How To Do Nickel Plating - Part 2

[@RonCovell]

Jere - I didn't realize how precise you need to be with so many variables. I will be eager to see the next video, when you start plating actual parts with nickel.

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Ron, after you get the sequence down it flows quite nicely. The next episode should smooth things out a little. When I finish episode 4 would you like the anodes I made for this series. I have 2 sets (of the larger ones) which should last me.

[@subbassrules]

The air we breathe is about 78% nitrogen, so it's unlikely generating some would be harmful.

[@subbassrules]

I really appreciate your videos. I have seen the average American become less and less able to do anything. I have made it a point to learn as many of the "old skills" that are disappearing as possible. Thanks for teaching people who aren't afraid of hard work or getting dirty how to do this.

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

I' m glad to share stuff that I have learned over the years. I use the 30% for weeds and getting the raccoons out of the attic and removing moss where it is not wanted (roof, fences). It would be too strong (burns your eyes and nose) to use in an enclosed area.

[@subbassrules]

Have you ever done this with higher percentage vinegar? I use 35% to kill weeds. It maybe could speed this process up

[@Joe.Doucette]

Very interesting, Jere. While the process is "simple-ish"... when it's compared to removing rust with reverse electrolysis, it is more involved and fussy. But the quality of the finished surface is the key here. Looking forward to the next installment.

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Joe, Once you get setup and have plated a few pieces it flows quite nicely. If you break out each of the steps you are actually only doing one thing at a time. Like setting up a mill or a bead roller. The next one will be most informative.

[@Joe.Doucette]

@@jerekirkpatrick2092 Like most things.. it takes a little time and effort to get rolling. Thanks, Jere.

[@4speed3pedals]

The Forney part number of the 99% pure nickel rod is 45401. It is available directly from Forney. The rods are 1/8" x 14".

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Thanks 4 speed, I got these long ago in a pack of 3 or 4. I threw away the plastic sleeve shortly after (which had the part number on it). Let me know how your plating is coming along. The next video (I'm working on it now) will be quite informative so get your note taking gear ready. Have your power source output info at hand. Jere

[@4speed3pedals]

@@jerekirkpatrick2092 Hi Jerry, I have been wanting to set up a home nickel plating system for over ten years. I used to work on the chrome plating machine at Harley for about 5 years. Harley purchased nickel ingots which were 99.9% pure nickel made through electrolysis. The nickel vat had 32 stations so the racks of parts would stay submerged for 32 minutes before moving down the line to get chrome which was only 5 plus minutes. Chrome is thin and the nickel is way thicker. The nickel bath was green and purchased in 55 gallon barrels. To that was added water and sulfuric acid. With the many cleaning tanks of alkaline, acid, water rinse tanks and plating tanks and the drying oven, parts were done in less than 60 minutes. I believe they used higher amperage, possibly 5 amps but the square surface of parts being plated was tremendously larger than a home plating system. It was an experience. I still have a couple ingots. We used a magnet to retrieve any we dropped about the machine by the nickel tank. Every Friday, me and two other guys would pump the nickel to storage, clean the tank, change filters on the titanium anode baskets and refill with nickel. It was not uncommon to use over 5,000 lb of nickel ingots per week, all hand loaded from metal 30 gallon barrels, scooped into the baskets . Glad to be retired. Now Harley does not do the plaiting, all is outsourced, coming from the vendor ready to install. Many skilled jobs are history at Harley, now an assembly plant basically.