can i use this power supply ?

[daz2206]

ive been polishing for a while now and i would like to have a go at electroplating (on a small scale) maybe 1ft max surface area, i have this old power supply from when i used to mess around with electronics and was wondering if it would be of any use or if il need a more powerful one, its only 2 amps and 30 volts per side. i dont really care what type of plating i do as its really just to introduce me into electroplating in general (although i love that black krome)
the pick a kit helper isnt much use just yet as i dont know what i want to plate or what finish im after, probably the easiest to use would be a good start
also would it be ok for small anodising jobs as id like to have a go at that too.
any help would be very much appreciated
also does anyone have any idea why caswell uk is a lot more expensive than your caswell (almost double for some things) ?.

[kxkraze]

Daz,

It looks like that PSU should get you started. Just keep in mind that 12 sq. inches is probably not as much surface area as you think. It should get you started though. It also looks like that is a dual output unit. If so, then you can bridge them in a parallel circuit and double your current output. Voltage is not your significant factor, so just set the voltage to 1/2 ~ 3/4 setting and leave it there to begin with.

[daz2206]

thanks for your reply, yes it is a dual power supply so i guess il hang onto it for now and see if i enjoy plating before getting a decent power supply, ive got the caswell plating manual so il get stuck into that before deciding what kit to buy first, thanks for your help.

[kxkraze]

That looks like a decent power supply to me. Better than what some are using. From what I can tell, the only reason to purchase a different power supply is if you want to plate more than 28.5 sq. in. S.A. (zinc). Remember, amperage is additive when you connect power supplies in a parallel circuit. Therefore, your current PSU will allow you to purchase a cheaper fixed amperage PSU (say 3 or 4 amp) to increase your plating capabilites. You connect them in parallel and then do the fine tuning with your adjustable PSU.