Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Hazards for the "Elderly" electroplating hobbyist

My mother wants to learn how to electroplate the solder used on her stained glass projects. Could you recommend a company that makes a machine for hobbyist, and would you give me your thoughts on the hazards associated with an elderly person wanting to learn how to electroplate. My mother is in her 70's.

Thanks so much!

Arthur Frederick
hobbyist - Houston, Texas, United States of America
2003

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2003

The smartest guy in the electroplating industry in my opinion [Joseph Mazia, now deceased] worked regular hours at 88; he and I went on a consulting road trip on his 86th birthday. The point being that seventy-and-some isn't necessarily elderly and I would not have any extra concern about your mother because of her age (although I obviously would have no knowledge of her specific frailties if any).

There are a number of suppliers of hobbyist electroplating kits. But my own opinion is that your mother should send her creations out for electroplating. The issues of environmental regulations and waste disposal for the country's first categorically regulated industry may be too complex and annoying for a senior citizen to voluntarily deal with.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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I see no hazards unique to elderly people, unless they are too frail to carry out simple tasks. However, as discussed in letter 25347, there are a lot of issues relating to home electroplating that should be addressed. From my point of view, I love science and would encourage people to get the same enjoyment I get by doing it. However, science can be dangerous - if you wanted to build a dirty bomb, make a nerve gas or attempt to construct a nuclear reactor in your garage, there are sites available on the Internet that will tell you how to do it. The presence of these sites do not mean it is safe to do it! I would NEVER advocate anyone trying to do anything (in the name of science) that may harm themselves, their neighbors or the environment. Electroplating is a technical subject that often uses very toxic chemicals, high levels of electrical power and processes that require very careful waste disposal. "Playing" with science is great fun, but only when it is done with the respect it deserves. Dabbling with the unknown is very dangerous. I would suggest your mother takes a training course in chemistry or chemical engineering with a speciality in electroplating. Once she has done that and taken everything on board, then she may be equipped to carry out her home plating.

Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK
2003