Members Trav Posted March 27, 2009 Members Report Posted March 27, 2009 I have some new stamps from HC which are a little better than Tandy.I want to improve them, if I can, by removing the chrome plating. Anyone have an idea about doing this? Trav Quote If You always do whatYou always did, You always get what You already Got.
Members cybertracy Posted March 27, 2009 Members Report Posted March 27, 2009 I too was told by a sadllemaker in my area to improve my Tandy tools I should remove the chrome. He suggested a light wire brush keeping the tool cool by dipping it frequently in water, but if anyone has a better suggestion (I'm a bit leary of the bench grinder on these tools) I would be ever so grateful! Quote [color="#FF8C00"][size="4"][font="Tahoma"][size="5"][i]wag[/i] more,[/size][size="3"] bark less . . . [/size] happy tails, tracy[/font][/size][/color]
electrathon Posted March 27, 2009 Report Posted March 27, 2009 Unfortionatly, chrome plating is tough to get off. You will likely do so much damage to the tool removing it that it will have little resemblance to the origional. Also most of the steel is not hard enough to last if the plating were not there (the plating is the "hardest" part). It would be easier to start from scratch than to dechrome, repair and then use the tool. Quote
Ambassador Luke Hatley Posted March 28, 2009 Ambassador Report Posted March 28, 2009 TRAV................why not just us them to wear the plating off ? Quote Luke
Contributing Member TwinOaks Posted March 28, 2009 Contributing Member Report Posted March 28, 2009 I think it was Marlon (Rawhide) who said Peter Main burns the chrome off of his stamps. How he does it... Quote Mike DeLoach Esse Quam Videri (Be rather than Seem) "Don't learn the tricks of the trade.....Learn the trade." "Teach what you know......Learn what you don't." LEATHER ARTISAN'S DIGITAL GUILD on Facebook.
Members Rhonda Posted March 28, 2009 Members Report Posted March 28, 2009 I have to agree with Luke, use the tools, to wear the plating off. I have found chrome flakes, after tooling a project. It is the chrome coming off on its own. Rhonda Quote
Members Big Papa Leather Posted March 28, 2009 Members Report Posted March 28, 2009 I found several references to removing chrome from metal. I have not tried these and can not vouch for them. I am only providing the information. The procedure is very much the same as removing rust but with different chemical. First, degrease completely and scrub thoroughly with detergent. Mix 1 cup of Muriatic acid with 3 gallons of water in a plastic bucket. NOTE; ALWAYS ADD ACID TO WATER. NEVER WATER TO ACID !!! (It WILL explode) Hang two or three copper wires (#12 or larger) around sides of bucket. Connect these to ground of battery charger. Hang item to be de-chromed in fluid with positive lead connected. Be sure part doesn't touch ground wires. Within a few seconds or minutes, depending on thickness of chrome, it should come clean. More or less time as required. When finished, wash parts in mild soda water solution to neutralize acid. (Do this right way to prevent rust) As with any caustic acid, handle with care. Again use at your own risk. Allen Quote Big Papa Leather
Members china Posted March 28, 2009 Members Report Posted March 28, 2009 Why should one remove the chrome plate. china Quote
Members Trav Posted March 28, 2009 Author Members Report Posted March 28, 2009 Iwas trying to say thanks for all the replies and help but I cant seem to get the reply to upload Quote If You always do whatYou always did, You always get what You already Got.
Members CitizenKate Posted March 28, 2009 Members Report Posted March 28, 2009 I think it was Marlon (Rawhide) who said Peter Main burns the chrome off of his stamps. How he does it... During one workshop I took with Peter, he showed us some of his tools that he had removed the chrome plating from. My notes say: "Remove the chrome with a propane torch and steel brush, then buff." I tried this method, and was indeed able to remove the chrome from some of my tools without much difficulty at all, and without causing any damage to the underlying metal. It is possible to damage the tool if you get too carried away with the heat or the brushing. Kate Quote
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