Chrome plating chemical suppliers? Sources?

[ibewgypsie]

I know this thread has been knocked around a few times.

I found Caswells, Dalmars. I'd like to find bulk chemicals instead of "kits" any sources local?

Preferably within driving distances.(to-8 hours). Since I hear nightmares about supply companies keeping money without providing refunds or chemicals.

Them old welders in the yard, they are fixing to be plating supplies.. 36vdc, variable amps.
They are a perfect anodizing supply.

David

[Mike W]

I have had total satisfaction with my orders from Caswell.

[ibewgypsie]

Mike,

Are you running 55 gallon tubs? I got these plastic drums fixing to cut the tops on them..

Geeze I am so far behind.. I need clones.

David

[wierdscience]

My boss had the info on where to get the chemicals once,but 20 years ago he tried and people who work for initials(EPA,FBI,DEQ,DEA)started calling and asking many questions,if you want the adress/number for them I can look and see if he still has it,let me know.

[ibewgypsie]

all them abbreviations kinda reminds me of the keywords in a ad,

visa,mc,cash

Nothing that pays well is easy. Nasty work. Anyone working in a chrome shop has a reduced life expectancy. Short term labor. Rough disposal, rough chemical tracking each amount Cradle to grave. (did I say hire the local Mexicans?) I sure could use some cheap labor sanding right now.

Costs a lot to set up, looks like somewhere around 35k$-60k$ full blown shop.. I am planning on just setting up vats for aluminum to start with. We have buffers, sanders, polishers, power supplies and heaters. Now some poly tanks, a containment wall. One step above the 6 gallon kits.. It has to be large enough to get a primary into.

A license is the next research project after finding chemicals. No license is required where the shop is for business. HAZ-MAT is what I am concerned with. I have had Osha 10 and Hazard-concerns.

Yeah, check to see what the boss has available.

David

[CCWKen]

Be thankful you're not in Texas. We have some of the toughest environmental laws on the books for plating shops. All of the places I used to go to have closed. To get a decent rechrome on bumpers, I have to send them 200 miles away to Houston, Texas. That's about the last remaining "big" shop left in Texas.

Make sure you check your state environmental laws. These can be a brick wall compared to EPA and the state may get "purchase records" for chemicals. Just make sure you check. A suprise visit can cost you $10,000 per occurance per day.

[ibewgypsie]

The powdercoat chrome.. it is pretty cool, but not as smooth as the chrome-chrome..

David

[Mike W]

ibewgypsie, LOL I am just messing around with the wand type plating kits. Caswell has one tank type kit they call copy chrome that doesn't use hazardous chemicals. The end result is supposed to look like chrome. I tried some in my wand kit and it looked ok to me. You might check it out.

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

[ibewgypsie]

And then they said.. can you get a bumper in the vat? (my 55 gallon poly drum.)

Ha.. I said lots more money.. Not sure where this is going.

David