Electroforming Basics: Everything you need to know to get started
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- a written version of this tutorial is right here
www.instructab...
Make sure to take out your anodes if you are done electroforming
if you dont it will leach more copper into the solution and throw off the ratio!
if that does happen take out all of the nodes except one and starve your solution to get the right ratio
Electroplating, also known as electrodeposition is a process for producing a metal coating on a solid substrate by means of a direct electric current.
Electroforming is a metal forming process in which parts are fabricated through electrodeposition on a model.
An electrolytic bath is used to deposit an electroformable metal onto a conductive surface of a model (mandrel). Once the deposited material has been built up to the desired thickness, the electroform is parted from the substrate. This process allows precise replication of the mandrel surface texture and geometry at low unit cost with high repeatability and excellent process control.
Depending how you use this process you will be either Electroplating or Electroforming but in the jewelry making community its common to call either just Electroforming
*****links*****
/ electroforming
jason welsh
/ jasonwelshedu
crafsman
/ @thecrafsman
shopping list
home depot
-root kill
-5 ft of copper pipe
-10ft of 12awg wire
-acetone
hobby lobby or craft store of your choice
-3 small glasses containers
-indiaink
-mod podge
-paint brushes
walmart
-miralax
-better homes and gardens 4.5 cup container
Dollar store
-mixing container
-mixing spoon
-measuring cup
-superglue
-baking soda
-flavor syringe
auto parts store
- battery acid
amazon
www.amazon.com...
www.amazon.com...
The majority of videos I've seen show expensive specialty products thank you for showing how to do this with every day items
Right?! Amazing. I can put most of this on my Walmart grocery pickup order
These are even more expensive and more dangerous than what you can really do at home...
Some white vinegar, whatever metal you want for cathode and anode, a spoon of salt for conductivity, connect the cathode and anode to power and after a few hours they will dissolve their ions into a nice solution where you can plate your stuff. Even cheaper, even safer, even easier.
this is the best electroforming tutorial I've ever seen in my whole life. thank you
🟧~Frequently Asked Questions ~🟧
(1) The white powder is baking soda, once it touches the super glue it becomes rock solid.
(2) If you are not making a ton of stuff you can use half the amount of copper pipes for the anode and be just fine
(3) Make sure to take out your anodes if you are done electroforming
if you don't it will leach more copper into the solution and throw off the ratio! if that does happen your piece will be salmon colored and crumbly, take out all of the nodes except one and electroform something overnight to starve your solution to get the ratio balanced
(4) Electroplating, also known as electrodeposition is a process for producing a metal coating on a solid substrate by means of a direct electric current.
Electroforming is a metal forming process in which parts are fabricated through electrodeposition on a model/mold.
An electrolytic bath is used to deposit an electroformable metal onto a conductive surface of a model/mold (mandrel). Once the deposited material has been built up to the desired thickness, the electroform is parted from the substrate. This process allows precise replication of the mandrel surface texture and geometry at low unit cost with high repeatability and excellent process control.
Depending how you use this process you will be either Electroplating or Electroforming but in the jewelry making community its common to call either just Electroforming
how much miralax do you use?
One tiny scoop
@@noemiechiasson9126 what do you consider a tiny scoop?
@@1dimtim Paying attention to instructions will result in better product. He mentions at 2:05 when he adds it to the solution that it is 1/2 teaspoon
try some male juices man, the sticky stuff dries faster
Where did you get your power supply from? What was the amperage limit? If I understand correctly, the graphite mixture is for two purposes, one is to seal and then to give a substrate for the copper to grow onto? Excellent video and instruction, I like your tank idea.
Yea I would like to know same thing? He didn’t mention what power supply he was using or what the amperage was at the time?
Aloha Mr Nick The Great Teacher
I've been a selftaught electroformer and w that to many hours (probably days) of failures. I did get the hang of it but gave up after awhile. I wish I had the fortune back then, to come across someone like YOU! I don't think I could find one question you didn't get the best and accurate answer to. You are very right on point and so very helping to all novices in electroforming out there. This video of yours really got Me to wanna dig out all my electroforming stuff again. Tons of it 😃 😍Mahalo 🤙
Thank you thank you thank you so much for the electroforming solution recipe! I’ve been searching for days, you rock 🤘
Wher i getting this ಮಷೀನ್
Great starter vid. Now im wondering howndo they do it in silver and other metals?
You had me at Dollar Tree. I'm thinking maybe this girl could DO this. I already got some of this stuff sitting around the house. THANK YOU!
