For the home plating specialistplating threadsI think I read somewhere that plating in threaded areas can create clearance issues. The author suggested a tap/die for nuts/bolts will easily cure the problem if one is created, however that would also be a waste of zinc. You could also screw a nut onto a bolt before you plate it as a way to "mask" it.
I've done more nuts and bolts than I care to remember since setting up this plating system. I've never encountered an interference fit problem with threaded parts. There is usually enough clearance in commercial fasteners to allow for quite a bit of plating. Chrome may be a different story as there are several layers (copper, nickel and chrome) to the finished plated surface.
My only comment on the zinc set up I see is the copper wire which is on the anode side. Is it not possible for copper to go into solution as well and plate out on the parts? I have avoided any other metal other than zinc from being connected to the anode side and being in the solution. All my copper wire connections are above the level of the bath, I bring a zinc contact from the anode up and out of the solution and connect my copper wire to it. Cathode side does not matter as it is the target side. regards, Rob
Good points Snakeoil. I will look for a better zince hanger for the portion that goes into the solution and keep the copper in the dry.
Regarding acetone as a degreaser, do you just give it a good scrub/soak and afterwards, a quick rinse in distilled water and your ready to zince dip? Or do you air dry the acetone bath and then zinc dip? InterferenceSnake, I think you are right that the comment I read was for nickle and had a copper "primer"coat underneath. Not likely to be an issue for zinc only plating.
Good question on the copper going into solution. I think you are right that on the anode side, only zinc should be allowed in the solution. Somewhere in this thread is the suggestion to cannibalize old dry cell batteries for sheet zinc since that is what their cases are made from. So if you do that, you should have sufficient zinc to electrically connect all your bigger zincs and then bring a zinc connection out of the bath to connect to your power source via the wire of your choice.
A simple mechanical attachment method is all you need. I see you already have holes drilled in the big zincs. So make a tab that fits thru the hole and fold it over to make a connection. I cut slits in my sheet zinc to connect two sheets together. It's like the old punch-out cardboard forts you could assemble when you were a kid. I also crimp pieces together where appropriate. regards, Rob
I've since modified my design slightly and chopped down my bucket size so just one of my zinc discs will hang in the solution. For the bottom disc, I'll connect it to one of the side discs with stainless steel wire and actually use this stainless wire to hang my parts in the solution.
The reason I chopped down my bucket size was that for the amount of pieces I was doing and for the size of them, I didn't need that much solution and it was a bit over kill. I'm actually thinking of doing a YouTube video of my setup and the process (giving full kudos to those who have gone forward with this) as few people would have the patience to read all pages in this thread and I'm sure you'll all get tired of answering questions from those that just "pop in". I've never done a video before but love the chance to play around with that stuff and hopefull help others. Repairing worn threads on zinc alloy partsI thought it would be appropriate to post a link here to a restoration thread I have going on another forum. Today, I built up the worn threads on an OEM Lucas ignition switch with the same plating process discussed here. It worked like a champ and thought you could all benefit from knowing this little trick to save OEM parts.
http://www.triumphrat.net/members-resto ... ost2154482 It is the last post I submitted in a very long thread. It was posted on 3/3/12 for those who will be reading this later and will find the thread has carried on past this point by then. regards, Rob
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