anodizing at home

[sonnyt650]

I'm interested in those anodizing kits they sell for $200 where that's been the one inhibitor for me for building up 80% receivers or really anything out of aluminum. Although I'm a keyboard jockey I have a fair grasp of things mechanical and electrical (can debug my way through motorcycle issues - Honda VTEC VFR, enough said), though chemical not so much. What's a realistic investment for an anodizing setup for the hobbyist -- more importantly is there such a thing?

[Nathan Krynn]

Why not just get an anodized 80%?

[itisagoodname]

Id personally like the FCP to be anodized as well after being machined.

I've already ordered my dye. I'll be picking up most of the supplies starting this weekend and i'll be doing it on my patio.

This is probably the best resource out there (http://www.focuser.com/anodize.html)

[smird]

Why not just get an anodized 80%?

FCP and any engraving is no longer anodized.

[goldfinger]

Anodizing party in the Bay?

[kcstott]

It's not something I would recommend. It's time consuming as hell. It's labor intensive on a small scale. You HAVE to follow a strict procedure or your parts will never turn out right.
7075 will type II anodize but it don't like it.
Hard anodizing is the only way to go. I'd pay a heavy premium knowing my receiver is Millspec hard anodized.

PM me for any questions I had a Hobby set up for quite some time and did a lot of anodizing right in the garage. Looked like a meth lab (as if I knew what a meth lab looks like)

In reality though you don't need the hobby kit. Everything you need to get a basic set up is at you local auto supply, hardware store and Fry's electronics.

The problem is the size of the part. An AR receiver is big in surface area and that determines your amps needed to do the job. So a large power supply is needed.

[uxo2]

I went with KG guncoat
or Norrells moly resin...

getting a finished 80% is impossible to have a shop do.

No manufacture numbers....NO TOUCH..