I play with a mix of materials in my pieces, Polymer clay with dry pigments, small bits of carved wood, crystals or stones, and a touch of woven wire baked into the clay so I can add chords later for wearability. I've been wanting to create a look of dirty ancient gold to the woven steel wire but regular gold plating leaves the steel all shiny and new. I'd never even heard of Electroforming before. This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you.
could you possibly make a video on how to use this specific rectifier? I can’t seem to find any tutorials for this exact kind and I get really confused if I can’t follow an exact guide for my equipment if that makes sense
oh my gosh I have wondered for so long with this was called and this is a recent video I'm super excited thank you thank you thank you. I can't wait to get started. Well after I watch all your other videos first of course. Yes I hit the bell and yes I did share. :-) :-) thank you thank you thank you you just made an old lady really really super duper happy. Now I can continue to create my crystal jewelry how I've always wanted to do it without necessarily metalsmithing. :-)
hello, I'm from Brazil, and I'm having trouble preparing an efficient conductive paint, could you help me with some formula please. thank you
I love Jason Welsh's videos, so much information and advice! I pretty much knew right away that I wanted to be able to learn/practice these skills after seeing his videos, but I think I kept putting it off because I was overwhelmed with the information or even intimidated by the process. Now that I'm rewatching process videos & writing notes to finally start practicing myself, I thoroughly appreciate the organization! (not only of your video itself but also the organization/storage tips you gave) Super helpful, informative and easy to follow. Many thanks!
I'm glad you found it helpful! I wish you luck on your electroforming journey!
@@NickMartinelliTV I’ll second their comment, your breakdown with the lists and tips really really help me wrap my head around where to start and what to focus on. Thank you!!
⁶
I watch this every day and I had to stop and say thank you for this glorious thing you have done for us. I get my kit next week and I cant wait to start. Yes I will be making all my supplies afterward so i dont pay high prices for things, when i can just make them myself. ty ty ty
You should package the solution and sell it?
Wow, great video! I have a question, I always assumed that electroplating only added a extremely thin layer of material but some of the examples shown seem to imply that it’s enough material to actually add strength to the part. Is this true? Can joints and thin materials be strengthened by the metal being added?
Great tutorial! Super grateful! Would you mind sharing the conductive paint India ink recipe?
Hi Nick, what a wonderful and informative video thank you so much ...I adore your undersea treasure jewellery....gentle, clear instruction and unobtrusive music ....I too have wanted to have a go at this for ages but , having a limited budget ...and a lot of curiosity ,wanted to make the solutions for myself . ( just have to find out what Root Kill is in the uk ...???or the chemical equivalent please anyone ??? If it is sulphuric acid , and idea of the quantity please? )
After all this time (I have been a professional craftswoman making jewellery and other smallish pieces in Silver and Gold & Copper as my living for over 30 years) I still love my craft as there is so much to learn ...and though my job (like most ) can become a drag at times the odd playday learning new techniques gets me excited about it all over again. Thanks to you putting in the time and effort to generously share your knowledge giving us a whole new avenue to explore..like subscribed and ringing the bell
Hey Rosemary,
I'm glad you enjoyed the video
the root kill blue crystals are Copper Sulfate Pentahydrate and you can get it here. its 500 g which is about 17 oz
www.amazon.co.uk/Copper-Sulphate-Pentahydate-Fine-Powder/dp/B007BFV1MI/ref=sr_1_2?crid=917O4NDGWIQ&keywords=copper+sulphate+pentahydrate&qid=1557597996&s=gateway&sprefix=copper+sulphate+%2Caps%2C268&sr=8-2
(this is a powder so be careful of any dust that may be kicked up, I'd do this outside)
since we have different measurements, the hot water should be 1.9 liters or 3.33 pints
and the sulfuric acid is 16 ml
thanks for the kind words and good luck on your electroforming journey
-Nick
You sure your not just making meth?? Lmao
Is Gold electroplating the same as this?
Beautiful pieces, thank you for making this video!
Awesome video!! Would it be possible to electroplate gold on these? If so, can you direct me to a source that explains it as simply and brilliantly as you did here?
I want to know, too, that's my biggest question.
oh my gahwd I have watched this video SOOO many times the last 5 months :´) SUPER HELPFUL! Thank you sooo much for making this.
4:33 It's funny, I was googling how to do this for a set of aura shells to make into necklaces. Then I see you doing the exact thing I was researching LOL I also wanted to ask, I think it's baking soda you're using there? Yours is on the "chunky" side, some of the other tutorials I have seen are really powdery. I like the look yours produces. Do you add some water or spray the soda before using it so it's a bit clumpy-er?
In my experience it just naturally gets that way after a while of reaching in to pinch some out. Don’t add water, it can throw things off a bit.
Just tried the glue and bicarb combo. Wow. It's. Revolutionary.
