Im lost, can someone help me get started up?

[spills]

Forgive me, I know yall get this type of stuff all the time. I've seen a couple of writeups on how to get the anodizing "system" setup, but I still have a few questions:

-What percent sulphuric acid should I be looking for, 37%?
-Is it a 50/50 mix of acid and water in the ano tank?
-Are there any material's I should stay away from for the tanks construction?
-Where can I get a listing of the chemicals needed and their appropriate ratios?

I'm the type of person that needs a step by step guide basically to get started. Once I get the basics down, I can go from there. Im going to Barnes and Noble tomorrow to get "The electroplater's handbook", that should cover a few of my questions but I was wondering if there was a good resource online I can refer to to get started up correctly. Im not going to be able to do the "hard" ano, I cant afford the refrigeration and such. Any input?

[stevepelle91]

When constructing your tank you should stay away from most metals in direct contact with the acid, unless using it as a cathode or anode. Plastic bins & totes are usually fine, you want to stay away from polyurethane though.

Here is a huge list of different chemicals and materials that are resistant to certain things:
http://www.lgpc.com/MagDrive/CRC.pdf

As for the acid, buy it at NAPA auto parts. It comes pre-dilluted as "Battery Acid", about 33% sulfuric acid. You should mix the NAPA battery acid in a 1:3 ratio to water, so 25% being battery acid & 75% being water. So in the end, the potency of your acid bath will be about 10% acid.

So simply mix 3 gallons of water per 1 gallon of NAPA battery acid.

Also, make sure you use distilled or reverse osmosis water for everything.

The rest of the chemicals you will need will be from Caswell and the ratios are listed on the product.

[spills]

thanks man, that cleared up a good bit! Im wondering if some tuperware from walmart would suffice, the bigger ones about 16"x6"x6". I could get those relatively cheap, and they come with lids as well. I doubt they're made of polyurethane either

[acidrain]

Originally Posted by spills

thanks man, that cleared up a good bit! Im wondering if some tuperware from walmart would suffice, the bigger ones about 16"x6"x6". I could get those relatively cheap, and they come with lids as well. I doubt they're made of polyurethane either

Bigger is better... you need room betwen the parts and the cathode, and between each part.
Heat is built up. A bigger tank will disapate the heat better.

[stevepelle91]

Originally Posted by acidrain

Bigger is better... you need room betwen the parts and the cathode, and between each part.
Heat is built up. A bigger tank will disapate the heat better.

Yup and acid is cheap, if i were you i would grab a 20-30 gallon tank. Should cost you about $40 to buy the tank from Walmart and fill it up with the acid/water.

[Paintballstuff_n_more]

Originally Posted by acidrain

Bigger is better... you need room betwen the parts and the cathode, and between each part.
Heat is built up. A bigger tank will disapate the heat better.

hey can i use a glass aquarium tank?

[acidrain]

You could, but it would be risky... the glass could break, or the sealant in the corners could come loose.
I suggest getting a large rubbermaid bin, and build a plywood box that it fits inside of with a lid that closes. Use rigid foam insulation between the tank and the plywood to help maintain the correct temperature (temp needs to be ~70F).
While your add it, build a racking system into it as well.
Here's a pic of my old one:

[Paintballstuff_n_more]

Originally Posted by acidrain

You could, but it would be risky... the glass could break, or the sealant in the corners could come loose.
I suggest getting a large rubbermaid bin, and build a plywood box that it fits inside of with a lid that closes. Use rigid foam insulation between the tank and the plywood to help maintain the correct temperature (temp needs to be ~70F).
While your add it, build a racking system into it as well.
Here's a pic of my old one:

wow thats nice , is that a walmart tote on a wood box?
THnks also is there any way i can talk to you by instant messaging so i can ask some quik questions?
Thanks

[acidrain]

Sorry... I don't chat. I check my emails and forums a couple of times a day though, and it's always better to post up so others can learn too.

[Paintballstuff_n_more]

Originally Posted by acidrain

Sorry... I don't chat. I check my emails and forums a couple of times a day though, and it's always better to post up so others can learn too.

Ok ok thnks , hey can you post on my threads? i wanna know what plumbing or hardware is invloved on this like things i need from that, cause my dad owns a harware store and if he doesnt have it i most likely get it form a seller or somethings, im buying chemcals here anyways.
Thnks and in a normal store not like power supply or so
THNKS