Tools, Glorious Tools! #9 - Getting Started Electroplating
Added 2020-01-21 20:24:35 +0000 UTCHi Folks,
Here's a summary of what I've learned so far from my plating system - do please enjoy!
One of the test pieces is going to Chris Muncy as a thank you for the suggestion, but if you're interested in one of the remaining 4, leave a comment below, and I'll select homes for the other 4 in a week or so.
Cheers,
Chris.
Direct links to the video -
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/385846337/2b4cab1e12
Youtube: https://youtu.be/-FmOid8bgLo
-------------- Video Notes: ---------------
Plating Machine & Supplies (no affiliation): https://www.goldplating.com/collections/jewelry-plating-kits/products/jewelmaster-option-1-3-anodes-no-chemicals
(Amazon Affiliate links)
Cameras:
Panasonic GH5 - https://amzn.to/2rEzhh2
Panasonic X920 - https://amzn.to/2wzxxdT
Tools & Shop Products:
Optivisor Headband Magnifier: http://amzn.to/2HFg1FU
Norton 1-by-2-by-8-Inch Fine/Coarse India Combination Oilstone, Red: http://amzn.to/2tTEPb0
Hegner Scroll Saw: https://amzn.to/2IhteVW
Bergeon Professional Cleaning Rodico: https://amzn.to/2NwcM6y
Digital Caliper 6 inch/150 mm Electronic Vernier Calipers: https://amzn.to/2EArNRU
Consumables:
Renaissance Microcrystalline Wax Polish: https://amzn.to/2uic7l2
WR Smith "Rub N Brite" Polish: https://wrsmithclocks.com/product/rub-n-brite/
Super Pike Saw Blades Size 3/0 pkg of 144: https://amzn.to/2uI0QdT
Blue Matador Abrasive Paper: https://amzn.to/2IAFiBT
Bergeon Professional Cleaning Rodico: https://amzn.to/2NwcM6y
Comments
Thank you mate, not yet but I will give it a run on the next patron project - Cheers :)
Clickspring
2021-05-01 03:04:15 +0000 UTCBeautiful work as always, did you get round to trying out palladium?
Jonathan Shaw
2021-04-30 23:01:39 +0000 UTCCheers mate :)
Clickspring
2020-06-20 19:39:01 +0000 UTCGreat content. I am either not very talented or patient to do hand engraving. This solution with salt water and a mask could be used for electro-etching. That would be great content for those of us who would use our computer skills over fine hand control to etch patterns onto brass. It would be a great video. Thanks for your hard work.
Paul Devey
2020-06-20 16:39:05 +0000 UTCHa ha! BYO?
Clickspring
2020-03-16 01:45:57 +0000 UTCSounds good to me. Are you going to be serving Corona or VB?
Kevin Reardon
2020-03-16 01:45:03 +0000 UTCCan't wait. I look forward to hearing what you've found.
Jeff Krajacich
2020-02-12 02:55:02 +0000 UTCHello mate - The review process is still ongoing, so I think its prudent to hold off discussing the journal until we know where we stand with it - as you may be aware, publication is not assured. Nevertheless, one way or another, you will get to read the work - Cheers :)
Clickspring
2020-02-06 20:27:10 +0000 UTCHey Chris what journal are you planning on publishing in, I work in a university library and I want to see if I can get an advance copy once it’s announced
Ben Ng
2020-02-06 19:50:18 +0000 UTCThank you mate, will give it a look - Cheers :)
Clickspring
2020-02-04 22:51:10 +0000 UTCYes I give it a good thorough a clean with solvent before the first electro-cleaner bath. The polish I use is best dissolved by lighter fluid - Cheers mate :)
Clickspring
2020-02-04 22:50:41 +0000 UTCHello lads - sorry for the delay responding, I have been absorbed with work on the paper, copy/paste this link for the plating kit: https://www.goldplating.com/collections/jewelry-plating-kits/products/jewelmaster-option-1-3-anodes-no-chemicals - Cheers :)
Clickspring
2020-02-04 22:46:27 +0000 UTCA Test piece would be cool. Do you ever see getting a 3d printer for functional stuff?
Ben Ng
2020-02-02 08:04:40 +0000 UTCChris, I know you are a busy guy but I want to bring this #coathanger2020 challenge to your attention. https://youtu.be/kXdlhDwR_5E Mainly because I want to see what you would make!