When you showed your refractor @ 5:36 minutes i noticed you have yours on CV i thought you want it on CC for conductive current..?
would also love to see a video from you on how to figure out how much anode to you use and what you should set your refractor at and how to figure it out.
have you tried using tin chloride? This is commonly used in electroplating non-conductive materials (think baby shoes etc)
My electroforming is coming out salmon colored, rough, and brittle. Can you please tell me what to do to stop this and get a shiny copper finish?
He mentioned in the tutorial that if you use too high of a current or leave it in the solution too long, it will come out salmon colored and crumbly. Try reducing your current and your timing.
Can I ask you what you're using for your current? I am new to this technique and want to be sure I'm using the proper equipment.
I hope you are able to work out your issues.
I think he addresses these problems about halfway through the tutorial. Thanks for any input. Good luck
I’m a constipated hobbyist who doesn’t need any more projects. Now... All I need is battery acid and root kill to electroform clay sculptures? Hmmmm... What a conundrum...
This is a great introductory video to electroforming. Thanks for sharing! Wondering if this is possible to do with brass?
Is making your own with copper lectrodes in vinegar any good?
You are so lucky you can get sulphuric acid. It's impossible to get in the UK sadly.
Thank you for sharing! Your tips are so very helpful. I've wanted to try this technique for a while now and was very happy to find your tutorials. May I ask what you are using as your power supply? I am totally new to electroforming and want to be sure I'm using the correct equipment. Thanks so much
I accidentally added 16oz sulfuric acid not 16ml because I read wrong side of measuring cup. So I have 16 ounces of copper sulfate and 250 ml of acid-
What will that cause?
I wish i saw this when i first started, amazing video, thanks for sharing!! :) i do have a question tho for your india ink paint mix, is it a 50/50 ratios? Do you add distilled water? Also have you tried a mix of india ink and mod podge to graphite?
Thanks again!
Isn't this electroplating, not electroforming?
May I hire you to do a necklace for me? It isn’t especially valuable, but the coating has come off. I think it’s copper underneath. It’s a layered, long necklace. Thank you!
So it’s 1/4 teaspoon of Miralax per 2qt recipe? So if I only did this once instead of twice like you did to get a gallon, I’d only use 1/4 tsp Miralax instead of 1/2tsp?
Hello my friend what patinas do you use for electroplated pieces?
Thanks you so much for the video it is wonderful I can't see the kind of power you use on top of the crazy glue??????? May you replay us Thanks 😅
agitate your electrolyte while plating to get rid of the current lines on your parts, if the electrolyte isnt moving you get those lines like seen on your ring their, the ones coming from the sharp edge.
i agitate mine using an aquarium air pump, you can also use mechanical means like a magnetic stir bar
You've got the same music as Tyler Zed Zeducation. Maybe the music is what makes the video good haha
Do you use copper pipes if you’re trying to electroform using sterling silver instead? Very informative video & I’m very grateful to have come across this page!
I think you need a silver rod...?
Search for Silver Electroforming Copper here on TH-cam. There are explanations for how to do this now. I’ll post the link when I find it. You actually need to plate the object in copper first. Copper is very conductive, so it serves as the base, and you can then plate it with silver or palladium. Your solution is different, as is the amount of current. If you buy the rectifier used here, you can use it with silver, but silver is finicky, so make sure your rectifier will work for both before purchasing.
What about for Gold?
What makes this not electroplating? I’m on a quest to fully understand the difference
Whats the white powder you are pouring on the glue joints? Did i miss you explaining that?
Is it okay to even wear this jewelry??? Seems hazardous
How durable are they? Can you polish them?
Hi there could you do this on large items like a stormtrooper costume or helmet? As it’s pvc plastic and if painted with the graphite will it work
I was looking away for a moment and I heard toot kill as road kill and was very concerned lol
I did this set up and I am pretty sure somehow I did something wrong. If I could, I would like to chat and send photos so that maybe you can see what I did wrong and tell me?
How do you do this to gold plate? Like if I wanted to turn my copper piece into a gold plated piece?
How much brighter for 1000ml of mixture
How long is the solution in the bath good for? Do you have to change it out, or do you just top it off when it gets low?
Do you have any videos with real flowers?
As a jewelry designer newly discovering the magical wonders of electroforming, I really appreciate your video tutorial. Thank you for the budget hack! Question tho: I’m in Canada & can’t seem to source the Root Kill product. Am I essentially looking for copper sulfate pentahydrate? I did find a comparable liquid source.
Did you find an alternative for Canada ?
Ca we do this with silver? I'm alergic to copper
A merda que está em inglês, ninguém e obrigado.
