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Posted: 11/23/2011 3:42:27 PM EDT
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Okay, so I picked up 20" SS tank and cooked up 2 gallons of Lauer manganese solution. I used half of a steel wool biscuit (degreased in acetone) to "season" the solution before starting. Well the part came out a dark gray (not the black I was expecting) although it was very even, and there was TONS of flock at the bottom of the tank when I let it cool. The part was freshly blasted and degreased before being immersed in the solution. So my questions are:
1) What are the reasons that the part didn't come out darker? 2) Why was there so much flock in the tank? I understand that some flock is to be expected, but this covered the entire bottom of the tank and seemed to be half an inch deep. 3) I've seen a bunch of different recommended operation temps from 150-195 degrees. My initial test was around 195 degrees, which I guess could have contributed to the color. What is the optimum temp? Thanks guys. ETA: 4) My tank has two small bulges on the bottom where the burners are located. Is this normal, or should I be concerned with the integrity of the tank? |
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How long did you leave the part in the tank? Until the bubbles stopped? I park with the Zinc phosphate, and if you leave the part in too long, it will turn very dark, almost black. I would say you didn't leave the part in long enough. Did you mix the solution correctly?
No idea on the flock, sorry. I keep mine at 180-185. I have always read and been suggested 180 on the dot, maybe yours is a little to hot? Bulges shouldn't matter. Steel tank shouldn't have any problems holding together. |
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I heat to 180
why the crap on the bottom I don't know but what I do now with new mix is park a few tools or something else first. siphon off through a clean hand towel to clean it then it works better. If needed I blast again and park again. I also use the pre treatment , "black dip" And now I mix my solution myself as store bought is costly. 3/4 cup kleen strip 2 gallons distilled water 1/1/2 tbs Manganese phosphate I get good black results. another thing is to flood the part with oil , I use trans oil (cheap) for a few hours to over nite. This is important. |
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Quoted:
I heat to 180 why the crap on the bottom I don't know but what I do now with new mix is park a few tools or something else first. siphon off through a clean hand towel to clean it then it works better. If needed I blast again and park again. I also use the pre treatment , "black dip" And now I mix my solution myself as store bought is costly. 3/4 cup kleen strip 2 gallons distilled water 1/1/2 tbs Manganese phosphate I get good black results. another thing is to flood the part with oil , I use trans oil (cheap) for a few hours to over nite. This is important. I'll have to give that formula a try myself. The gallon of solution from Lauer isn't really expensive, but the $14 hazardous shipping is what bites it in the ass. Luckily, using the 2 gal tank there's a lot left of the gallon for at least three more tanks. |
| Well, tried it again today. Kept the temp between 185-190 and left it in a bit longer (about 8 minutes total) and now the parts are coming out almost black straight from the tank, which is fine with me. I have them soaking in some Marvel Mystery Oil right now and I'll take some pics once I've left them in overnight. |
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