Electroplating

[xken]

What I am really interested to know is whether or not it will plate the current type of solder since most of my parts are soldered together. I am familiar with the process of the wand and the regular process so no need to mail to me; but thanks for thinking of me.

Ken

[kcfisher]

Ken,
I'll experiment with some lead free and 70/30 and see what happens.
Keith

[kcfisher]

Ken, that was a great question. I hadn't though to test it yet. And the final answer is YES. Bernzomatic silver bearing, lead free solder plates with copper just like the brass. Radio shack 60/40 rosin core solder plates with copper just like brass.
They don't just plate, they plate at the same speed and end up the same shade of copper.
Keith

[xken]

Thanks for the experiment now that sounds great.

Ken

[RonOC]

Keith,

Thanks for the report!

Instead of painting my Pocher Testarossa, I may just chrome the whole thing!

Ron

[kcfisher]

Ron, they can do silver and gold too.

[Don Garrett]

I remember (a number of years back) there would occasionally be a vendor walking around at cars shows gold plating emblems & other small bits for participants.

[kcfisher]

Don, the sample is in the mail. I sent it first class letter. I also included the "solder test" i did for Ken. Keith

[Don Garrett]

Great, I'll watch for it. We owe you one..........

[kcfisher]

You owe me nothing. I have learned so much in the short time I have been on this site that this is only a small repayment.

[Don Garrett]

I got the plated samples from Keith today, I really like the results....especially the "turned" examples. The plating over the solder looks perfect. I have to agree with what Keith said about the black chrome.....not too exciting. I'll post pictures tomorrow and let Keith do whatever explanation he feels is needed. I'll be happy to pass these samples on to one of you metal twisters if you like.

Thanks again Keith, based on what I've seen.......the kit does exactly what it's advertised to do.

[xken]

Post the pictures of all the samples.

I may have to get a kit to plate the motometer, probably nickel which would have been correct for 1910-11 timeframe.

Ken

[Don Garrett]

I tried shooting outside, inside, with & without lights......the shine and reflection from this stuff was driving me nutz. Anyway here's a bunch of thumbnails. Click them for larger pics, the last photo will give you an idea of just how reflective it can be under the light.

[kcfisher]

Don, thanks for posting the pics.
Since I sent out the sample if have tried some other interesting stuff. I found that I could plate a #00-90 nut and bolt and still have no problems screwing them together. Also I found that small parts can be immersed in a shot glass of the liquid and plated in about 15 seconds, much easier the messing with the wand. The next too big trials would be to see how the “copy chrome” solution works and to try their new “Copper Conductive Paint” that lets you plate on plastic. If anyone orders a kit please include at least one of these so we can all see how they work.
Keith

[Don Garrett]

Wow....if we could reasonably plate plastic parts on a hobby budget I'd be one very happy camper!

You checking this process out Mario? A new toy for your tool box!