Salt Water Rheostat removed from manual?

[rblmorg]

Okay, I think I need to add a rheostat in my setup, but I quite simply can't find the information I need. The total information in the Plating Manual (V7)is "On larger parts you should use the SALT WATER RHEOSTAT." but then no further information. Searching the forum yields a few "check the salt water rheostat in the manual" (Not very helpful, obviously.) The NiChrome setup, aside from being too large for my counter, would produce far too much heat, and bulbs I don't feel would give me the control I need. So....

What are the benefits/detriments for the salt water rheostat versus other methods?
How can I find how to build and use one?

[Fibergeek]

Since you have posted in the Anodizing Forum I'm assuming your use is anodizing, right?

The 19th. Century salt water "rheostat" takes a lot of experience; and even then, don't expect entirely acceptable results. Without the experience, you have little chance. There are much better ways to get the required current limiting, some are only slightly more expensive. A lamp dimmer controlling a battery charger would do a far better job, and you probably already have a battery charger. This is in the Manual.

About the only thing positive you can say about a salt water "rheostat" is that you probably can assemble it with that you have laying around the house, everything else is negative. I didn't notice it incomplete removal from the Manual; good, Caswell should drive a wooden stake through its heart and bury it.

BTW, unless its rather large, it will get hot too.