John Creasey
2020-01-31 20:49:12 +0000 UTCI cant imagine the quality would be as good, but I have seen electroplating done without a large tank. The anode is wrapped in an absorbent material and soaked with the solution. Then the anode is used to wipe the solution on to your part. Maybe this can work for your larger parts Chris? Anyway, how ever you do it, I'm excited to see more!
THOMAS ASPLUND
2020-01-29 11:09:25 +0000 UTCAs always great video.
Mike Hendricks
2020-01-26 03:47:16 +0000 UTCAlways wondered how this is done thanks for the video!
Mark Slatter
2020-01-25 20:28:21 +0000 UTCI would love to give one of those pieces a home. Do you rinse the parts in a solvent like alcohol or acetone before you dip them in the first tank? Awesome work as always, glad things are going well for ya!
Clifton Ballad
2020-01-25 01:57:59 +0000 UTCAwesome work Chris. I look forward to the next one.
Matt Waite
2020-01-24 20:08:57 +0000 UTCExcellent content again Chris ! It goes without saying which of your many viewers wouldn't want a sample of your craft. Count me in.
Michael Wang
2020-01-24 17:00:08 +0000 UTCYes, exactly - Cheers :)
Clickspring
2020-01-23 22:30:51 +0000 UTCIs there any point to gently stirring the solutions -- keeping fresh, uncontaminated, full strength fluid close to the plated surface at all times?
Don Rideaux-Crenshaw
2020-01-23 19:58:48 +0000 UTCGreat video as always!
Wesley Simmons
2020-01-23 03:14:32 +0000 UTCFascinating process and yeah really makes one's imagination wonder.. Cheers!
veritanuda
2020-01-22 23:18:31 +0000 UTCI used this one in the video: https://www.goldplating.com/collections/bath-gold/products/24k-bright-gold-solution - Cheers :)
Clickspring
2020-01-22 22:07:47 +0000 UTCVery informative video, and the results look amazing!
Anthony Maciel
2020-01-22 21:42:11 +0000 UTCGreat video as usual chris. What is in the gold plating solution btw??
Phillip Kieran
2020-01-22 11:43:15 +0000 UTCI so appreciate how much time you put into understanding new techniques then the wonderful way in which you summarize everything you've learned in a brilliant video! You have a gift, Chris.
Cameron Gunter
2020-01-22 10:31:00 +0000 UTCHey Chris. I'd like to know, have you had enough of machining? From the last few videos it seems you are focusing on different aspects of artisanship . They sure are interesting, And I understand the need to move on and explore different subjects, but I was hoping that chip making will still be around. Oh, And I'd love a sample! Thanks, Maor
Maor Carmi
2020-01-22 08:47:36 +0000 UTCEducational and well presented as usual. I'd love a sample too.
Mike Gray
2020-01-22 08:36:09 +0000 UTCA nice, informative piece. I very much enjoy watching your work and it tend to drive me to do my own creative work. Thanks!
KD Smith
2020-01-22 08:30:05 +0000 UTCHi Chris, I should also say thank for the TGT series and other similar instructive sections from earlier videos such as the broach making advice from Atikithera series. Brill.
Terence Dixon
2020-01-22 08:30:02 +0000 UTCHi Chris, thanks for the inspiration. I don't have the wherewithall to buy a set up like yours but I think that your instructions are some of the clearest I have seen and have decided to resurrect my own poor efforts at electroplating useng ad hoc equipment now that you have shown that with relatively simple equipment good results are within my reach. Once again thanks for yet another inspiring video - well done from the UK.
Terence Dixon
2020-01-22 08:26:19 +0000 UTCLooks good, and that sort of setup is very diy-able, with just a lab adjustable power supply. If you do make your own from scratch you should implement some sort of stirring bead to try and maintain constantionic strength throughout the electrolyte; this setup is used for certain types of electrodes in some of the labs I've worked at. Also I would not mind one of those test pieces, my current key chain accessory is nearly at the end of its life
William Read
2020-01-22 06:57:54 +0000 UTCOh this is fascinating! All the systems I’ve seen for sale have been in the US; does this mean you found one here in Aus? (I’d also treasure a sample piece, fwiw)
Stealthflower
2020-01-22 06:27:08 +0000 UTCI’ve been tinkering with electronics and circuit boards lately. Even with its own form of posting with “Liquid tin” to protect the copper traces. Now, I wonder how difficult it would be to DIY a setup like this
Nick Rivera
2020-01-22 05:52:48 +0000 UTCI was just thinking about binge watching some of your older stuff while piddling around in the shop and you post this! Awesome! And an opportunity to win a prize, glorious prize? Awsomer.
