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Author Topic: Did E-Tank cause crack in pan?  (Read 4318 times)

Offline Sue Lightner

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Did E-Tank cause crack in pan?
« on: August 20, 2017, 04:46:23 PM »
Hi all!  I am a newbie and have had some problems with my first two attempts working with an E-Tank.  I have a Shumacher charger with a handle and wheels.  I set it at 40 amps/12v.  The pans are suspended in a waste basket with water and Arm & Hammer Washing Soda.  I am using a sheet of steel for the sacrifice metal, which I believe is stainless steel.  The red terminal is attached to the steel and the black is attached to the pan.  I used the same water for both, but added more of the washing solution for the second pan.  After they were done, I scrubbed them with an SOS pad.  When I was ready to season them, I noticed that both pans have a fine crack that starts on the inside of the pan, goes over the edge and ½ inch down the outside.  Because the cracks are so similar, I feel that I am doing something wrong.  Please help me as I am so interested in making this happen.  Thanks!
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Offline Russell Ware

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Re: Did E-Tank cause crack in pan?
« Reply #1 on: August 20, 2017, 05:17:11 PM »
Electrolysis won’t cause cracks. That said, once your pan is clean, cracks are much more easier to find. That’s the problem with buying used cookware. Seasoning and/or rust does a real good job of filling in those hairline cracks. I’m sure everyone here has had that experience, so don’t feel alone. How are you securing the pans? Is the crack near that area?
It would be helpful to see a photo of your tank. Forty amps is going to generate some heat if you run it for a while. Does your charger have a 15 or 20amp setting? That is where I’m running mine.
Also, what’s the waste basket made of? That’s where photos of what you are doing can be a real help here.
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Offline Sue Lightner

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Re: Did E-Tank cause crack in pan?
« Reply #2 on: August 20, 2017, 05:29:15 PM »
Russel - Thanks!  I'll send some photos this evening.  Sue
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Offline Duke Gilleland

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Re: Did E-Tank cause crack in pan?
« Reply #3 on: August 20, 2017, 06:18:43 PM »
Agree with Russell about the crack. Have used a LARGE Rubbermaid type trash can for some years now with no problems [smiley=thumbsup.gif] Just be sure and keep the + & - away from touching or you will be buying a new charger in SHORT order!   [smiley=naughty.gif] [smiley=twocents.gif]:'(
« Last Edit: August 20, 2017, 06:26:01 PM by DG_TX »
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Offline Sue Lightner

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Re: Did E-Tank cause crack in pan?
« Reply #4 on: August 20, 2017, 07:33:10 PM »
Thanks for your advice!  Also, my dad was an old auto mechanic and taught me how to use jumper cables.  His words still ring in my ears. 
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Offline Duke Gilleland

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Re: Did E-Tank cause crack in pan?
« Reply #5 on: August 20, 2017, 10:47:35 PM »
 [smiley=welcome.gif]to WAGS Sue! GREAT [smiley=thumbsup.gif]to have you here with us at WAGS!
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Offline Sue Lightner

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Re: Did E-Tank cause crack in pan?
« Reply #6 on: August 20, 2017, 11:46:12 PM »
Thanks!  Glad to be here.  Russell Ware asked me to add a photo of my E-Tank.  I tried to upload a photo and was unsuccessful.  I'll try again later. 
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Offline Sue Lightner

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Re: Did E-Tank cause crack in pan?
« Reply #7 on: August 20, 2017, 11:49:59 PM »
It's so great to be able to ask a question and get direct answers to the problem you are having. 
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Offline Spurgeon Hendrick

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Re: Did E-Tank cause crack in pan?
« Reply #8 on: August 21, 2017, 01:50:18 PM »
So, your e-tank was built by Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor? Ha! I agree with the above comments. The crack was already there and cleaning made it visible. I've had a couple where the crack didn't show up until the seasoning process. Oil soaked into the crack and "bled out" during heating to reveal the crack.

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Offline Cheryl Watson

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Re: Did E-Tank cause crack in pan?
« Reply #9 on: August 21, 2017, 02:12:05 PM »
Quote
Thanks!  Glad to be here.  Russell Ware asked me to add a photo of my E-Tank.  I tried to upload a photo and was unsuccessful.  I'll try again later. 

