrush with no success. I next tried soaking in olive oil for 3 days and then recleaning with soapy water and soft brush with no success. The reason I was going the extra mile with these coins is because I had never found an Indian head cent and I knew these had the potential to be one. Sure enough, after electrolysis and rubbing with baking soda ... one of the 3 turned out to be my first Indian Head. The coin was in such bad shape that the only identifiable marking was the faint outline of the Indian's face and head dress, no date, and nothing visible on the reverse. The other 2 pennies turned out to be wheats. Without electrolysis, I would never have found out the coin type.

[Boogeyman]

Glad to hear it worked! Olive oil is OK if you got the patience! I've tried olive oil and left it soak for a month or more. But as you know we're like kids! We gotta see whats inside and we wanna see it now. If you don't like the finish baking soda leaves try a quick dip in vinegar. Dip for a few seconds and wipe with a soft rag. Keep doing this until you get the stuff off. Then rinse really good in clear water. I use Motts apple sauce single containers and just let the faucet drip into it for a good long while, then give it a soak in olive oil after drying.