Jump to content

To Rechrome or not to Rechrome. (by me) That is the question.

Michael1962

By Michael1962
in All Things Clocks

 Share

Recommended Posts

Michael1962 Distinguished Member

Michael1962

Posted
Posted (edited)

Everybody, would you take on the task of cleaning up some parts and then sending them away to get rechromed or would you make the set up yourself and rechrome them yourself?

The Hettich has some chromed parts which have been attacked by the battery goo. I can either take them to someone who chromes in Geelong or set up the gear to do it myself. The only thing I don't know where to get is nichrome wire or a 5V, 1A power source. If you have a look here, this seems to make it look fairly easy with really promising looking results. What I am not sure of is the level of preparation that may be required as there is some fairly heavy corrosion on the parts from the battery acid.

Anybody have any suggestions?

Edited by Michael1962
Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • Michael1962 changed the title to To Rechrome or not to Rechrome. (by me) That is the question.
Tmuir Distinguished Member

Tmuir

Posted
Posted

Nickel plating is possible at home, chrome plating is not really possible at home.

If you want it chrome plated you need to take it to a professional.

The solution in that beaker looks like a nickle salt, not chrome, reading the description it even says nickel plated.

If you want to do nickel plating look for a local jewellery supply store they will sell nickel ingots used in plating. I did it a while back and using HCL made nickel chloride, but you can use vinegar and make nickel acetate which is safer.

If you do want to try home nickel plating practice on something you don't care about first, if you get it wrong you will end up with a very rough surface. Also read up on the safety required too.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
spectre6000 Distinguished Member

spectre6000

Posted
Posted

Chroming chemicals are pretty regulated here in the US. Heavy metals and associated toxicity. Difficult to dispose of the byproducts. The last time I had some (car) parts rechromed more than a decade ago, it was a real struggle to find anyone to touch it. That was in Texas, hardly an environmental utopia... Australia may very well be a different story.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • mikepilk
      Breguet Exhibition at London Science Museum

      By mikepilk · Posted

      I visited the Breguet Exhibition today. https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/about-us/press-office/rare-timepieces-unveiled-new-display-science-museum The Science Museum now holds the collection of "The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers" - "The collection includes more than 600 watches, 90 clocks, 30 marine chronometers and a number of fine sundials and examples of hand engraving, mapping the history of innovation in watch and clock making in London from 1600 to the present day." It's well worth a visit. They have some amazing pieces by the likes of Harrison, Breguet, Tompion etc . I've visited twice before but decided to go and see the Breguet Exhibition. Maybe I was expecting too much, as on reflection, "More than 20 extraordinary timepieces designed by inventor and watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet " isn't going to take up that much space. In reality, it's just one cabinet. But, Oh those watches, stunning 🤩 , e.g. (No 1297 was made for George III and is valued about £1m)   I tried a couple of pics, but with subdued lighting and taking through glass, they aren't good. I like thin hands on a watch - how about these (I think this is a split second chrono)   And this one, with all it's complications, is only 10mm thick !   What I found very interesting were a few very old machines for making watch parts, like this 17th Century gear cutter. The disc below has concentric rings with holes in, so that is can be set to cut varying teeth numbers.       
    • RobS
      How to remove shock settings from Smiths 512 movement

      By RobS · Posted

      Firstly sorry for poor image quality I only have an iPhone for photos.    Im working on a 512 movement and I’ve had some trouble with the “jewels”. I’ve got the metal one out, but when I tried to put it back the three sides of the spring seem to need pressing all at once to fit it as there are three “holes”. I get two corners in but as I go for the third the first two pop out! Constantly I’ve lost the spring. I’ve done the similar ones on seiko movements without trouble. Assuming I find it/a replacement, what am I missing!   on the other side with the only ruby in the movement is a setting with no “gap”at all. How do I get the spring out, and of course get it back in!    What am I missing!    thanks in advance.    Rob
    • Geotex
      Roland Ranfft RIP

      By Geotex · Posted

      Links like that are the reason I routinely donate to the Internet Archive - they are the last safe house for a tremendous amount of useful info that is otherwise lost.
    • nevenbekriev
      Rolex 2235 escape wheel jewel setting replacement

      By nevenbekriev · Posted

      Looks  OK.
    • nevenbekriev
      raketa watch Movement Removal

      By nevenbekriev · Posted

      There must be a ring around the movement that is not a part of the case and the movement will get out together with the ring.
×
×
  • Create New...