Photos need to be downsized... http://www.griswoldandwagner.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1383802487

You are welcome to click the email button below, and send them to me and I can post them.  :) (it takes a bit to figure out at the beginning)
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FD_Hoover

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Re: Did E-Tank cause crack in pan?
« Reply #10 on: August 21, 2017, 06:11:22 PM »
Welcome to the forum. We have all found those dreaded heart breaking hairline cracks after running the Etank on a piece.  If you have 2 that are similar in same area as where pan was held I lean towards asking how you are attaching your wire lead to the pan.  First thing that would come to mind is if using a c-clamp or something similar on the pans side an over tightened clamp or something putting pressure on the structure may stress the iron causing a crack. Just a thought
« Last Edit: August 21, 2017, 06:14:02 PM by FD_Hoover »
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Offline Sue Lightner

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Re: Did E-Tank cause crack in pan?
« Reply #11 on: August 22, 2017, 01:27:30 PM »
Spurgeon Henick, you are so funny and just made my day!  My husband gave me the battery charger and I told him it was the most romantic thing he has ever done.  I very much appreciate your comments.  The two cracks that I am dealing with are in different places on the pans.  That's good!  I will send the photos to Cheryl Watson so you can all look at and comment on my E-Tank!  Best of wishes to all.  Sue
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Offline Sue Lightner

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Re: Did E-Tank cause crack in pan?
« Reply #12 on: August 22, 2017, 01:28:29 PM »
Photo of E-Tank.
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Offline Sue Lightner

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Re: Did E-Tank cause crack in pan?
« Reply #13 on: August 22, 2017, 01:41:50 PM »
Cheryl, I figured it out!  Thanks for your kind offer.

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Offline Russell Ware

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Re: Did E-Tank cause crack in pan?
« Reply #14 on: August 22, 2017, 01:45:29 PM »
Your electro looks like the space saver model. Do you soak your cast iron in lye before the electro? That solution looks a little rough. Does the charger have a manual mode or is it an automatic? Don’t forget to monitor (and remove) the buildup on the sacrificial piece of iron.
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Offline Sue Lightner

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Re: Did E-Tank cause crack in pan?
« Reply #15 on: August 22, 2017, 03:38:47 PM »
Hi Russel - I don't know about soaking in lye, but would love some advice on how to set up that system.  I am throwing out the old solution today, as I think that two pans for one solution is enough.  Plus it looks disgusting!  My battery is a manual charger.  Also, after I am finished with a pan, I take out the metal plate, let it dry and buff off the buildup with a brass brush bit that fits on my drill.  What do you use for the sacrifice piece in your set-up?  Also, please send a photo of your set-up.  I watch youtube videos to see what other people are doing, but remember, I am a newbie! 
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Offline Russell Ware

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Re: Did E-Tank cause crack in pan?
« Reply #16 on: August 22, 2017, 04:51:59 PM »
Quote
let it dry and buff off the buildup with a brass brush bit

Throw away the brass brush now. It will embed particulates in the metal you clean. In an electrolysis tank there is a distinct possibility it may plate out in the cast iron you are trying to clean, and good luck trying to get that off if it happens.
I'll look for the link of my setup. It's posted here somewhere.
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Offline Russell Ware

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Re: Did E-Tank cause crack in pan?
« Reply #17 on: August 22, 2017, 05:05:05 PM »
Here is a link to the Best Threads on the Cleaning and Restoration Board. I highly recommend reading the links that specifically address electro and cast iron:
http://www.griswoldandwagner.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1393982431

Here is a thread that shows my setup:
http://www.griswoldandwagner.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1388694219/0#0

In general, I don’t use or recommend using power tools. The best thing to clean the electro is some type of stainless steel brush. Don’t forget, even SOS pads will rust. They are mild steel.
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Offline Cheryl Watson

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Re: Did E-Tank cause crack in pan?
« Reply #18 on: August 22, 2017, 06:00:43 PM »
Ouch... brass or copper brushes should never be used on CI.
Brushing with Brass or Copper Brushes leaves coloration behind that is NOT removable....  :( :( :'( :'(
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Offline Sue Lightner

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Re: Did E-Tank cause crack in pan?
« Reply #19 on: August 22, 2017, 07:40:29 PM »
WOW!  I am not worthy!  That is a great set-up.  I'll spend some time researching the links you provided.  I hope you don't mind a few questions.  Thanks!
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