So I've found the need to start doing copper plating for an atypical application (plated thru-holes for making circuit boards - basically copper on copper plating). Caswell seems to have the most complete kits, so I'm really thinking about using one of them for what I'm doing. I've got a few questions, though:

- What's the growth speed difference between acid copper and flash copper? I know flash copper seems to be slower, but it seems as if the flash copper bath is lower maintenance and requires fewer consumables--it seems as if it might be worth it in the end for me.

- What consumables does acid copper require over the long term? Do I need to dispose of the bath at some point to replenish the chemicals at some point? From what I understand, I'll need to replace the copper anodes, brightener (only one of them??) and sulfuric acid from time to time. Does anyone have a rough estimate per sq. in/ft of copper plated (to some thickness?)

- What consumables does flash copper require? From what I can tell, it's only the copper anodes?

- How do I dispose of the electroplating baths if I ever need to empty them out?

- Is flash copper or acid copper smoother? I will be plating copper-on-copper that's already very smooth and sanded off.

- What else would I need for either kit? I already have a high current power supply.

I know it's tons of questions, but I really want to evaluate my choices before buying a kit, and Caswell's website seems to be lacking on some of the technical details I need (can't see the plating manual until I buy a kit!) I'm trying to set up a full scale hobbyist PCB fab system, and the electroplating is only a small fraction of the process, so I'd rather not end up spending more money than I need to on this step.

Thanks!