Replies

1. 
   UncleDunc | Feb 02, 2003 09:09am | #1

   There's an outfit in Iowa called Brownells that supplies the gunsmithing trade. One of their products is a series of books entitled Gunsmith Kinks. I have three volumes of it. I've heard a rumor that a fourth is now available. One of the three has quite a thorough discussion of what they call electroless nickel plating. It's a purely chemical process, no electrical current involved. The book adresses both removing old nickel and applying new nickel. IIRC, none of the required equipment or supplies is very expensive, and the process is

   suitable for a home shop. Their URL is http://www.brownells.com

2. 
   lwilliams | Feb 02, 2003 03:36pm | #2

   Stanley's nickle plating was a pretty cheap process. That's why so many old planes have problems with it.

   Are you looking for a tool to use or look at? If you want a collector plane in mint unused condition buy one, a re-plated tool doesn't have much value to collectors. If you want a plane to use, the plating doesn't add to function and isn't necessary. I kind of like old tools where previous users left signs of their use. Worn or stained area left by previous workers sure doesn't lower a tool's value to me. Honest work with those old tools left a signature, I value that and wouldn't want it removed from those I own.

3. 
   SawdustSteve | Feb 02, 2003 06:17pm | #3

   Let's see... I've got some old coins, nothing of great value.  If I alter the date or the mint mark, I can make it into a more valuable coin.......   Both are the same.  You are making it (the tool) into something it is not and most experienced collectors WILL be able to tell it was re-plated and 'phonied up'.   If you want a real nickel plated tool, buy the real thing.   Unlike staining wood to make the grain stand out or to match coloring, you will find that re-nickeling is not that acceptable a practice in the tool collecting fraternity.  SawdustSteve

1. 
   ekarnes | Feb 03, 2003 06:06am | #6

   i have a pretty good understanding of restoration/preservation guidelines. my aim in nickel plating is not to fool collectors and make a quick buck, but to explore the possibility of re-plating the tool for my own adaptive re-use. there are inherent dangers with any interpretive program other than strict preservation, but such an approach can also render the object unusable. if we were talking millers patent planes here (or even a pristine-condition common 45), my approach would be quite different. but documented restoration (i.e. marking the new finish to distinguish it) of a battered 45 or 46 plow plane with the original nickel finish would extend the tool's usefulness by protecting the casting from further rust and pitting, while returning to the original historical appearance.

1. 
   clampman2 | Feb 04, 2003 06:54am | #11

   Ekarnes,

   I have considerable experience with electroless nickel plate as opposed to electroplated nickel.

   It is a very good process when done by a professional plater, and is deposited very evenly. 4 to 6 ten thousands of an inch is a thick coating. The final appearance depends upon a flawless substrate which you will not have without a fresh surface grinding or machining job - depending on what appearance you are looking for. Miniscule pits from rust will be greatly magnified by plating.

   The plane should also be put into a vacuum furnace immediately after removal from the tank and baked to prevent hydrogen embrittlement.

   Personally, I have switched from nickel plating my parts to stainless steel and brass alloy, finding them preferable for my needs.

   Good luck.

   Clampman

2. 
   ekarnes | Feb 03, 2003 06:19am | #7

   P.S.

   "If I alter the date or the mint mark, I can make it into a more valuable coin.......   Both are the same."

   Not quite...might want to take a look at http://www.nationaltrust.org/ before jumping to such conclusions.

1. 
   UncleDunc | Feb 03, 2003 06:42am | #8

   Mmmmm. Sarcasm detector broken?

1. 
   ekarnes | Feb 03, 2003 07:43pm | #10

   Sarcasm detector? Oh, thats a REAL useful invention! (yes, i know this is a blatent rip-off from the simpsons, but if you are gonna steal material, might as well do it right). Standards of restoration differ depending on individual object, and the position that EVERY tool must be preserved equally gets me going on one of my numerous uncontrolable rants. oy, i need a drink.

4. 
   PlaneWood | Feb 02, 2003 07:49pm | #4

   FYI -

   A lot of nickel plating business are quitting because of all the EPA regulations with the residue.  Those that aren't quitting are starting to raise their rates to offset the disposal expense of the heavy metal chemicals.  Many companies have been flushing the residue down the drain which carry heavy EPA fines.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy
   PlaneWood

5. 
   Mach70 | Feb 03, 2003 12:05am | #5

   Another source of metal coating or plating supplies is Eastwood.  They serve the automotive restoration market.  They have a tin zinc electroplating kit that might work for you if you want a shiny finish that resists rust.

   http://www.eastwoodco.com/

   Item no. 10049 Z $69.99

6. 
   fredsmart48 | Feb 03, 2003 08:34am | #9

   just do web search

   http://www.bullnet.co.uk/shops/test/nickel.htm

   http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/nickel.htm