Russell McMahon wrote:

> > I've had a quick look on the web but only seemed to find either commercial
> > outfits offering proprietary chemical preparations, or unhelpful "old
> > fogies" saying that the chemicals were far too dangerous to be entrusted
> to amateurs.


I don't know about "too dangerous", i used to do a
lot for fun as a kid. I think most of my family
members had copper plated keys and doodads! :o)

Copper plating is very easy, just get some copper
sulphate crystals from the pharmacist, and a plastic
constainer. Using a variable power supply you can
plate copper from one electrode to the other.

Cleaning the metal well is critical, some people
use acid but there are some kitchen cleaners
that work well.

I've had a lot of stuff chromed for motorcycles,
they always plate copper, then nickel, then chrome.
(triple plate). Don't be scared by people trying
to put you off. It's not rocket science. ;o)
-Roman

--
http://www.piclist.com hint: PICList Posts must start with ONE topic:
[PIC]:,[SX]:,[AVR]: ->uP ONLY! [EE]:,[OT]: ->Other [BUY]:,[AD]: ->Ads