BJ Kavanaugh
2020-01-22 05:02:18 +0000 UTCThis is very useful! I've been mucking around with electroplating at home for a while (I work on brass instruments mostly) and having a hard time trying to get anything other than nickel to work. I want to get into gold plating eventually, and in all of my research had not come up with the kit you've sourced. Would love to see one of your test pieces - happy to send it back for someone else once I've had the chance to take a decent look at the result. Cheers from across the ditch.
Trent Hamilton
2020-01-22 04:03:12 +0000 UTCI would love to know the name brand that pleading kid he had. Also Chris, how much do you want for the hook that you were dipping in there. I'd like to hang that in my shop that's pretty cool looking hook.
Marsh Monster
2020-01-22 03:45:07 +0000 UTCRelaxing and educational as always. I too would love a sample.
Andrew Smith
2020-01-22 03:41:52 +0000 UTCFantastic! This is inspiring me to get back in my neglected wood shop :)
MATT ALDRED
2020-01-22 03:32:57 +0000 UTCYou just never fail to kick it up a notch! Thank you for being a continuing source of inspiration! I'd be unstoppable if I could hold onto one of those works of art every day. I, too, am super excited for your paper to be published, and I'm probably gonna host a watch party when the Antikythera project returns!
Brandon
2020-01-22 01:52:12 +0000 UTCThat electrode height problem could be solved in a somewhat tidy fashion by stacking up a few stackable banana plugs (without wires attached) as an extender. On the other hand, if you make something custom I'd like to see the video of making banana plugs from scratch! :)
Kevin Reid
2020-01-22 01:41:23 +0000 UTCI would absolutely love to have one of the test pieces! Count me in!
Stefan C Bauer
2020-01-22 01:28:31 +0000 UTCThank you on all mate, and wishing you the very best too - Re: the paper, work continues with review response work ahead of me over the next few weeks. I very much wish I could tell you more, and appreciate your understanding as to why I cannot yet. Suffice to say I would not be putting in this level of work were it not something very interesting - Cheers :)
Clickspring
2020-01-22 01:03:12 +0000 UTCG'day, Chris. Another great video for us patrons to soak up pleasurably. I realise that you don't upload content anything like as often as you once did but I also understand that your important paper on the Antikithera Machine takes first place. I look forward to learning the 'discovery' you have made but realise that it must remain with you until post-publication of your paper. I wish you nothing but the best, mate. I hope that you and yours had a good xmas and new year and I very much look forward to viewing new input during 2020.
Gordon Burns
2020-01-22 00:51:49 +0000 UTCThanks for the crash course in plating. I can't wait to see what you'll do next
Jonathan Hodgins
2020-01-22 00:47:42 +0000 UTCI would love one of the test pieces, please put me in the running. It would be at home next to the fire piston!
Tom Dunbar
2020-01-22 00:34:24 +0000 UTCDang, I was only looking at electrolysis to remove rust, this is another way to step it up a notch! Put me down for a piece please
Alan McD
2020-01-22 00:31:55 +0000 UTCGood to see you putting fresh content online again Chris. Did you list the name/brand of that platting kit anywhere? Definitely something I am considering. You also confirmed something I had heard years ago about copper diffusing into the gold plate. And why not, please add my name to the list of people interested in a piece.
Brad Thayer
2020-01-22 00:16:40 +0000 UTCValuable info Bob, thank you :)
Clickspring
2020-01-22 00:10:12 +0000 UTCMan, I could get a lot more work done if I didn’t have to stop to watch these cool videos ;)
Drew
2020-01-21 23:52:35 +0000 UTCHave you ever considered trying your hand at electroforming?
Martin Anderson
2020-01-21 23:51:15 +0000 UTCThanks as always for sharing your hard-earned knowledge and insight. The touchmark is a nice addition!
