General Category => Off Topic => Topic started by: kartjockey on April 19, 2022, 06:30:28 PM

Title: Home plating
Post by: kartjockey on April 19, 2022, 06:30:28 PM
I have been dabbling in some zinc plating.  Just trying small parts that would otherwise have to be painted.  I did the nut on the steering neck and a few small nuts.   
Title: Re: Home plating
Post by: pd on April 20, 2022, 05:38:07 AM
Those turned out decent .
Hopefully the plating will hold for a while .
How long did that take in the 'bath' ?

Pete . :)
Title: Re: Home plating
Post by: kartjockey on April 20, 2022, 08:54:32 AM
I have been leaving them plate for 10-15 minutes.   Then rinse.
Title: Re: Home plating
Post by: pd on April 20, 2022, 04:58:16 PM
That doesn't seem very long .
Is the zinc very thick or can you 'reach' the base metal without much effort ?
I see what looks like wrench marks , but that may just be the plating compressed and not base metal .

Still I like the looks and the protection .

Pete . :)
Title: Re: Home plating
Post by: kartjockey on March 18, 2024, 03:26:59 PM
I abandoned the kit I bought from Eastwood.  Although it would plate its performance was mediocre at best.  I bought a kit from Caswell.  Holy cow!  This kit makes a novice a success.  It was so nice to be able to plate my parts on demand.  The place in Flint, MI was great and willing but as little parts kept popping up, I needed an alternative.  Having this eliminates the need to go searching for a shiny replacement. And you know the part will fit.   It is great!

The more a part is prepped the better the outcome.  Most of the time I just bead blast each item and they will come out shiny.  Recently while making the early dummy grips, I made one for myself also.  Before I installed the rubber grip on it I polished each end in the lathe and then plated it.  Not chrome for sure but I could certainly see myself in it.


 
Title: Re: Home plating
Post by: pd on March 19, 2024, 04:10:29 AM
 That does seem to turn trash into treasures .
That fuel tube ... 8)
I'll have to remember that .

Pete . :)
Title: Re: Home plating
Post by: Bob53 on March 19, 2024, 06:01:01 AM
Tom, Are going to see this beauty at Portland. Bob