I found it convenient to solder a couple of thick copper wires to the zinc
anode. I can then
bend these over the edge of the container and easily set the position of the
anode within the
plating solution. Because the plating is transfered "line of sight" from the
anode to the item being plated,
it is also useful to have a separate small "pencil anode" that you can maneuver
into tight spots that would not normally get plated due to bad geometry.
A good example of this situation is the Bugeye door strikers. Without the
pencil anode
I would not get any plating to start in the area between the cone and the rest
of the bracket.
I made this "pencil anode" by cutting a 1/4" square section off of my zinc bar
and soldering
it to a stiff piece of copper wire.
With exception to use of the "pencil anode" try to keep the larger zinc anode 3
inches away from the
item being plated. Be careful not to short the two together. When using the
"pencil anode"
be especially careful not to short to the item.
The negative terminal goes to the wire attached to item being plated. Positive
goes to the zinc
anode (and to your "pencil anode"). Plating an item usually takes no more
than 15 minutes
in the solution.
After plating, rinse the item in sink water. If all went well the item will
have a dull, flat gray color.
This can be brought to a bright finish by hitting it with the wire wheel and
then (optionally) buffing
it out with tripoli.
After you are done plating, carefully pour your pickle and plating solutions
back into their respective
jugs through a coffee filter & funnel.
More information regarding plating in general can be found in the Caswell
plating manual
Which can be found online here:
www.scribd.com/doc/6069236/Caswell-Plating-Manual
Also google "DIY zinc plating" for more information.
Next, final thoughts...
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