For the home plating specialist

[zoom]

For those of you that have zinc or nickel plated at home, what have you used for a power source?
Any pics of the set up?
Jay

[Wilf]

Jay,

You may want to read the thread, "restoring old bolts" in the Badges, Seat... section.

Wilf

[cyclon36]

I've thought about doing some home plating for the smaller items. This site has everything for the DIY plate job: http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/index.html

[conbs]

I have been looking at this kit from Eastwood. Power supply is 2 D batteries.

http://www.eastwood.com/ew-electroplati ... -zinc.html

[Wilf]

Eastwood, Caswell.....whatever retail.....I like DIY.

Wilf

[Snakeoil]

Wilf,

I just read your instructions on how to zinc plate at home. Many thanks for sharing this. I suspect I'll be giving this a try over the weekend.

This is one of the best Christmas presents I've ever received.

Best regards,

Rob

[conbs]

A little over a year ago I was looking in the Metalworking section of ebay and a guy had a brochure that told how to DIY chrome plating (it also shows how to copper and nickel plate) . His brochure was pretty cheap so I bought one. His method uses sulfuric acid from car batteries and a battery charger 5-10 amps.
I think you have to be some what well versed on the science involved to follow his instructions, but I do think you you could actually chrome plate in your garage (or even your kitchen if you have an understanding wife.....Nah, probably not). I thought about trying it, but haven't had the need just yet, so I can't say I have the courage.
He lists Caswell as a supplier, but his method seems like it would be a LOT cheaper than their kits.
His company is YSUUSY Publishing in Tiffin Ohio.
I did not check out whether it would be leagl to do this kind of plating and even if it is legal in Idaho, there may be legal prohibition in other states or there may be local regulation. At a minimum you would be dealing with chemicals that require legal disposal. But, if you are the adventurous sort.......
One thing the guy stresses. NEVER pour water into acid. Only pour acid into water. I learned that the hard way in a college chemistry course. Luckily it was only a small test tube, but the reaction was immediate and violent. The point is, before taking on something like this a person would want to make sure and study everything in the brochure (several times) and probably do a good bit of additional study as well. But, it is not impossible, you would just want to be very careful.