Getting rid of the caustic soda in the electrolytic tank

[Seadog]

Yes

 

[Maker]

I just checked the pH of the baking soda and it's showing 14 ! How is that possible? I put my hand in it and my hand is still here?

Nothing will take your hand off immediately (Chemically, that is, a chainsaw would do it), here's a good video of some strong mineral acids vs chicken legs, they're using acids not bases but it still helps shows my point. pH is just a measure of the amount of hydrogen ions in a solution, it's not directly related to how corrosive something is.

Is that why you get a soapy feeling when it gets on your skin? The feeling is your skin being turned into soap?

It's the oils in your skin being turned to soap, that's why the slimey feeling doesn't immediately wash off, it's not something on your skin but in it. A splash of vinegar would presumably help wash it off but I've never tried. That's also why your hands feel really dry afterwards.

 

[ranchero]

my sister once had a paint stripping business she used a lot of caustic it was always used hot she said it was useless cold. local council was ok about the waste going down the drain.