Removing Rust from Cast Iron Table Top

[woodturner]

Before it's reinterred, has anyone tried electrolysis on a CI table top?

I dimly recall reading about using a towel soaked in a baking soda solution sandwiched between the table top and a steel plate (as the anode). It should be non-destructive and not too labor intensive.

Interesting idea, I wonder if that would reduce the current requirements.

When I did the top on an old Sears flea market saw, I lined a large cardboard box with plastic to make a tank and submersed it. The problem was that it took a lot of time, current or both. My car battery charger really was not up to the task, but did succeed after a month or so. I have since learned that many people use arc welders as a power source for larger parts.