Setup for nickel stripping

[jdameron]

I am stripping nickle plated keys for musical instruments and recently used the Caswell nickel stripper. The results were encouraging, but less than stellar. I ended up with the parts mostly stripped, but with areas of plating pitted but intact. I suspect the problem was with agitation. I was using a bubbler for agitation, and I think it was probably inadequate. How is the best way to agitate the solution? AND, where do I go to buy a tumbler or something of the sort? OR, am I completely off base?

[CarWiz]

I've never tried it but I suspect the aeration is insufficient. I use one of Caswell's filter pumps but without the filter attached. The filter may trap the sulphur particles and the sulphur is what keeps the chemical from attacking the base metal. Also, make sure the solution is up to temp.

Caswell Inc. -Nickel/Copy Chrome™ Filter Kit

[jandjwoodwinds]

We can handle the stripping and plating for you.

Originally Posted by jdameron

I am stripping nickle plated keys for musical instruments and recently used the Caswell nickel stripper. The results were encouraging, but less than stellar. I ended up with the parts mostly stripped, but with areas of plating pitted but intact. I suspect the problem was with agitation. I was using a bubbler for agitation, and I think it was probably inadequate. How is the best way to agitate the solution? AND, where do I go to buy a tumbler or something of the sort? OR, am I completely off base?

Doc
J and J Woodwinds, L. L. C.

[CarWiz]

Originally Posted by CarWiz

I've never tried it but I suspect the aeration is insufficient. I use one of Caswell's filter pumps but without the filter attached. The filter may trap the sulphur particles and the sulphur is what keeps the chemical from attacking the base metal. Also, make sure the solution is up to temp.

Just as a note to save you some grief; Don't run the stripper higher than about 120 degrees or the filter pump will melt. I left two heaters in my batch and left it to do something else--Big mistake. When I came back, the temp was around 180 and a burned electric smell was in the air. The pump melted. The pump is rated to about 104 degrees but I've been running them to 120, so far, without problems. Use one of the temp controllers to monitor the heat.