Mike Michelizzi
2020-01-21 23:40:03 +0000 UTCPlease put me down Chris! Cheers
Adam Braithwaite
2020-01-21 23:37:37 +0000 UTCExcellent content, as always! I'd love to have an example to strive for, though it will be quite a while before I could come even *close* to a match
Joshua Fairhurst
2020-01-21 23:29:36 +0000 UTCChris, this was a very interesting video. In a previous life, I supported an industrial plating shop that did a lot of nickel plating, among other types of plating. Nickel plates "like crazy" when compared to materials like chrome. Electroplating will plate heavier on "external" angles and lighter in "internal" angles. If you have a sharp external angle, it will grow "trees" of the metal being applied. I've got a nickel 'tree" somewhere around here that's ~4-inches (~100 mm) long. A "perfect" internal angle will not be plated at all right at the edge. Conforming anodes will allow plating to be applied evenly everywhere you want it -- multiple anodes around a part simulate a conforming anode. Please add my name into the hat for one of your samples!
Bob Vines
2020-01-21 23:27:10 +0000 UTCAs always, it's great to see you expand your skills (and your workshop equipment). We're learning along :) keep up the great work! Also, I'd gladly be the caretaker of one of your test pieces! cheers
Damian Sutter
2020-01-21 23:19:27 +0000 UTCGorgeous as always. Please put me in the running for one of the test pieces!
Aaron
2020-01-21 23:06:58 +0000 UTCI've tested both with and without, and my instinct is that it probably makes the process a little more robust, but it isn't essential - a return trip to the electro cleaner is as effective if anything is detected after activation. Having said that, if I was automating the process and trying to eliminate inspection altogether, I think commencing with an ultrasonic step would be the way to go - Cheers :)
Clickspring
2020-01-21 23:01:26 +0000 UTCHard to improve your standard of work, but gold plating it really takes it up a notch.
Ron ginger
2020-01-21 22:39:04 +0000 UTCBeautiful work of art, Chris. I would love to be in the running for one of the pieces.
Matthew Lallinger
2020-01-21 22:38:40 +0000 UTCExcellent work Chris! I really enjoy the quality and detail of your content! I would love to be in the running to see one of your samples in the metal! Cheers Steve
Steve Smith
2020-01-21 22:29:48 +0000 UTCVery helpful!
Cullen Purkis
2020-01-21 22:21:14 +0000 UTCYour new touchmark stamp is very nice! I would love one of the other pieces, so I would like my name added to the hat please. Keep up the good work!
James Cuddihy
2020-01-21 22:20:11 +0000 UTCLooks great! I really liked the deep, detailed discussion of electroplating (and the reasons for it). I've seen BaremetalHW use a nickel plating solution regularly—you might want to reach out to him to see if he has any advice for improving your nickel setup. Though it looks like you were getting very solid results there.
Phil DeJarnett
2020-01-21 22:17:21 +0000 UTCBtw, I have a question: Do you not have to first clean the pieces with ultra sound or similar means, before starting with the chemistry baths?
Markos Skoulatos
2020-01-21 22:17:07 +0000 UTCWhat a nice community you have created Chris! The video shows that there are simply so many parameters, and it is tougher than it seems. You have done a good job to get the results you get :) It would be lovely if I was to receive one of the rare test pieces, they are a piece of art! We look forward to follow up investigations of this!
Markos Skoulatos
2020-01-21 22:15:07 +0000 UTCthey are one ebay
Ralph McCoy
2020-01-21 22:12:28 +0000 UTCAmazing production again Chris, I would love to throw my hat in the ring for one of those pieces. I love handling and admiring anything that is handmade like these are - truly works of your art.
therealnubase
2020-01-21 22:11:21 +0000 UTCThanks Chris!
Chris Muncy
2020-01-21 22:01:57 +0000 UTCThanks! One thing I hadn't considered when I wrote my question is that if the large the radius of the hole is than the radius of the hook, then the contacting surface area will be minimized.
Maarten Daalder
2020-01-21 22:00:00 +0000 UTCThe rectangular one is all yours mate, got your postal details and will advise when its on its way :)
Clickspring
2020-01-21 21:53:32 +0000 UTCYes I think so Ben - Long(ish) & rectangular probably best bang for the solution volume buck, and also good for electrode coverage. Part of the challenge will be getting a suitable bath shape combined with heating & agitation. Would also be nice to be able to have full versatility - ie any bath shape/size, something truly modular - Cheers :)
Clickspring
2020-01-21 21:52:22 +0000 UTCNice! Thanks for the education about this. I've heard about ik but never really understood the process. And also I'd like one of the test pieces, I'd love to see the engraving work up close and how tiny everything really is because on video it always looks bigger than it is.
