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Posted by Kevin in Ohio [50.41.113.192] on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at 07:42:31 :
In Reply to: Heres what $400 in chrome looks like posted by Nick [99.100.212.49] on Monday, December 17, 2012 at 21:32:47 :
Surprisingly, that is a good deal anymore. If your pieces had any pitting on them, that would make it even more expensive. Finding a good chromer anymore is extremely hard to do. I used 3 of the most recognized names in the business and was not happy with any of them.
I've learned to do all my own prep work. Meaning, grinding, sanding, polishing BEFORE it is chromed. The pic shows a piece ready to be chromed. It basically becomes a "dip an ship" process for them but they still seem to find ways of messing it up.
My experience is it all depends on who you get and the chromer to do the work. The big places have a lot of employees and like everywhere else, they are all NOT the same quality wise. Granted, they should have quality control but it doesn't happen all the time, trust me.
I had a piece that did need some filling. They inlay voids with multible copper plating and smooth it down again. I smoothed everything down like the pic and just had a few casting voids. After they saw it in person they gave me a quote of more than your total. Gave the go ahead and when I got it back they had just dipped it with no fill. Sent it back and they agreed to redo, their fault. They made it worse and nickle showing everywhere and copper slag present from incorrect finishing. Sent it back and the owner said he would personally check it as it worked it's way through the shop. 3rd time was the charm but it to 1 year to get it back. This was the most currently recognized chromer in the US in Nashville, Tenn.
Jerry is right, it is very time consuming and takes experience not to wave out a piece. I would NOT want to do it for a living. Try to do a small piece yourself if you think it's easy.
I now use a local guy now who sends the stuff to Dayton Wire Wheel. EPA restrictions keep small places from being able to start up due to the fees and restrictions. My guy does the prep work and polishing and DWW just dips the stuff. Common practice as most do not do it in house anymore.
In working with my local guy, He cuts me a deal since I do my own work. He normally gets $40.00/hr labor to give you an idea.
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