Hail From The Great Black Swamp

[SpecialEffects]

Hello - I'm from the midwest (the title 'refines' the geography if you care to look).

Other than reverse elecroplating, a background in inorganic chemistry, a scant but perhaps basic understanding of the dangers and pitfalls available in possibly taking this step, I've decided to stop lurking and (probably) start doing. Until now it's basically been: procure Karat gold, send to my favorite refinery, and wait for a check. Along the way in way of preparation of this moment in time, I've accumulated a pound of Sodium MetaBiSulfite (ha - you should see the confusion on my pyro buddies faces when they see that one), have a good hood/ventilation room (I'm a pyro also) and heat sources and labware, and have been (for years) acquiring what I can lay my hand on of the following sort of stuff: gold filled and plated materials, catalytic converters, CPUs (incl P-Pros) and enough plated fingers & contacts etc to fill bags, swift and hastings ribbon and leaf, 'gold powder', AG/AU or ferrous mix stuff that my refinery doesn't want, odds and ends I suspect could use some refining, a lot of lurking knowledge, and now the final kid is off to college - so I can obtain some of the final necessary items without concern for anyones safety but my own and the cat.

PLUS: I have that most precious commodity of all again finally after 30 years: SOME TIME TO CALL MY OWN

I own 2 companies and a software patent, but am not rich, do not think I'm stupid (I know - veeerrrryy dangerous) and am ready to adopt a new hobby to go along with HV, pyro, numismatics, .... on and on. More later if I properly adapt to this forums norms and am accepted as serious. You can find me on a few other forums of the above hobbies generally using usernames beginning with the abbreviation sfx.... but Special Effects seems just fine today.

Thanks in advance - I hope this is a fruitful move, and perhaps I can some day even contribute, and not just brain drain.

Not sure where to start - but reading seems a good place. (NOTE: I've purchased NO books relating to this subject other than in a peripheral way)

AND OF COURSE: I hereby promise to use the search function prior to hitting any posting related button on the site!

Any obvious advice considering my mindset I've offered up, feel free to offer it up, or get in my face starting now. I can take criticism - it's usually right on the mark anyway, I've learned.

Mark

 

[jimdoc]

AND OF COURSE: I hereby promise to use the search function prior to hitting any posting related button on the site!
Mark

If only all new members would think like this. I think that I am not alone in thinking you are starting out the right way. After all the answers to almost any newbie question is here already, at least twice.
And if you read Hoke's book until you understand it, then you will be very close to graduation day.

Jim

 

[gold4mike]

Welcome. I too am originally from the area of the former Great Black Swamp.

It seems you have the proper attitude to do well here. Download a copy of Hoke's book, read every forum post you can. Try some familiarization experiments, then ask questions.

 

[SpecialEffects]

Thanks - I'm halfway through the book (tho I skimmed it once). I'm trying to stay focused on it, and away from the forum posts right now - as I have so many questions that veer into current specifics I'd get confused or never finish the book, I do agree/hope the book itself should create a good foundation regarding the basic "chemical engineering" of this family of activities.

THEN on to current methodologies, experiences, and knowledge in the posts.

So far I think I'm glad I won't be dealing much with the platinum family. At least that is my assumption -- Or does it pop up in the typical course of events more than I expect? I mean it's not a typical "filler" or "hardener" (is it?) , and I'm hoping it can be compartmentalized into a second group of sub-activities - platinum jewelry, catalytic elements, labware, etc. I'm a bit concerned it's used unexpectedly often as a plating or some for some other unforseen purpose - an answer I'll look for once I've been through the book a couple of times.

(unless someone wishes to comment on my assumption and question)

Give me about another week to have the book digested.

Mark

 

[jimdoc]

So far I think I'm glad I won't be dealing much with the platinum family. At least that is my assumption -- Or does it pop up in the typical course of events more than I expect? I mean it's not a typical "filler" or "hardener" (is it?) , and I'm hoping it can be compartmentalized into a second group of sub-activities - platinum jewelry, catalytic elements, labware, etc. I'm a bit concerned it's used unexpectedly often as a plating or some for some other unforseen purpose - an answer I'll look for once I've been through the book a couple of times.
Mark

Don't worry about the platinum, you can save any that you come across to deal with when you are ready. This is where the stockpot mentioned in Hoke's book comes into play. Or save it up to sell. You may run into platinum or palladium mountings on gold rings.

Jim

 

[SpecialEffects]

Thanks - Info filed away. Was unaware of that family used in mountings.

Good thing I had no illusions that this would be easy.

Mark

 

[jimdoc]

It used to be a good thing to find unexpected platinum in a batch. Now that gold is higher in price than platinum, I guess it isn't right now. Even rhodium is lower.

Jim

 

[Anonymous]

Welcome to the Forum Mark.

 

[philddreamer]

Speaking of the PM's prices, I was checking the charts on Kitco for the last 12 mos. & what a roller coaster ride. :mrgreen:
Gold is still about $150.00 on the + side though, but platinum & rhodium... :shock:

Phil