I am currently building the Jan Ridders design "Otto" a 12cc IC engine
and would like to home anodise the ally parts. Yellow (gold), Red and
Black.
I assume from what I have read that food dyes will be good for the
yellow and red, but what about the black?
Any suggestions?
Also any problems that I should watch for when anodising?
Richard
Hi Richard,
I seem to recall that cold water dyes from a haberdashers are the
things to use, Dylon is I think a trade name to go for.
This stuff, which comes as a powder in a small Alumnium container, is
also useful for changing the colour of an epoxy gkue, when you want to
repair such things as Bakerlite. I repaired the box for my slip gauges
using a maroon mixed with some black, fairly good match and certainly
better than a broken lid.
Dare I say "ask your mother" or perhaps in this day and age it had
better be yoiur Grannie. about such things as clothes dying.
Ned Ludd
Thanks Ned,
Good option, I know exactly what you are talking about, I remember
those little Al containers well. Big coloured disc on the top IIRC.
Grandmother and Mother unfortunately both long gone to that wash house
in the sky.
Good option for colouring glue as well. I think a search in town is
called for on Wednesday after a visit to the dentist! Only time I ever
go these days
Richard
Hi Richard,
Please don't mention the "D" word, not had much joy with those people.
One died in a power boat race, the next ended up serving time for
fraud!
What a life?
Ned Ludd
Isn't there someone around this neck of the woods who makes optical bits
that are anodised black?
Sure I've read about it but can't remember where.
Henry
Yes , he had a brilliant website with heaps of good info on anodising at
home .Unfortunately he has gone commercial and the website has been
removed .
From what I remember about black is that the best black was obtained
from the proper dye used in the anodizing industry rather than a laundry
dye .
The old URl is
Thank you to all that responded. I will source some Dylon on my next
(rare) visit to town.
I think I have everything
About 6 litres Sulphuric acid left over from a set of new batteries
supplied dry.
A Variac to feed a 500watt 240/12-0-12 transformer (Ex Inverter)
(Should give me the ability to control the current by changing input
voltage
A bridge rectifier 30A rated
A 25 watt .1R resistor for current monitoring
25 litres of De-ionised water (ex battery top up stock)
Loads of lead flashing
Loads of AL bar to thread for electrical connections
Blu-tack to plug tapped holes to stop them going undersize
Buckets and bins
Rubber gloves
Caustic Soda
Bicarbonate of Soda
Main problem is a well ventilated area and access to the sink
Currently surface finishing all parts with a variety of abrasives,
wire wool and buffer.
Watch this space!
Richard
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