100 project has begun.

[Oak]

I'm with Todd, re-plate the IH bolts.

Why pay someone to do it when you can do it yourself.
http://www.caswellplating.com/electr...ing-kits.html#

Here are some Haban pieces that I plated and then dunked in yellow chromate.
DSCN3198.jpg DSCN3166.jpg

[jbrewer]

Looks good! Any idea how much those kits from Caswell will plate? I suppose it's an acid solution that you supply the sacrificial zinc into to transfer to the "target".

[jbrewer]

Originally Posted by Baccarat

IIRC he has a cad plating source in Indiana that plates all of the parts that require it. If someone can tell me the exact plating terminology, I can ask him if they do that sort of plating and their address/e-mail. I know that he ships them UPS and they return the same.

Let me and I'll check with him.

Mike

I think the correct term is "hexavalent yellow chromate zinc plate".

If it fits in flat rate boxes, shipping isn't a big issue :-)

Thanks Mike
John

[Baccarat]

I was under the impression that the plating was "Cadmium". That's been taboo for quite a long time. There are a few that still do it though.

If it's actually "Zinc" plated, I have a local source here in Milwaukee that does both Hexavalent and Trivalent. They don't "barrel plate", so nuts & bolts are a no-go. They rack line plate, so brackets and things that can be hung are go to go. They have excellent quality. Their minimum charge is $85.00. I use them for all my GE work.

For barrel plating such as nuts & bolts, I have a next door plater here in Waukesha, that can do either Hex or Tri. Their minimum charge is $50.00. I only use them for barrel plating. Their quality is sometimes really good and sometimes not as good. IMO I don't think they clean their tanks as often as they should and as a result their finish quality can vary. I also know that the quality of the raw material can impact the quality of the finish. They say that it meets all specifications, but IMO it doesn't look as "pretty".

If anyone wants any further info let me know.

Mike

[Oak]

Originally Posted by jbrewer

Looks good! Any idea how much those kits from Caswell will plate? I suppose it's an acid solution that you supply the sacrificial zinc into to transfer to the "target".

The kits will plate a bunch of stuff and from what I am told the solution never goes bad you just need to filter it. You only have to replace the zinc and that can be purchased pretty cheap. I did a bunch of Haban parts and could probably do 8 to 10 more with the material that comes in the kit. Give them a call, they have great customer service.

[jbrewer]

Originally Posted by Baccarat

I was under the impression that the plating was "Cadmium". That's been taboo for quite a long time. There are a few that still do it though.

If it's actually "Zinc" plated, I have a local source here in Milwaukee that does both Hexavalent and Trivalent.

Good info Mike. I've got a couple inquiries in some shops I found in the state with Dr Google. Hex chromate is the good stuff (from a corrosion resistance standpoint) and trivalent is good from a RoHS and EPA standpoint. You're right about cad plating... I think the .mil folks are the only customers for that these days.

I know the plating industry is one that's been under the EPA's magnifying glass for some time . I suppose it's surprising that any stay open.

[finsruskw]

Try pitching your rusty bolts etc. in a bucket/pail of vinegar overnight. The rust will turn to mush and wire wheel right off like magic. I do all my small parts that way.

That is if you don't mind smelling like a pickle the rest of the day after cleaning them??

[jbrewer]

Originally Posted by finsruskw

Try pitching your rusty bolts etc. in a bucket/pail of vinegar overnight. The rust will turn to mush and wire wheel right off like magic. I do all my small parts that way.

That is if you don't mind smelling like a pickle the rest of the day after cleaning them??

I'll give that a shot....thanks!

Smelling like a pickle would be an improvement after most days in NC working in the garage....

[jbrewer]

They'll zinc plate a med flat rate box full of clean parts for $100.

Seems reasonable as I'm sure they have to allocate a bucket for each customer.

http://www.parkermetalfinishing.com/

No connection to them other than they were the only ones who have answered my email.

[Bamafan]

I have been doing a lot of research on DIY zinc plating. I'm gonna try it myself IF this "D**M" cold weather ever lets up where I can get into my shop.