Question for jwibert please!

[MrPontiac]

I also am trying to plate a set of 2 bl. carbs. i glassbeaded em, did not polish em, but degreased them etched probably 30 sec. in a 5% acid bath then plated, almost home free but a couple questions if i may. First im running at 5.0amps and 1.3 volts, My volt adjuster is turned up all the way, ok, its taking 20 min to half an hr. to plate the tops nicely but not perfect, does this time frame sound correct to you?? Secondly my black pig tail wire that go,s to the copper pipe above my bath is getting very hot to touch so should i go to a thicker wire thats holding my top off the pipe??Thirdly should i or could i use more than one wire holding the parts into the bath, will it help any?? Thanks for all your help, Rich, P.s. Im using a 12 volt 10 amp rectifier from pepe tools in Pittsburgh, model 270

[KCV6]

hot wire = too much current for the wire gauge. Double up the wire or get thicker wire. At 5A I suspect it is fairly thin wire? Seriously, invest in some good patch wires like the ones I suggested in the other post. Auto stores have good medium gauge wires with large clips on them sort of like mini jumper leads. There is also no problem in using car jumper leads as your primary wiring from supply to bath. Too big is never a problem.

Cheers

[MrPontiac]

v6, i understand but that is the wire that came with my rectifier, This is why im confused, surely the company that sold it to me should know what there doing right??

[jwilbert]

20 min @ .13-.14 amps per sq. inch is perfect. Smaller parts .13..larger parts .14.
As KCV6 said, I believe you need to bump up on the wire size.
You can use more than one wire to hang the part but you still need to get heavier leads for the rectifier.

[MrPontiac]

Thanks for the quick replys guys, help is apprec. Rich

[MrPontiac]

Went to the auto store today and asked for patch wires, they looked at me as if i was nuts?? Had no idea what i meant. Thought i would relay the message back to you.

[KCV6]

LOL, oops my bad... I'm in Australia and the terminology is probably a bit different.

Our bigger discount type auto chains (super cheap and sprint) tend to sell everything including the kitchen sink. Anything they can make a buck on I guess. They sell a lot of home hobby electronics stuff.