Anodize questions......

[BURN]

Anyone know how to go about anodizing aluminum pieces...? Called a few commercial companies and the BIG FISH don't want to help a "tadpole."

I was told I could use boric acid (roach powder). Do I mix it up same as you would for anodizing Ti and do it the same way or what...??? Do I of course use aluminum strips for my ground and hang wire...??? HELP!

 

[R.W.Clark]

Its best to use Sulfuric Acid. Its easy to get at local auto supply as battery acid. You will need a high amp power supply (2amp min).

Here is a link to a do it your self setup.

http://www.paintballtimes.com/anodize.htm

 

[STIHL]

http://www.hobbyplating.com/

yet another place you can check out.....they have some cheap kits as well.

 

[R.W.Clark]

Beleive it or not, I feel Hobby Platings prices are way too high. All the stuff you need can be found with very little fuss almost anywhere. You just need to know the real names for the solutions and chemicals.

I got the power supply they sell for ti at around $800 on Ebay for $35. I few days of reading is worth the several hundred dollars you will save. Plus you will actualy now what you are doing. Instead of following out of the box instructions.

 

[BURN]

Thanks for the web-sites guys. I appreciate it.

I was thinking the process would be as easy as it is to anodize Ti. According to those web-sites, I am sorely mistaken. At the moment, I don't want ANY sulfuric acid in my shop. I like that one set up they sell for $200 though. Might end up with one someday.

 

[STIHL]

Clark,
I hear ya loud and clear.Hobby plating may give a little insight on what goes in to plating and anodizing.As for pricing,indeed you will find almost anything on ebay at great saving.Long live EBAY =]