My first attempt at anodizing!

[ziconceo]

Like the title says, I'm gonna try my hand at anodizing.

I got most of the supplies, just need a few things. I'm going with dark green.

thread will be updated as new stuff happens.

[hermosabeach]

You purchased a set up to Hard Anodize Aluminum????


that's Hard Core

[dune870demon]

If it works out well I got two pieces that need to be done. And I'll pay ya for yer time.

[Darquan]

I would ask this question in the gunsmithing forum.

VaderSpade used to have a thread about it, but all the pics are gone.

[ziconceo]

You purchased a set up to Hard Anodize Aluminum????


that's Hard Core

I'm going to get the necessary equipment tomorrow, shouldn't cost more than 50$

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[ziconceo]

If it works out well I got two pieces that need to be done. And I'll pay ya for yer time.

I may be able to help ya out there let me screw up my own stuff before I mess up yours lol

[craneman]

I used really cold distilled water to mix with the acid. I also had a few clean plastic water bottles full of frozen water to add to the acid as the anodizing progresses. The process builds heat and will work better the cooler you can keep it. Used a thermometer to monitor temps. of the acid mix during the process.

cleanliness, cleanliness, cleanliness. Do not touch with your skin. Change the surgical gloves for new ones every time you must touch the part.

I sprayed off the parts with distilled water between the baths. Do not let them dry. I did not de-smut the parts either. I cleaned really well with brake cleaner before abrasive blasting, then quickly cleaned again with more brake cleaner.

I used aluminum welding wire to suspend the part, and it worked fine. Now they say to use titanium wire. The aluminum worked fine for me, as well as aluminum plates for anodes instead of lead. Twist the wire and screw it tightly into the pistol grip screw hole to suspend the lower so it does not touch anything else.

vaderspades tutorial is really good and will give you time/amps required for a lower. otherwise you have to figure out square inches to determine how long to go.

I also did not use the RIT dye. I used professional anodizing dyes and nickle acetate to seal.

At home, type II is about all you can hope for. Mine turned out great. Its pretty hard too. Good luck, follow all steps and pay attention to the details and it will work out fine.!

[ziconceo]

I used really cold distilled water to mix with the acid. I also had a few clean plastic water bottles full of frozen water to add to the acid as the anodizing progresses. The process builds heat and will work better the cooler you can keep it. Used a thermometer to monitor temps. of the acid mix during the process.

cleanliness, cleanliness, cleanliness. Do not touch with your skin. Change the surgical gloves for new ones every time you must touch the part.

I sprayed off the parts with distilled water between the baths. Do not let them dry. I did not de-smut the parts either. I cleaned really well with brake cleaner before abrasive blasting, then quickly cleaned again with more brake cleaner.

I used aluminum welding wire to suspend the part, and it worked fine. Now they say to use titanium wire. The aluminum worked fine for me, as well as aluminum plates for anodes instead of lead. Twist the wire and screw it tightly into the pistol grip screw hole to suspend the lower so it does not touch anything else.

vaderspades tutorial is really good and will give you time/amps required for a lower. otherwise you have to figure out square inches to determine how long to go.

I also did not use the RIT dye. I used professional anodizing dyes and nickle acetate to seal.

At home, type II is about all you can hope for. Mine turned out great. Its pretty hard too. Good luck, follow all steps and pay attention to the details and it will work out fine.!

Thank you for the awesome tips! I've decided the color I want, its going to be dark smoked green.

I think I'm going to start with the rit dye and see how it goes.

Optimally this color would look tits mcgee

I plan to use the green dye first then a few seconds of black dye to add the "smoke layer"

[dune870demon]

Let us know how it turns out OP! Like I said, I got a couple parts for you when you feel confident!

[Garand1911]

I like that green.

[huntercf]

Sounds cool, keep us posted. Good luck.

[ziconceo]

Got some supplies today, total for this stuff was 30$ just need to pick up some lye tomorrow from ace and I should be ready. I also need an appropriate container, I should have one somewhere...



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[craneman]

Plastic bucket will do just fine for the acid. Stainless steel pots for the dye and sealing. I used two of my wifes stock pots. She never even knew.

Remember to have a few boxes of baking soda right close in case things get hinky. Then you can use it to neutralize the acid for disposal.

[Ubermcoupe]

Thank you for the awesome tips! I've decided the color I want, its going to be dark smoked green.

I think I'm going to start with the rit dye and see how it goes.

Optimally this color would look tits mcgee

I plan to use the green dye first then a few seconds of black dye to add the "smoke layer"

Gorgeous! Love the Green color. Pics of the process would be awesome, hope it all goes smooth.

[ziconceo]

Gorgeous! Love the Green color. Pics of the process would be awesome, hope it all goes smooth.

Absolutely! I still need to scrounge around for some scrap aluminum for the anodes and cathodes. Then I need to find some stainless containers and tools. our kitchen ware is not stainless....I may have something in the shed......