Posted 8 years ago
AnythingOb…
(1778 items)
OK, enough of the dishes and glassware -- let's move back to "assorted old electrical things" instead. ;-) :-)
This device is a TANK ELECTROPLATER made by the Warner Electric Co. of Chicago. I'm guessing it dates from the 1940's-60's but don't really know, I've had it for a few decades myself now. (during which time it has mostly served me well by holding up a stereo speaker or something...)
If I understand correctly how electroplating works, this box is likely basically just a large low-voltage DC power supply, which would be used by connecting wires to its binding posts that in turn would be attached to some sort of 'sacrificial electrode' and a 'metal item', both to be submerged in a vat of some specific chemicals. When then cranked up, the electricity this device produces would react with the chemicals and actually transfer metal from the 'electrode' to the surface of the other item -- thus "plating" it.
For the record, I have never plugged it in... ;-)
Never know when ya might need one ;D I would think this should work to remove rust also like the do with battery chargers on youtube
OF COURSE, PoliticalPinbacks -- one should *always* be prepared for those electroplating emergencies?!! (and, even though I've never actually had one of those, it still holds up houseplants/stereo speakers/etc very nicely while we're waiting?!) <lol>
Thanks also to freon, fortapache, Caperkid, bijoucaillouvintage, PhilDMorris, and iggy for the loves! :-)
More THANKS to buckethead, Dan121156, and now Horseradishman1 for y'all's further appreciation!! :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) Glad I'm apparently not the only one that thinks this is a kinda fun old boxful-o-knobs... ;-)
Funny thing .... I completed an undergraduate chemistry internship program at a electroplating facility during the summer of my junior year in college. That was back in the 80s.
So then buckethead -- you actually probably *DO* know exactly what this thing is and how to use it, mostly unlike me -- that's SO COOL!!! <LOLOL> [and now I've gotta ask...is my 'guess-terstanding' in the description anywheres close to being accurate??] 'Back in the 80's' is right abouts when I probably *got* it...IIRC I probably found/bought it cheap at somebody's farm auction.
You are right in the ballpark with this model.... :)
I have one of these machines also if anyone needs to hold up two stereos! We bought it in the 70’s to make a living bronzing baby shoes.