The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Browsing in another hobby area, I came across this StewMac video with luthier/repair tech, Dan Erlewine.

The rust removal/parts cleaning technique here uses a wallwart DC power adaptor, some copper wire, a hammer (or other chunk of ferrous metal), and a brine bath. It seems to work on the bridge from a vintage Gibson ES335. I would be worried about flash rust and corrosion after drying because of the water and salt, but I suppose if you rinsed and dried things well. I would try it first on something you don't care about.

https://youtu.be/8LhFCuXBIUc?si=U8af5xXa45cb9A2U

Don't use salt, since it causes rust...
This YouTube video seems to be one of the most complete explanations that I have found:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54ADeB6V1rQ

Hope this helps, as it works extremely easily and better than other methods I have tried. I have used this method with great success on some ver rusty parts, just remember to use Arm & Hammer "Washing Soda" (WalMart carries it) and not "Baking Soda". Good luck.

Thanks.

Using washing soda to make the electrolyte makes better sense than using salt.