Anodes for free!!!

[paulcooper]

My Cox master mariner needed three circular anodes replacing and I was amazed at the price now being asked. The cost of metals world wide is responsible sir , he said.

Looking at my old pear anodes from the last few years I thought why not melt them down and make my own.

So I have. Using an old steel salmon tin I tried melting the anodes using a propane lamp but without success. So I borrowed a second one and it worked a treat. I had to skim of the frass from the top of the melted metal and when cool drill the required hole through the centre.

Of course I mention safety using hot metal, gloves, mask etc
as the fumes are not pleasant so do the job outdoors on a calm dry day.

Have since looked in the scrap metal bin in our boatyard and have now collected enough old anodes to last me several years.

When you ask about the price of your anodes you could be persuaded to do the same. Am now going to make a sandbox to cast a new pear anode using the old straps I have left over.

Happy New Year to all Forumers.

Paul.

 

[wotayottie]

Had a pal do exactly the same thing. If you find a way of moulding shaft anodes, let us know.

 

[Wakatere]

Sounds like a satisfying and useful project, but can you be sure all the scrap anodes you find are the right material?

 

[wotayottie]

the only alternative anodes you are likely to find are aluminium or magnesium. You will be able to tell by weight - zinc is way heavier. If you make a mistake the magnesium ones are likely to give you a nice firewqorks display

 

[MM5AHO]

Zinc is about the same density as steel, and about half that of lead. Melts at about 419C. Need to watch for shrinkage on solidifying - can cause cavities in the anode.

 

[VicS]

Densities are:
Al 2.70 (MPt 660C)
Mg 1.74 (MPt 650C)
Zn 7.14 (Mpt 420C)

Mild steel 7.9
Stainless steel 7.8

(Source Kaye and Laby)

 

[billcowan]

Cavities in the anode!

good grief - perish the thought

 

[Avocet]

Are all zinc anodes simply made from pure (commercially pure) zinc? I'm in the fortunate position of having "pencil" anodes so all I would need is some bar stock to make them on a lathe.

 

[pvb]

You buy salmon in tins?? Whatever next? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
You buy salmon in tins?? Whatever next?

[/ QUOTE ] Take no notice. He was just showing off that he can afford tinned salmon. I'd have to make do with a baked bean can or a cat food can. (Perhaps if we all reclaimed old anodes we all be able to afford the salmon)
/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Aluminium anodes are OK in salt or fresh water aren't they. Perhaps we should all be melting down old beer cans and making aluminium anodes. How that for a money making idea. I can see my Sunseeker already!

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
Are all zinc anodes simply made from pure (commercially pure) zinc?

[/ QUOTE ] yes I think so but it might be a high purity.

Edit: here is the US military spec they are made to http://www.mgduff.co.uk/pdfs/ZINC_HULL.pdf

 

[pyrojames]

My father used to do this, but for some reason the recylced anode performance was never as good as the new ones.

 

[snowleopard]

Yes, if you get some crap included, the impurities will set up little cells within the anode and eat it away without any protective effect. There is no shortage of half-used anodes about if you walk round any boat park in the spring with eyes to the ground, just be sure to clean them up before putting them in the pot.

 

[bumblefish]

I'll get my father on to it. he used to make me molds/moulds for fishing weights, in his spare time. now he has lots and all the tools to do it!

 

[Avocet]

Thanks Vic!