Few Questions For The Pros

[stevepelle91]

I'm under the process of re-starting the whole anodizing thing, my first try was a pretty big failure. But before i make any purchases i would like to know a few things.

First things first, is my lead sheet. The acid has started to eat away at the surface that was submerged, causing a very very thin layer to feel like sandpaper almost. I'm not worried so much about the lead getting smaller, as i am about the acid bath getting ruined after a while. Now i know having a very small amount of Aluminum dissolved in the tank naturally happens when your tank is "Broken in", but i wasn't sure about the lead.

Next is in regards to my anodizing/acid tank. The one i used was just your average 15-20 Gal storage bin from Walmart, but i had serious problems with all kinds of bugs & debris getting into it. I was wondering where i could purchase a nice 15-20 gallon tank for anodizing, or maybe a way i could seal the top somehow of the one i currently use when i'm not anodizing. Also, what would be some of the materials i could have a tank fabricated out of?

My third and final question is about the power supply. I should have gotten this first, but i'm still without one. I've been searching everywhere but i can't find any that are cheaper than 200 or so shipped. I'm on a pretty tight budget, so if any of you guys could help me out with a good website that would be awesome.

Thanks in advance, i might have a few more questions as i go along. I'll keep you guys updated with pictures of my setup/runs when i get started again in a few weeks.

[acidrain]

A bin works really good for an ano tank, but I suggest placing it in a foam lined plywood box with a hinged insulated lid.
The plywood box will support the bin (go as big as possible), and the foam will insulate.
The lid will keep bugs and debris out.
I would re-use the acid if possible... it has lead in it now, and will need to be disposed of at your local hazardous waste site. You can filter the acid using coffee filters in a plastic sieve or colander.

[Empire03]

Ya I used a walmart bin myself they should have came with a lid.?..?Mine did,But anyway I might be able to help you out on the power supply I have a old one sitting around.pm me about it.

[stevepelle91]

So i've got my tank, its a 28 gallon bin from Walmart. I built a wooden case for it, sealed the edges with wood glue then caulking. On one side of it, i gave it about 10 extra inches of space and cut a whole for the A/C unit, it's digital and is fully adjustable from 66-86*F so it should work fine. I'm just afraid all this stuff running at the same time (D/C power supply, A/C, Pump) is going to blow a lot of fuses in my circuit breaker, haha. Well anyways, all i need now is a RO unit, which i have picked out, & a good water pump for agitation. I've been looking at Magnetic Drive Little Giants & similar pumps, i just have no idea how much GPH it should have. My tank is 28 gallon, like i said before.. I'm just afraid too much will turn this thing into a water fountain. Any advice on these matters would be appreciated, thanks!

[acidrain]

I always say, go big or go home! You can always use a valve to control flow.
If you're pumping acid for agitation, go with an HC little giant (HC = high corrisive).
I picked up a 220vac ~1000gph little giant for really cheap off ebay because it was 220v, and I assume nobody else wanted it. I think I paid $35 for it.

As for your circuits, consider running dedicated circuits for your equipment. The AC unit should have it's own for sure.

[stevepelle91]

Would the semi-corrosive work? Its a glass filled polypropylene impellor & body with some ceramic instead of the titanium, the HC version looks like the same thing but has glass filled Ryton instead of polypropylene.

[acidrain]

I went through quite a few of the glass filled/ceramic shaft style pumps before I finally broke down and got the HC pump. If you keep a spare on hand, the cheap ones will work, but in all cases for me, they always broke at the beginning of a new run, and kept me from continuing.

[stevepelle91]

Alright so i'm setting up my tank, but i've run into a dilema. I've seen on most anodizing tanks, they have there lead sheet bolted into the tank near the top. Which type of bolts should i use, stainless steel or aluminum?

[acidrain]

SS seems to last longer (I've tried both). Go with 316 SS if possible.

[stevepelle91]

I'm pretty much done with the inside of my tank, all i need to do is finish the supporting pvc bars i drilled the 2 holes for on each side. I'm going to build a 1/2 inch plywood case, fill it with insulation to help support the tank & to retain the temperature. Going to have an A/C stuck into one side with about a foot of leeway, should work great and is much cheaper than a chiller (for now).

Here is some eye candy:

Got my cathode all setup along with the water agitation.
http://img359.imageshack.us/img359/2...mess001ib8.jpg

Top view.
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/4...mess002dq8.jpg

Dyes/Chemicals, using 2.5 Gal buckets my friend got me from Ralphs Italian Ice.
http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/4...mess003gy6.jpg

My work table.
http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/7...mess005yy3.jpg

The mess that i call my basement, thats all my area for anything paintball/anodizing related.

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/9...mess004vy7.jpg

Tell me what you guys think!