Will this nickel plating work!?

Published on August 23, 2023
Duration: 10:17

This video details the process of nickel plating a firearm cylinder, specifically for an Ivory Johnson .38 Cal revolver. The guide covers preparation steps like blasting and copper plating, followed by sanding for a smooth finish before applying the final nickel layer. The presenter emphasizes trial and error in achieving successful plating, especially when dealing with older firearms and inconsistent plating processes.

Quick Summary

Nickel plating a firearm cylinder involves blasting for surface prep, applying a copper layer, sanding for smoothness, and then electroplating with nickel using a controlled amperage power supply. This process aims for a protective finish, though perfect color matching to original plating on older firearms may not be achievable due to historical process differences.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Upcoming Auctions
  2. 00:42Colt New Army 1863 Acquisition
  3. 02:08Nickel Plating Process Overview
  4. 03:15Cylinder Replacement Rationale
  5. 04:00Nickel Plating Steps: Preparation & Copper
  6. 05:10Starting the Copper Plating Process
  7. 05:59Post-Copper Plating & Sanding
  8. 06:57Decision to Stop Copper Plating
  9. 07:26Transition to Nickel Plating
  10. 08:05Assessing the Nickel Plating Results
  11. 09:25Coin Auction Announcement

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the initial steps for nickel plating a firearm cylinder?

The process begins with blasting the cylinder to create a suitable surface. This is followed by applying a copper plating layer, which is then sanded to achieve a smooth, polished finish before the final nickel plating is applied.

How is the amperage controlled during firearm cylinder plating?

A power supply is used to dial in the exact amperage, which is crucial for the adherence of the plating. The presenters aim for between three and four amps, running the process for about an hour and a half for a good coat.

Why might new nickel plating not match the original finish on an old firearm?

Older firearms may have used different plating methods, such as chemical plating, compared to modern electroplating. These process differences, along with variations in the plating materials themselves, can lead to a noticeable color difference.

What are the risks of over-plating a firearm cylinder to fill imperfections?

Attempting to fill significant pitting with excessive plating material can negatively affect the critical tolerances of firearm components, such as the chambers of a cylinder, potentially impacting functionality.

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