Anodizing line ready for first run.

Fred.Rowe

Fred.Rowe

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
May 2, 2004
Messages
6,848
We set up an anodizing line in what was a dog kennel 10 years ago. I don't raise dogs any more, but I did want a way to anodize aluminum and titanium parts.


On the left are the acid baths. There are two 18 gallon tanks contained inside the vented enclosure. We currently have three colors which are contained in the red 5 gallon coolers. Each one has its own bubblier and digital thermometer so we can keep track of the temp.
The stainless pots contain the heated sealer, cleaner, detox and etching solutions. We picked up a used vibratory tumbler last year; its the round blue thing in the front.
The cold water rinse sink is in the corner.


We will be making the first run this afternoon.


The Bubble Jigs will be coming out in color a little latter this year. We are also just about ready to put our new adjustable, pocket sized, carbide knife sharpener on the market. It will be out later this year.



I'll post pics of the results of our first attempts when I get pictures.


Happy to answer any questions, Fred


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Hope it works out well! If you get a federal firearms license, there may be money to be made re-anodizing aluminum pistol frames.
 
jawilder said:
I'd love to know more about this if you are at liberty to share.
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We are just completing the patent work on it. It will be out ASAP. I will say this it is fully adjustable with an angle range of 15 degrees to 40 degrees. I find it useful to adjust the sharpening angle depending on the blade being sharpened. It will set directly on the bevels of a scandi grind, making them easy to sharpen. I'll post them on this and other forums when we're ready to go.

Regards, Fred
 
May need to double check me on this, but no need to have an FFL for anodizing frames and such. AFAIK as long as you are not taking ownership, selling to another owner, or modifying the firearm in any functional way a FFL would not apply. I am pretty sure those are the only times that applies.
 
LucyCustomKnives said:
May need to double check me on this, but no need to have an FFL for anodizing frames and such. AFAIK as long as you are not taking ownership, selling to another owner, or modifying the firearm in any functional way a FFL would not apply. I am pretty sure those are the only times that applies.
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Thanks for posting this; I'll keep this in mind. We are putting in hot bluing tanks as well; same structure. I'm getting calls already and don't have them installed yet. I've got the whole set up just need about a week to get them set up.
 
Looks awesome! Don't forget to have a spill and containment plan in place when dealing with these chemicals, also the appropriate hazard diamond on the outside of the shop. God forbid, if there is ever an emergency or fire the responding personnel will have a clue what they are dealing with. Also looks good for the insurance company.

I worked in a technical plating lab and am familiar with many of the issus and hazards of this stuff. Be safe, have fun!


-Xander
 
fast14riot said:
Looks awesome! Don't forget to have a spill and containment plan in place when dealing with these chemicals, also the appropriate hazard diamond on the outside of the shop. God forbid, if there is ever an emergency or fire the responding personnel will have a clue what they are dealing with. Also looks good for the insurance company.

I worked in a technical plating lab and am familiar with many of the issus and hazards of this stuff. Be safe, have fun!


-Xander
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Good points, I had not considered the sign for the entry door. We are making signs for each container, I'll make one for the door. We purchased full face mask and long rubber gloves. Two fire extinguishers. The system is wired to work exhaust fans on only when in operation.
 
I'm really happy for you Fred! I never got much practical use out of pocket sharpeners but I'm expecting this one to be different. Can't wait to try one out.
 
You would need an FFL, or find someone with an FFL. It is illegal to ship firearms to or from anyone without an FFL. The frame of an automatic handgun is the part of the gun that is federally regulated. Same with the receiver on a rifle, or a lower on an AR-15. All those parts need to be shipped via an FFL holder.
 
You do not need an FFL to SHIP a firearm (but FFLs do get to ship firearms through UPS without the "next day delivery" requirement, saving some major cash). You must, however, be shipping to an FFL (dealer, gunsmith or manufacturer) or yourself.
 
Keeping a firearm frame overnight requires an FFL, as well as shipping.
 
Any more info on hot bluing! What type of steel gets good hot bluing results? Thanks for the info?
 
We have learned a lot over the last six months about anodizing. All the variables need to be in place. Acid temp, as well as keeping the solutions agitated with bubblers. We have found that keeping the parts wet at all times is important. It effects color if you don't follow the procedures. We've signed a deal with Jantz Supply to carry the Bubble Jig and they are ordering in lots of 50 so we are keeping the anodizer running pretty steady.

The bluing line has been interesting to learn. I read all of Brownells information, which gave a lot of insight into the process. We've had to shut it down for the winter since its in a non heated area of the shop. We've blued some mild steel fittings which turned out well, no pics of these. We blued a couple of damascus blades that are made with 1084 / 15n20; I'll do some more as it warms up.
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