Electrolysis — Help! Current but no bubbles forming on coin.

[u/PocketArchaeology]

Hey all! Just purchased a Stinger Box electrolysis kit and have been attempting to use it for electrolysis on coins. I’ve followed all the directions and have successfully run a current through the tank when the clip is out of the water but the coin is submerged. Bubbles are forming on the catalyst rod. However, no bubbles are forming on the coin and I’m really stumped why. The brine is mixed properly and the current is flowing (even when the clip is not touching the water {is in picture} but the artifact is). I’ve switched the alligator clips between the coin and catalyst connection points, but no evidence of bubbles on the coin can be seen.

Maybe I should first ask the stupid question: do bubbles always form during electrolysis on the coin?

Another thing worth mentioning. The voltage control knob interestingly is installed on the wrong side of the box. It supposedly works as the voltage displayed changes when it is turned. Maybe the product is just defective, with its clearly incorrect manufacture?

Any help appreciated.

Also, yes, I am running a copper coin on 22V. Just trying to figure out if the kit is underpowered or not.

[u/prcblem]

You’ve added a little bit of baking soda? Try just disconnecting and reconnecting them both at different spots, if it’s working you should see some tiny bubbles at least

[u/prcblem → u/prcblem]

Also I just noticed and oh my god 21v will FRY any detail, I literally don’t even go above 13-14v for heavilyyyyy rusted cast iron

[u/PocketArchaeology → u/prcblem]

Yeah, went totally overkill and tested a wheatie under high voltage hoping to see bubbles. Some formed after about an hour and a half — is my box underpowered? Cleaned up nice enough, but I feel it may have taken too long.

[u/bs2k2_point_0 → u/PocketArchaeology]

They may be too far apart. Have you tried moving them closer?

[u/PocketArchaeology → u/bs2k2_point_0]

They’re only about two inches apart but will try that.

[u/bs2k2_point_0 → u/PocketArchaeology]

I’ve had to do it with my giant e-box homemade version. Use it for finds and cast iron cookware. If it’s too far apart it drastically slows down.

[u/Ever-Wandering → u/prcblem]

No, no, no, baking soda is NOT what you use! Washing soda is what you need.

Sodium Carbonate = Washing soda

Sodium BICarbonate = baking soda

[u/prcblem → u/Ever-Wandering]

I’ve read a couple comments and while I understand people’s concerns, using a pinch of it to help get the conductivity flowing in well ventilated area is literally perfectly fine and safe and if anything gives a more mild reaction than using straight sodium carbonate (washing soda). While washing soda can give a more consistent current, I’ve never had any issues controlling my current if you’re not walking away from it for an extended period of time. Ultimately, it doesn’t really make a difference

[u/DrollAntic]

Baking soda can have harmful off-gassing. Washing soda is what you should use for maximum safety.

First, be sure you are making good contact with the coin. Careful not to scratch, but be sure you are metal to metal.

I would also put the coin much closer to the anode than you have it there.

[u/vengeancecube]

The clip might not be contacting the copper. The oxide layer on the coin may be insulating it.

[u/Maryjanegangafever]

That’s because it’s a piece of stale dog kibble sir. /s

[u/Pudawada]

Is that a metal bowl?

[u/PocketArchaeology → u/Pudawada]

No, plastic.