What substance is white powder that is added at copper sulphate solution?
Art thou an alchemyst or wizard? Either way, you have my profound thanks!
Relaxing music and super useful information! Fun and very enjoyable way for learning. Thank you
Fabulous tutorial!!! Love the simplicity of your tank.
You win!!
How long do you leave the pieces in?
it depends on how big the piece is and the voltage the power supply is at,
a small necklace maybe 2-3 hours at a medium voltage, sometimes over night at a low voltage.
its all about trial and error and seeing works best for what you need!
Is there a Canadian equivalent to Root Kill? I can't seem to find it here.
Can you store the conductive paint in plastic?
Autozone no longer carries battery acid
Hey ..... How many times use copper pipe
Better not to drink that blue liquid even if looks inviting.
Literally looks like a bomb
When you say 16 oz root killer, do you mean 16 oz (453g) weighed out, or do you mean 2 cups? Thank you!
yes to both 2 us cups/ 1 pound/ 16 oz (453g), it doesn't need to be very exact, it comes in one and two pound bottles
Can I use sulfuric acid drain opener?
Hey have you seen whats happened to generals graphite? I just got a 6oz container of this stuff on fleaby for 35bucks. People are asking as high as $200 there! 🤪 WTF is going on? subbed. 😎
Can you do one for silver?!
Thank you all the useful information!
Very informative and well presented. I’m looking forward to checking out your other videos. Thanks for the great info
Hey Nick, great video. I’m new and needing some help, do you think you could message me and go over a few questions? Thanks.
Thanks, very well explained, please tell me how to prepare graphite powder and ink what is the percentage? 50/50?
How long does the object stay in the electroforming bath?
Thank you very much..
Thanks for the lesson. I got an old 12v 2amp charger, do you think that'll work?
Excellent Tutorial Nick! One Question, (my apologies if already answered) -- The 3/4" Copper Pipe, is that Type M or L Copper?
It doesn't matter the M and L indicate wall thickness
Either is fine as long as it's copper
What is that _lovely_ piano music in the background. It's _gorgeous_ !
know of any hand on classes
Thank you for your video, can this be done with just salt water solution , looking to do this on my viking style axe , I used Salt water solution and a celtic design on the axe flat blade . Gives a dark celtic in print on to it
how do I get the results to be shiny and smooth, because I've done it but the result is foam and the color is pink. What is wrong?
Thank you very much and excuse my English that is not very fluent, i love ypu video
Hello, good morning, it would help me to know what material you use before using the super glu, thank you very much
Thanks for your video have seen this a dozen times today lol. Where can I get the rectifier. I looked on Amazon but am afraid to buy the wrong thing
Can you do the same but with gold or silver over copper? I'm guessing it's slightly less cost effective if possible
What is the molar concentration of the sulfuric acid you used? 1.0M ?
Would it be safe to do the electroforming inside my apartment in the bathroom with the window open? I keep seeing stuff about the fumes being toxic even though you can't smell them.
If you paint in a stencil design you could offer this as a service to create branding logos. On unique objects and plaques
don't use baking soda to speed up superglue with metal parts, you're begging for corrosion later on.
Can I ask what the difference is between using the root killer/distilled water combo vs salt in vinegar and charging it up?
What’s the purpose of the alligator clips on the wire above the bus bar? Couldn’t u clip them directly to the wire in between the pipes?
Hi! Great video. I have a question about clean up? Basically, where is it safe to dispose of this stuff?
Awesome video! I can't wait to get started! Thank you so much for the informative tutorial
i like how he's advising us to wear gloves while not wearing them 0:34 himself lol
Just wondering what gauge wire your using in your pendants for the frame? Cheers
Thank you! This is super helpful!
I have a cicada where the copper is cracking at the base can I solder some copper to fix it or use E60 to seal it?
So I found this video by Jason like you recommended, th-cam.com/video/WOsn9U8aPQY/w-d-xo.html what I am wondering is if he uses the sulfuric acid to change the ph in the solution. I am now wanting to dial in my solution for consistency. Thank you very much, you got me electroplating like I wanted. I very much appreciate your videos and quick response times.
Sorry I he just didn't list what acid he used and doesn't seem to reply
I'm pretty sure its sulfuric acid, its already in the solution, should just be changing the amounts to regulate ph
Thank you once again for your fast reply, I was also wondering what kind of metal his teat pieces are. I am about to go out and buy what is necessary to dial in my solution
you never showed how to put the actual copper on? do you put a bunch of copper in the solution and then the electricity magnetizes it to the object?
Brilliant style. Very good info. Next time go slower.
Wait...what🫣🥹😲🥴🤩