What should I use?

[justforfun]

As you will soon find, I am new here and I need some advice.

Been reading, searching, etc. on the Caswell main site and this forum and can not get my mind around what I need do and use (purchase from Caswell).

I'll explain my proposed project, keep in mind, I see this as a one off project.

I purchased a tool makers microscope and it was missing the mounting pillar (vertical post). I searched and a direct replacement was over $200.00 from that company.

So I purchased a 20mm dia. (.787" dia.) x 400 mm (15.74" long) steel, (TGP) turned ground & polished shaft for $10.00.

The shaft works as it should, but I am concerned with it rusting over time, OK I'm sure it will rust.

I would like to plate the shaft with nickel. That should keep it from rusting and since the shaft sees very little if no wear, I'm guessing that nickel would give long service.

Reading on the Caswell main site, I see the Nickel Plating Kit and the Plug N' Plate® Kits Nickel Plating Kit.

I do some home anodizing so I have a bench power (5 amp, 35 volt Max.) supply that might be used for this plating one time deal.

I see the PNP says for small parts, but does not say what small means. The Nickel Plating Kit I'm sure would work but I'm afraid that would be over kill for my one time project.

Some direction from anyone with experience would greatly be appreciated.

Great site.

Thanks

Roy Simpson
Elkhart, IN USA

[CarWiz]

For a one-time shot, it would be cheaper to have someone do it for you. I'm pretty well booked up but send a PM to James Bateman. He does exceptional work. Besides, he's closer to you than I am.

http://forum.caswellplating.com/priv...=newpm&u=59608

[justforfun]

Thank you for the info.

I'd rather do it myself, hobbyist and all.

Still would like some input on how to go about DIY.

Can it be done with a PNP setup, do I have to buy enough product to do 100 of the parts?

Thanks again

Roy Simpson
Elkhart, IN USA

[CarWiz]

You should be able to do it with the PnP kit. It will take some time but it's doable. After the part is prepared, you can plate directly onto steel with the nickel kit. You'll want to polish the part if you want a shinny surface otherwise the plate will appear the same as the surface finish--It won't fill scratches or grinding marks.

[CarWiz]

Forgot to mention:
You can download the PnP manual here: Plug N Plate® Kit Instructions - Powered By Kayako SupportSuite

It describes the process.

[justforfun]

Great info. thanks.

I'll go with the PNP kit, cut a piece of PVC length wise (plugged ends) to make a shallow trough, fill with plating solution, make a holder for the steel rod and go for it.

I'll search and see if I can find info. on amps/volts/time. More than spelled out in the PNP instructions.

Thanks

Roy Simpson

[CarWiz]

You'll need about 2-2.5 amps for your piece to "dip plate". Plating time around 15-30 minutes if the solution holds up. Keep in mind that the PnP kits are designed for brush plating. The option to use dip plating is for very small items. You should have 1:1 anode to part ratio. And since the anode recommended for PnP dip plating is SS, you're using up the nickel in the solution. If you can get a nickel anode, the solution will last longer as the nickel in solution is replenished by dissolution of the anode. This is not the case when using a SS anode.

In any case, you'll need enough solution to cover the part and allow a couple of inches between the anode and part. You can reduce the clearance but you'll need to reduce the current too or the plating will burn. Reducing current means you must extend the time. Just a guess but I'd say you'll need at least 40-48ozs of solution for your part. I believe the replenish chemicals are sold in 8oz bottles for the PnP nickel kit. You can see where this may get expensive for a one-time shot if you want to dip plate.

[justforfun]

Car, thanks again for the reply.

As much as I'd like to try plating myself, you are correct DIY just does not look practical for a one off.

At your recommendation I contacted James. He contacted me via PM and I'm trying to work something out with him.

It is sad that life is short and we never have the time to accomplish everything we would like.

Thanks again.

Roy Simpson

[justforfun]

I contacted and sent my shaft to James Bateman.

Just rec'd. the nickel plated shaft, fast service and part looks great.

Thanks for the contact info.

Roy

Originally Posted by CarWiz

For a one-time shot, it would be cheaper to have someone do it for you. I'm pretty well booked up but send a PM to James Bateman. He does exceptional work. Besides, he's closer to you than I am.

http://forum.caswellplating.com/priv...=newpm&u=59608