xspook
New member
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2011
- Messages
- 2
Greetings from Long Beach, CA.
I have been lurking on the forum for a few months now, soaking in the wealth of information provided and would like to express gratitude towards the experienced refiners so willing to share such information, all the while keeping us safe.
I have just processed (well, ok, half-processed, I still need to do a clean-up session and second refining) my first batch of filled jewelry (cheap non-stamped Chinese rolled 18K, 200G expecting 2-5G final) I absolutely understand the need to remove base metals first, however, the shape of these particular items did not allow me to cut into them easily (or not at all with the tools I had on hand, anyways) to expose base metals to either a nitric or AP initial bath. So with that I chose melt-it-all via Poor Man’s AR. At first, it had the nice urine color I expected AuCl3 to have until the acids worked their way to the base metals, then the dark roast occurred. I used a brand new hotplate that I haven’t got a feel for yet, it seems one must turn the dial some ways before an indicator light lets you know that it’s truly on, so I assumed that the “low” setting is just about when the light first turns on and shot for that. With that, I did have a slight boil over. Boo, there went some of my values. I will have to see if there is any heat radiating off the plate before the indicator light comes on, or if all that excessive dial spin is just free play. In the meantime, I’m debating whether or not to throw the mophead into my freshly de-virginized stockpot
I have not yet processed my “cut” filled gold jewelry (about 225G) as I am debating how best to strip the base metals. I’m assuming nitric would do a better job than AP (apparently the jewelry has a high copper content), but I’m leaning towards AP because I have more time than pricey chemicals. (Ok, I now hear some of you saying “If you have time, spend the time to make nitric” –and yes, if my laziness loses the mind’s battle I’ll take this route) Nonetheless, I’d like some input from those with more GF experience.
So again, thank you Noxx, Catfish, GSP, Harold (with a capital “H”), Steve (with a capital “Lazer”) and (m)any others I have not mentioned that unknowingly jump started my education into a brand new hobby for me.
I would also like to hear specifically from other Los Angeles-Orange County hobbyist. Perhaps we can get a hobby group together. PM me please.
xspook
I have been lurking on the forum for a few months now, soaking in the wealth of information provided and would like to express gratitude towards the experienced refiners so willing to share such information, all the while keeping us safe.
I have just processed (well, ok, half-processed, I still need to do a clean-up session and second refining) my first batch of filled jewelry (cheap non-stamped Chinese rolled 18K, 200G expecting 2-5G final) I absolutely understand the need to remove base metals first, however, the shape of these particular items did not allow me to cut into them easily (or not at all with the tools I had on hand, anyways) to expose base metals to either a nitric or AP initial bath. So with that I chose melt-it-all via Poor Man’s AR. At first, it had the nice urine color I expected AuCl3 to have until the acids worked their way to the base metals, then the dark roast occurred. I used a brand new hotplate that I haven’t got a feel for yet, it seems one must turn the dial some ways before an indicator light lets you know that it’s truly on, so I assumed that the “low” setting is just about when the light first turns on and shot for that. With that, I did have a slight boil over. Boo, there went some of my values. I will have to see if there is any heat radiating off the plate before the indicator light comes on, or if all that excessive dial spin is just free play. In the meantime, I’m debating whether or not to throw the mophead into my freshly de-virginized stockpot
I have not yet processed my “cut” filled gold jewelry (about 225G) as I am debating how best to strip the base metals. I’m assuming nitric would do a better job than AP (apparently the jewelry has a high copper content), but I’m leaning towards AP because I have more time than pricey chemicals. (Ok, I now hear some of you saying “If you have time, spend the time to make nitric” –and yes, if my laziness loses the mind’s battle I’ll take this route) Nonetheless, I’d like some input from those with more GF experience.
So again, thank you Noxx, Catfish, GSP, Harold (with a capital “H”), Steve (with a capital “Lazer”) and (m)any others I have not mentioned that unknowingly jump started my education into a brand new hobby for me.
I would also like to hear specifically from other Los Angeles-Orange County hobbyist. Perhaps we can get a hobby group together. PM me please.
xspook
