EASTWOOD Plating System

[Martin N.]

What's a good alternative power source for the EASTWOOD Electroplating Tin System besides batteries? I just got mine this afternoon.

THANKS....Marty

[Michael G.]

Re: EASTWOOD Plating System

Marty,

I can't help with your question, but please post something about your satisfaction or dissatisfaction with that system. Very interested.

Mike

[Rob A.]

Re: EASTWOOD Plating System

Marty...

I just saw your post after leaving one of my own on the Eastwood plating system. I use it exclusively on bolts, nuts, small clamps etc. It's perfect for what I want...a softer look than new, reproduction, zinc plated parts have. It looks more like an originally cad plated part from the sixties. You can buff it to a higher degree of shine, but I think it would dull again over time. I left my post because just recently, I'm not happy with the results and I was hoping someone could recommend a fix. If you're looking for a higher shine without having to polish the parts after plating, I'd recommend trying another system.

[Jack H.]

Re: EASTWOOD Plating System

Do a Google/eBay search for variable voltage/variable current laboratory power supplies. For home plating purposes you want a regulated supply that will allow you to independently set voltage and current via control knobs.

A 'reasonable' starting point is a lab power supply with 0-8 VDC voltage base and 0-4 amp current base. If you're doing bigger parts (current is what controls the rate of plating deposition and the optimum setting is a function of the surface area of the annode as well as the cathode) you'll need more current.

Today, small power supplies made in the far east that sport the minimum range I mention can be found new for as little as $89. But, higher quality, brand named power supplies (e.g. Hewlett Packard) can be found used for $25-100...

Basically, you turn the voltage dial to get the desired output (2-6 VDC for various zinc based chemistry sets), connect the wires, and crank the current knob up from zero until you just begin to see bubbles forming on the cathode (part being plated). In my opinion, fooling around with a battery and fussing with adding external loads (like light bulb filaments) to obtain the correct current is a medievel approach to home plating!!!

[Gerard F.]

Re: EASTWOOD Plating System

Marty,

Here's one on ebay right now:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370015878398&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:middle:us

This one is a 16V-10a which might be a little too large for an Eastwood kit, but would be great for larger parts with a 3 gallon Caswell kit. It has a minimum of .5 amp.

Once in a while you will see a Kikusui PAB 8-5 (0-8V 0-5A, or similar brand, come up on ebay. This is the one I use with my Caswell kit and I think it would work with the Eastwood kit as it has a fine adjustment for lower amps.

Caswell also puts out a digital power supply, but I like the old analog ones. You might see if Eastwood sells one, I'm not familiar with the Eastwood kit, but I think they are similar plating chemistry.

Hope this helps.

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179

[Martin N.]

Re: EASTWOOD Plating System

MIKE,

Haven't even opened the box yet, but can't wait to get started. As always there is SO much help here at the Tech. Disc. Board that it just makes me glad I joined up with N.C.R.S. you guys are GREAT! I'll post some results of my plating efforts later this week. Maybe some pictures if I can figure that one out.

THANKS to all who helped me find the right road to go down and start looking!

Marty