Dirk Jan van Vliet
2020-01-21 21:50:27 +0000 UTCGood advice Ralph, thanks for the tip - Cheers :)
Clickspring
2020-01-21 21:48:53 +0000 UTCYes agreed Jeff, will investigate - Cheers :)
Clickspring
2020-01-21 21:48:13 +0000 UTCYes it does, although I would have to assume that it is slightly compromised compared to the open surfaces - very hard to determine. My instinct is that its best to suspend the part from a location where it won't matter - Cheers :)
Clickspring
2020-01-21 21:47:33 +0000 UTCHey even that gold plated copper wire is cool!
Carlos
2020-01-21 21:40:03 +0000 UTCI just shot a message to Chris. I am claiming the long rectangular piece with the radius on the end. Excited about receiving it is a total understatement!
Chris Muncy
2020-01-21 21:34:03 +0000 UTCAbsolutely fascinating as always.
Eduard van Iersel
2020-01-21 21:29:41 +0000 UTCWould oblong rectangular baths make more sense in the future? Lower volume while allowing large plates to be electroplated. Although I wonder if you would have issues with the plate rotating and touching the edges of the container itself.
Ben Weis
2020-01-21 21:20:04 +0000 UTCCouldn't watch quick enough lol Lovely!
Luke Pettit
2020-01-21 21:17:47 +0000 UTCChris, not to be critical, but I plated more on an industrial level and If you intend to leave your solutions in the working containers you may want to label them, making sure that the writings does not smear and become illegible. How many uses do you get out of each solution? How can you tell when it is time to change/add ? Ralph
Ralph McCoy
2020-01-21 21:17:15 +0000 UTCHow much are they I think I'd like one?
Marsh Monster
2020-01-21 21:04:41 +0000 UTCHi Chris. As usual when I see that a video of yours has posted, everything stops. Always a pleasure to watch. I'm in the blacksmithing world not the machining world, but this is still so interesting. A test piece would be spectacular, I'm sure whoever gets them will love them. Keep posting!
John S Dilsaver
2020-01-21 21:00:03 +0000 UTCYou will get a better plating result if you add some form of non-turbulent agitation to your baths. We used magnetic stirrer hotplates when plating parts for electron microscopy. These are available from laboratory equipment suppliers but are pretty costly.
Jeff Armstrong
2020-01-21 20:56:41 +0000 UTCI'm actually in the process of [failing to] electroplate stuff myself, thanks for the tips! Oh and I'd like to throw my name in for the test pieces too.
Shame Boy
2020-01-21 20:54:11 +0000 UTCDoes the spot where the part is hanging from the hook also get plated?
Maarten Daalder
2020-01-21 20:53:24 +0000 UTCWhen I need a calming zen break, I like to queue up some of your clock-making or Antikythera videos, or watch Dalibor Farny's amazing Nixie tube fabrication video. This electroplating video felt like a perfect combination of both. :) Thanks!
Rob Fulcher
2020-01-21 20:51:39 +0000 UTCGreat, thank you for the video. Would be happy to receive a test piece. I too need to get started in plating in the near future!
Carlos
2020-01-21 20:47:07 +0000 UTCI’d love to have a little piece of what you’ve carved out of the raw metal.
Adam Slagle
2020-01-21 20:43:04 +0000 UTCI'd love a test piece, it'd make my work space significantly nicer looking.
sean tansy
2020-01-21 20:42:54 +0000 UTCOoooh beautiful. Me me me!
Tyler Moore
2020-01-21 20:41:34 +0000 UTCAwesome work, those test pieces are bits of art. I'd love to have one.
Reinier Torres
2020-01-21 20:40:33 +0000 UTCChris Thank you. I’ve wondered for a long time how you got your work to stand out.
Doug Panchyshyn
2020-01-21 20:40:03 +0000 UTCChris, your work is inspiring. Please keep up the excellent work. Also a souvenir would not go unappreciated!
Michael John
2020-01-21 20:38:15 +0000 UTCThats an awesome setup! I've been putting together an Anodizing station myself and I really like how that plating system is put together. Fascinating video as always, Chris!
Jeff, Practical Renaissance
2020-01-21 20:37:41 +0000 UTCBeautiful work. Would love to hang a test piece up in my humble work space. Keep it up Chris!
Nigel
2020-01-21 20:35:40 +0000 UTCChris, i'd love to have a test peice, it would be a honor to have anything made by you even if it is just a text peice!
David Wells
2020-01-21 20:34:30 +0000 UTC
