copper plating parts

S.Alexander

S.Alexander

Joined
Jul 7, 2013
Messages
2,614
I am working on a project right now and was looking for a copper Sam Brown stud for the sheath. Apparently nobody makes them, so I started looking in to copper plating a brass piece instead.

I made a simple copper acetate solution, used a 9v battery, and plated the rod. I had most of the stuff I needed for this at home. I tried a practice piece of brass rod before I go and buy a brass Sam Brown stud to try. I think it turned out pretty well. Heres then result on a rod.

Brass on the left and copper plated on the right.
 
I think your on to something very interesting! Please let us know how it turns out. :)
 
Well I had some limited success. I took a brass Sam Brown stud and tried to copper plate it. I quickly realized that they have some kind of protective coating on them that has to be removed first. I did that with steel wool but couldn't get into all the little nooks and crannies. Sand blasting the part before electro plating would be ideal. Oh well, here are my results. I like it better than the don't brass.

Before


After. You can see where the base didn't get plated properly.
 
Shane a lot of brass things have a light coat of lacquer on em to keep em from tarnishing right away. You might try soaking in acetone to take the lacquer off. I've never done it but just a thought. Looking good.
 
That makes complete sense. I might try it again after cleaning with acetone. Although I kind of like the two tone color
 
While on the subject of Sam Brown studs, I had a question on how to attach it to my sheath. I don't want it scratching up the blade, so should I countersink the underside so it's flush with the leather? My other thought was to glue a thin piece of leather over it to prevent it from scratching.

I have also seen this dtyle, which I like, but not for my current project.

orig (1).jpg
 
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