Nickel plating

[K4KEV]

hi Dezee ...yes you probably could, but the difficulty is being able to limit or dial in the right current...I did try many 12v supplies including a pc but they all suffered from the same problems... using the lab supply immediately solved all the volt/ current issues no matter what the surface areas were I simply had to get it anywhere between 1.5 and 2v and somewhere around 500mah as the plating begins the current tends to rise so again being able to control it is paramount.
If you look on Ebay at plating kits all the really good ones have lab supplies or rectifiers (as they are sometimes called). It was only through trial and error that I discovered having the right formula of electrolyte and the right voltage/current is the only way to get consistant, repeatable results before I let loose on some of my roadster parts.

[K4KEV]

Originally Posted by shh120m

Thats amazing mate, you should offer plating as a service, i for one would be willing to part with hard earned for that.

might yet be tempted Nathan

[K4KEV]

Here are my freshly plated wishbone brackets and shock brackets.....only took the plate up to where the bracket will be welded, will mask the plate off leaving a little to be painted over......it is starting to get a lot easier now like most thing ....if you repeat a process long enough it becomes 2nd nature.....right I'm off to see what I can plate next.

[HandyAndy]

Originally Posted by K4KEV

might yet be tempted Nathan

Kev,

If you decide to do plating for some beer tokens, let me know please ......rushes off to find bits I,d like to be shiney

cheers
andy

[K4KEV]

Well like I said to Nathan I may be able to accommodate as it will all help towards my build

[CTWV50]

Does nickel plating affect welding?

[K4KEV]

Up to now I have not noticed any change in the arc of the mig but then again I have only welded over plated bushes....it is far better to plate over a finished weld for max protection

[robo]

Originally Posted by CTWV50

Does nickel plating affect welding?

It can, i used to get stuff plated locally years ago and things like wishbones would have small holes drilled in them to flush out the acid and then through another process to de embrittle which i think is just to shove it all in an oven. Dont quote me on that because its probably more technical than that.

Bob

[baz-r]

Originally Posted by CTWV50

Does nickel plating affect welding?

in a nutshell yes it does
you dont realy want to plate until after welding if you can and the weld will blast it off the serface and mix it into your weld making it harder and can make prone to cracking in some cases also makes a mess
try welding a plated nut to plate and then an unplated nut to plate you will see the diffrence also not nice when tiging

[MarkB]

Not the best of ideas, plating wishbone brackets prior to welding. Ok if they are to bolted on but not ideal welding as baz has just mentioned up there/\