A few questions.

[Dusty]

Hi guys nice site here with lots of great information!! Let me apologize first for the noob questions but I did not find my answer with the search tool...

First off I am trying to assemble a small ano line maybe 2 gallon tubs or buckets as I want to anodize only small parts and was wondering if anyone has a similar setup that could share info on.

I also need input on a rectifier, I am thinking of going with a Mastech variable power supply rated at 0-30 volts @ 0-10 amps. Do you think this will suffice?


Thanks for your time,
Dusty

[sswee]

Many here started with a small setup and can help out with info geared to that size. If you get the basics down pat then the size of the setup isn't that big of a deal.

The PS of 30V10A is a good choice. It will give you room to grow if you decide to go to a bigger setup later.

[kco1196]

Hey Dusty, I'm new to this also. Yesterday was my first attempt and let's just say that I was half successful.

Here is a breakdown on what I'm using-

Etch- old 3 gallon 'kitty litter' bucket (HDPE)

Desmut/Deox- 7 gallon (28quart) Coleman cooler

Anodize tank- same as above. Cathodes are 6"x12" 6061 plates I found at Westlakes. Rectifier- Mastech 30v 6amp unit.

Quick dip in baking soda (1lb) mixed with 2 gallons of water.

Dye is another kitty litter bucket. Fishtank heater (200w) to bring it up to @80

Sealer- 28qt (7gal) Coleman cooler. Three 300w heaters

Years ago I purchased a reverse osmosis filter so I have pure water. I was afraid to boil the water in my sealer bath. Got it up to @160-170 tho.

Almost forgot aeration- fish tank pump split to ano & dye tank.

[sswee]

The baking soda rinse has been known to cause dye problems.
The dye will work much better at 140* as recommended.
I'd up the sealer temp to 190-200*.
SS

[Dusty]

Thanks for the replies guys!! I just ordered the 30v10a ps and am putting together a shopping list for heaters, containers etc.


Dusty

[kco1196]

Originally Posted by sswee

The baking soda rinse has been known to cause dye problems.
The dye will work much better at 140* as recommended.
I'd up the sealer temp to 190-200*.
SS

Somewhere in the Caswell book I read to do a quick dip to neutralize the part hence the rinse. What sort of problems can it cause me?

Dye- parts that ano'd took die really good. To good actually. Left them in blue 4a 20 minutes and they almost look black. One part didn't anodize but took some die. Not sure what that was.

About the sealer- since this was my first time I was scared to death I was going to melt the cooler Next time I will crank up the heat more.

I bought a 3 pack of squirt bottles and filled them all with R.O. water to spray the parts (very liberally I might add) between baths.

Looking back on my first job it was a variety of various sizes of parts totalling approx 28sq in. All the aluminum hanging wires came out beautiful! Not all the parts did. Is it safe to assume I lost connection on some parts?

Dusty, how far are you on your setup?

[Dusty]

I'm still in the shopping stage, I am putting together a grocery list, LOL!
So far I only have the 30v10a power supply ordered and I'm searching for suitable containers. I was going to go with the Caswell kit but I really do not need 6 gal tanks at this time. I think something about half that size will work for what I want to do.




Dusty

[kco1196]

So far I'm 100% satisfied with the Caswell kit. The buckets can always be used for something else.

[acidrain]

For smaller buckets, I really like the 3gal buckets available from Lowes and other hardware stores (paint department).
I use to neutralize with baking soda water, but had inconsistant dye problem... after eliminating the neutralizer, those problems went away.
Use a two-rinse method... spray the parts into thier respective chemical tanks (keeping waste product to a minimum), and then submerse completely in a RO dip tank. If you have small holes, threaded parts, etc., spray rinse again at those areas before proceeding to the next step.
Yes KCO, it sounds like you lost connection. Try titanium wire... it lasts forever, and has a superior connection because it doesn't anodize.

[Dusty]

Yep the 3 gallon buckets are what I am going with. Where can I get the titanium wire?




Thanks again,
Dusty