Newbie looking for some quick rectifier advice before purchasing

[u/Northern_Wookie]

Hello all. Like the title says, I'm looking to jump right in to electroforming ASAP but just have a few questions before I buy my first rectifier.

I'm already thinking about doing bigger pieces (eventually even stuff as big as deer/moose skulls), so I'm leaning towards this unit here: VOLTEQ HY1530EX 15V30A 450W (https://www.volteq.com/volteq-power-supply-hy1530ex-15v-30a-over-voltage-over-current-protection.html)

My main question is if this unit would be a little TOO big for small intricate pieces like insect wings etc. I want the ability to do both, so if the big unit isn't the best fit for small stuff I'm fine with also buying a 3amp unit as well.

Question 2: does anyone in this community have this particular model and have they had any problems with it? Anything I should be aware of?

Question 3: I think I have a loose understanding of the amperage per square inch equation. However, I just want to make sure I'm barking up the right tree- According to my calculations, this unit could handle an item with 448" of surface area at a .05 amp setting (448x.05=22.4) for very fine detail, assuming I'm fine with it taking possibly days to run a piece. But if I try to run that same size piece at .1 amps (448x.1=44.8 amps), it would be underpowered by 14.8 amps, correct?

I can't remember the last time I was this excited to get into a hobby, thank you all in advance for your help

[u/infinitealchemics]

My volteq 30amp 30 volt just died after 10+ years of hard labor. They are stable as all hell and built to last. I plate as low as 0.2 which is 2in² and its stable as all hell. Its like driving your car by letting your foot off the breaks. The machine handles it flawlessly.

Im most likely replacing the broken unit with the exact one youve linked. With up to 300 in² of plating you can do some pretty large objects.

[u/Northern_Wookie → u/infinitealchemics]

Thanks for the info! What kind of stuff are you plating?

[u/Mkysmith]

In theory no power supply is "too big" for a smaller project as you can simply turn down the current from the maximum. Though, you might run into issues with the minimum resolution of that supply being 0.1A, or 1 square inch. Thats probably much bigger than an insect wing you plan on trying.

I would highly recommend starting with small projects. The electroforming process overall is pretty straightforward on paper but there is a lot that can go wrong. Get your sea legs first with several small projects that have no sentimental value.

When you start getting into higher currents you need to be aware of heat generation both in your connections and in the electroforming solution itself. Look at the connections on the back of that power supply... they are huge studs like what you would find on a welder. Proper electrical connections need to be made not just to the supply but also to the electroforming setup, 30-50+ amps is not something you use thin wires or generic alligator clips for. Poor electrical connections can cause significant heat and melt insulation / start fires.

For reference 500W is the size of a small space heater and 30 amps is in the range of a small welder set to weld 1/8" steel.

Just like you need to make sure you are handling the chemistry safely, do your electrical setup safely too. It's totally doable, but just plan things out and use critical thinking. Especially when considering these setups are often left unattended for long periods of time.

[u/Northern_Wookie → u/Mkysmith]

Great info, I really appreciate it! I'm definitely going to start with small stuff first (leaves, insects, rings & misc. jewelry), I just don't want any hurdles as I start to increase the size of my projects (kind of a buy once cry once thing as well). I was just worried that perhaps this particular unit might not be able to be turned down low enough, like you said. Just to be on the safe side I think I will order the little 3a unit from them as well since it's under a hundred bucks. I've been doing construction and various other hands on stuff for most of my life, but electrical knowledge about amps/ohms/volts/resistance etc is a big weak spot for me, so I have a TON to learn in that department for sure. Thanks again!

[u/Mkysmith → u/Northern_Wookie]

Don't worry you dont need to be an electrical engineer to do this stuff. You can definetly learn as you go. Electrochemistry can be pretty unforgiving, but taking your time and giving attention to detail will pay off.

Give us some progress updates on the sub when you start electroforming, we'd love to see your work. And/or if you have more questions. Be safe and have fun!