My friend Susan Shahinian was kind enough to give an in depth demonstration of electroforming to the local metal clay guild, her second time doing so. When I saw the first demo I didn’t take many pictures; this time I did. And, I took note of the equipment needed to electroform, so this first post is dedicated to sharing that information. Note that these lists are short and there are many places who sell equipment and supplies for electroforming.
The priciest piece of equipment you’ll probably want is a bench DC power supply with which you can vary the current and the voltage to the piece you are electroforming. The power supply is also known as a ‘rectifier’ or ‘linear variable power supply’ or ‘full wave rectifier’ or ‘variable bench power supply’. You can find instructions to make your own AC to DC converter. Off-the-shelf units, such as the one in the photo below, make it easier to get started as they are already built and tested.
Rectifier Suppliers
- Marlin P. Jones & Assoc, Inc
- Shor International sells rectifiers separately and within a full electroforming kit
- Caswell Inc has a web tool for figuring out current, and thus rectifier, requirements based on metal and size
- Delta One Lapidary
- Dalmar Professional Models – their web page explains what a rectifier is and how it works
- Mastech – thanks to my friend Mona Clee who gave me the name of this northern California manufacturer
- Wierd Stuff is a great place to find “as-is” electronic components and overstock items
- Dalmar has good information on rectifiers they and others sell
- Contenti sells rectifiers as well as electroforming accessories, and consumables for electroforming
Plating Solutions (in addition to the suppliers above who also sell the solutions)
Conductive Coating Suppliers
Online Forums and Resources for Assistance with Electroforming Issues
Kits
- http://www.glassdiversions.com/electroforming.html
- Dalmar
- Rio Grande sells a full kit with the rectifier included
Tips and Troubleshooting
- Dalmar
- Electroforming tutorial by Maggie Js is also available here
- Vickie Hallmarks Electroforming Tutorial
- Hobbies-and-Pastimes Electroforming Tutorial
- Notes on Electroforming
Books on Electroforming
Wow, thanks for taking the time to look for all the suppliers and information.
Nice post! Thanks for collecting all those resources into one location, and for including my tutorial.
hello,
i want to now how work with electoro forming machin.
thank you