Honda-SOHC
SOHC.co.uk Forums => Anorak's Corner => Topic started by: MCTID on April 06, 2021, 06:40:32 PM
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I have been reading up on the old posts about Zinc Plating Kits for the home on the sohc Forum. All sorts of stuff on there going back years, but it didn't answer the $64,000 question which I'm sure somebody on here can help with - which is:
What is a the most useful and best value Kit to buy to zinc plate the various nuts, bolts and small brackets that are always needed to finish off a bike project ?
I don't need anything super dooper, just something which gets the job done so the parts look OK when they are finished, they don't take a lifetime's work to prepare or look after later, the kit comes complete with everything I need to start plating (or any accessories which will be needed ARE clearly advised) and they represent good value for money. Additionally, if there is a good Kit available for £150, but by spending another £20 or so I'll get a much better Kit or twice as many raw materials, that advice would also be welcome.
I'm not a Techie and I don't need to know all the Chemical ins and outs of the process....as it will just go right over my old addled brain, but if anyone can advise from their own experience or recommend a Supplier who I should contact, I'd be most obliged.
Thanks in advance, and as my old Foreman who we called the Balloon used to say, 'Don't let me down folks' !
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Hi,
I've been using a BZP kit (s) from Gateros for years now with great results. As with any finishing process, good prep is the key to success. I'm fortunate that I have a variable voltage and current power supply but you can do it with the kit supplied and a car battery. Only takes about 1 volt and a few milliamps of current to work.
I did an article for Tansha (VJMC) a while back and I had a page on my web site - I'll put it back up when I can. I think Gateros had a copy on their site too.
Ian
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Thats the one I use too Alan
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Hi,
I've been using a BZP kit (s) from Gateros for years now with great results. As with any finishing process, good prep is the key to success. I'm fortunate that I have a variable voltage and current power supply but you can do it with the kit supplied and a car battery. Only takes about 1 volt and a few milliamps of current to work.
I did an article for Tansha (VJMC) a while back and I had a page on my web site - I'll put it back up when I can. I think Gateros had a copy on their site too.
Ian
Ian - out of interest do you use de-ionised water with the kit? If so, mind if I ask where you source it??
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Managed to find all of the files and pics and have re-posted the article on my site.
http://www.stallard-engineering.co.uk/Engineering/Zinc%20Plating.htm
James,
Yes, I use de-ionised water - from our local motor factors - Orkney Factors (bit far to come though :)
Ian
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Hi,
I've been using a BZP kit (s) from Gateros for years now with great results. As with any finishing process, good prep is the key to success. I'm fortunate that I have a variable voltage and current power supply but you can do it with the kit supplied and a car battery. Only takes about 1 volt and a few milliamps of current to work.
I did an article for Tansha (VJMC) a while back and I had a page on my web site - I'll put it back up when I can. I think Gateros had a copy on their site too.
Ian
Ian - out of interest do you use de-ionised water with the kit? If so, mind if I ask where you source it??
Not sure why you would need de-ionised water tbh as without plenty of ions in solution the process would not work - maybe the instructions say otherwise to keep out any impurities? Some filtered rain water ought to be good enough especially if you collect it in a plastic bowl or similar.
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De-ionised water is recommended by Gateros, mainly because many impurities are removed but some ions remain. Yes, you could certainly use properly collected rainwater. Here in Orkney that is easy ( :)) and I would think it's quite pure - not sure about how contaminated it might be near big conurbations further south though.
For just a few quid for 5 litres from the factors, I'm not sure I could be bothered. The plating process does work well though with de-ionised.
Ian
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Best place for DI water is Eurocarparts but actually cheaper in the shop than online order and collect. 5l or 25 litre options.
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[quote Maybe Ash can put his formula back up for prepping nuts/bolts etc
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De-zincing stuff here Ken:-
http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,12925.msg188251.html#msg188251