Just wondering if thers any other methods to getting these lookin like the chrome finish?
As iv learned the chroming just wont work for these
Could they be highly polished and sealed?
i really want the reflective chrome look on mine
Any ideas?
Well, I gave this information to someone else via PM, but I will psot it here also.
Chrome plating is going to add thickness to the parts - inside, outside, and inside all holes/threaded holes. Depending on the plater and the plating process, it can be thin to extrememly thick. When I machine parts like these, I shoot for a .005" gap on mating parts. That way, it's not too tight, but not loose to rattle too much. If you go with a 'cheap' chrome, it may be a few thin layers of chrome over nickel. If you go for a full-tilt 'triple show chrome palte', then you could be looking at multiple layers of chrome over multipel layers of nickel over multiple layers of copper plate. I did not design the parts to take into account such a wide variety of diifering plating thicknesses.
Of course, you can always polish as with any aluminum part, but then you need to seal it. YOu could go with a clear paint - it would preserve the finish, but could flake off over time making a huge mess. You can clear powder coat, btu that will most definitely be thicker than chrome plating. YOu can also clear anodize, but clear anodizing a polished part will dull it a bit. When I talked to my anodizer, he told me the best way to preserve as much shine as possible would be to ask for a 'thin' layer of anodize. Just enough to provide a minimum amount of sealant, but not 'bite' into the material too much. Remember, anodizing is essentially the growth of aluminum oxide (aluminum rust if you want) on the part.
Now, there is also one other thing that can be done. My anodizer also recommended a process called Bright Dip. It is essentially a chemical polish of the material. Then follow up with the 'thin' anodize. I really have no clue how it would look, and my anodizer does nto offer Bright Dip services so i can't doa sample. Your best bet is to Google for pictures of what it would like and contact your local shops for answers.
If you choose to chrome plate, I am not saying the parts won't fit back together, but I am not going to be responsible if something doesn't fit after you have it chromed. Now, you can always break out the Dremel and take care of the internal surfaces if you want to pick up a little more clearance - but that is up to you.
As for my persoanl saber, I will just leave it as finished or maybe polish it someday. I am not going to chrome plate it.
