Rather than mucking about with Bicarb, you'd be better off getting some 'Soda Ash'.
Still a form of Sodium Carbonate, Na2CO3, but it's a bit stronger than Washing Soda. Washing Soda is about 15% water; Soda Ash is <1%.
Available from swimming pool supply shops, and larger farm/rural supplies, if there are any of those in your area. It'll work out cheaper too, as 10kg buckets and 1kg pouches are common pack sizes.
Wow Jonesy, i've never tried it but have heard good things about it. i just didnt realise it was that easy to set up at home.
Is there a risk or leaving your parts in there too long and totally disintegrating them?
Just don't let anything made of aluminium alloy get in there; the bath is alkaline enough to corrode that quite quickly.
