Caswell Plating Systems

[Craig S.]

I have multiple parts I would like to plate, some zinc, some black. I have followed the threads on plating systems in the past and noted more folks seem to have best luck with the Caswell systems. I noticed thier black oxide is a cold process now, vs hot bath. But they do list a "system" vs "kit" which is considerably more costly, but contains tanks, but does mention 2 100W heaters. I am curious what this is about if the process is a cold process. Anyone out there know the difference in their system vs kit as far a the process itself (if any)?

It also appears their copy-cad will do both zinc (white) and zinc dichromate (yellow/green hue) process. They also mention an olive drab solution...is this something like a corrosion resist additive? Any thoughts from folks that have used these systems is much appreciated. Thx!...Craig

[Craig S.]

Re: Caswell Plating Systems- addendum

Also - is black oxide really correct on the blakened vette parts, or is this more of a tool and tool steel coating (blueing). I know that vettes used many black phosphate applications....Craig

[Rob Dillard]

Re: Caswell Plating Systems- addendum

I have the 1 gal. copy cad kit. I love it. preparation is everything, I have found that a fresh wire wheel works best for me. I also have the black oxide kit and it is the cold system and works ok however it will not compare obviously to professional black oxide systems

[Craig S.]

Re: Caswell Plating Systems- addendum

Thx Rob - I appreciate your input. Some of my parts are larger such as the brake dust shields, maybe I am better off taking them to a local plater. But this unit sounds great for small parts, since my local shops all want a $50 bill to run a 4 foot square vat, no matter how much or little you bring in. Thx!....Craig

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Caswell Plating Systems- addendum

Craig
I have been using the Caswell Copy Cad system, black phosphate system and the yellow di-chromate and I am really impressed with them. As was mentioned above, preparation is critical but just as critical is the correct amperage for the part. I have replated headlight and wiper door actuators with the copy-cad system and di-chromated them and they came out beautifully. The hard part in plating these larger items is supplying enough current without too much voltage. I rigged up a variable power supply that could deliver up to 2 amps using a very large variable reistor and a 12 volt lawn mower battery. I could reduce the voltage down to a couple of volts and adjust the amperage based on the number of square inches being plated (25 milliamps per square inch).
Hope this helps.
Jeff Salz

[Craig S.]

Re: Caswell Plating Systems- addendum

Thx Jeff - you mention black phosphate, all I see is black oxide on their website, from what I understand black phosphate is correct for most plating on vettes but has a different sheen than the black oxide which is more like gun bluing....is your system really black phospate or the current black oxide cold process they list? Thx!...Craig

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Caswell Plating Systems- addendum

Craig
I'm sorry I misspoke- I have the black oxide cold process that you spoke about earlier. I really think that this works very well and only the very knowledgeable can tell the difference which is what you would expect at NCRS level of judging but for local shows or "open hood" cruise nights, it shows very well.
Jeff

[Craig S.]

Re: Caswell Plating Systems- addendum

Thx Jeff!...Craig