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Originally Posted by KCV6
Steve,
I'd definately use the salt water rheostat method. Hook the battery charger to a 12V battery (optional, it just keeps a trickle charge going between plating cycles) and then run from the battery to the salt water bucket. and then to the item. Refer to page 50 of the Caswell manual when it arives, it is all explained there. Do as the manual says and plate a scrap piece first, copper pipe lengths are good. Don't do it every time as you will just be wasting the chromium in the chromic acid.
With the alkaline strip method I suggested, it will only remove the chrome. It will not affect any underlying plate or substrate, so this will be ideal for the bezels you have that are in reasonable condition. They can then be lightly sanded with 800 grit wet and dry to remove any scratches. Remember the less imperfections you have to start with, the less work required between plating applications.
The solution is a weak mixture of Caustic Soda and tap water. 6%, so if you have 60 grams of Caustic Soda for every litre of tap water. check the label on the draino crystals and make sure it is caustic soda (sodium hydroxide). go to your local steel supplier and get two 6 x 8 pieces of 304 stainless steel to use as cathodes. You can also use these as rheostat plates, you will just need to attach some hangers for one edge. You will see what I mean when you look at page 50.
Are you also getting the flash copper to strike coat the items first? Ooops, just looked, forgot the tripple chrome now comes with the flash copper. Is way too early.
Cheers
Mark
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Oh yeah, it's Monday morning for you isn't it? What a trip. I'm just getting ready to eat dinner on Sunday night! LOL! Now I know what "down under" really means. You're on the other side of the world from me.
I already purchased the manual so I'll read that tonight and get acquainted with the procedure for the salt water rheostat.
I sure hope I enjoy this "new" hobby once I undertake the actual doing of it. This is getting expensive. I can only imagine what it would cost to have these materials sent to you in Australia! Not to mention what your wife would say........if she stayed around that is. LOL!
I bought a strip of copper strapping about 1/16" thick, 2" wide and 12" long. It has holes in it though. Is that going to work or would the holes cause problems by making the plating uneven? I also have a roll of galvanized steel strap for the rheostat if that will work?
Anyway, I hope I'm not annoying you with all these questions. I'm just trying to be as informed as possible before I undertake this new venture.
Thanks for your help Mark !
Regards,
Steve