For the home plating specialist

Wilf · Post by **Wilf** » Thu Dec 30, 2010 1:55 pm

Great post, Rob!

I'm in total agreement with all your observations/conclusions. With respect to the brightener and our need to brush for any kind of lustre, I find that to be the most rewarding part of the process! I think if the part came out of the bath all nice and shiny I might feel just a bit ripped-off and would not be paying attention to all the surface details (the undressing is always more profound an experience than a sudden 'fait accompli').

I do have an almost complete set of spokes so I may just build a new bath and make them look new again.

Wilf

Snakeoil · Post by **Snakeoil** » Thu Dec 30, 2010 6:10 pm

Thanks Wilf.

Today I started replating the choke levers and linkage as well as varioius carb hardware, including the 4 springs that hold the air filter snorkles tight. What I noticed today is a voltage of about 1.5 volts is just about right for most parts. It will keep the current below 1 amp. Only once did the current go over 1 amp with the voltage at or slightly below 1.5 volts. So I would suggest you buy one of those really cheap DMMs at Harbor Freight for $1.99 to monitor your voltage. I have several of those cheapies around both of my places for testing continuity or quick voltage checks. I would not use one to calibrate anything, but for general purpose checks, they are fine.

I think Wilf mentioned 1.5 volts being the limit in one of his posts. The kits that Caswell sells use two drycell batteries in parallel to produce 1.5 volts.

regards,
Rob

geosar · Post by **geosar** » Fri Dec 31, 2010 10:27 am

Got my charger.

Do you folks have a suggestion about where to find zinc other than mail order from ebay. I have visited my recycle shops, thrift stores, and home depot like stores.

Any other types of stores I am not considering. The roofing companies use aluminum flashing.

I feel I am not thinking out of the box on this one and I need a gentle shove in the right direction.

Thank you in advance

George

Snakeoil · Post by **Snakeoil** » Fri Dec 31, 2010 11:27 am

George, the zinc is not used as flashing. It is a mold/mildew/fungus preventer. Try roofing supply houses or contractor supply houses like Erie Supply if you have them in your area.

Another thought would be to google zinc and mildew or fungus on the web to find manufacturers. Often their websites have distributors and retailers listed and you can find one in your area.

Old flashlight batterier have zinc casings. Not alkaline or nicads. Just plain old flashlight batteries.

I think your problem is living in AZ. Not much of a fungus problem in the dry desert, is there? Doubt if anyone sells the stuff out there. I see you mention recycle shops. But how about scrap yards? Do you have a scrap metal yard where you live?

regards,
Rob

ironangel · Post by **ironangel** » Fri Dec 31, 2010 12:33 pm

George, I got mine at a Ziggy's building supply store(they may not be in your area) another source is Menards supply store, you could order from Menards online,around $30 for 50ft roll...Jerry

Wilf · Post by **Wilf** » Fri Dec 31, 2010 12:38 pm

When I first started plating I used zinc for protecting boats from corrosion. The zincs come in a variety of sizes and shapes and should be available from marine/boat supply stores.

Wilf

zoom · Post by **zoom** » Fri Dec 31, 2010 4:01 pm

Rob, glad to hear that your experience was about the same as mine. I was running about.8v with 500mamp and 3 spokes. I haven't tried it but I thought the nipples wouldn't take the zinc over brass. Also I never had any washers under my nipples on a 64 CA77.
I'am going to start lacing the rims this weekend.............any suggestions.