Anodizing Aluminum

[messenger13]

While doing a little surfing, I came across THIS LINK (http://www.focuser.com/atm/anodize/anodize99.html). Looks kinda sorta interesting. I just wonder if it's worth the time, money, and energy. Comments?

[murray]

While doing a little surfing, I came across THIS LINK (http://www.focuser.com/atm/anodize/anodize99.html). Looks kinda sorta interesting. I just wonder if it's worth the time, money, and energy. Comments?
Anodizing is very cool, it all comes down to personal preferences. Remember at resale time any farkel's or cosmetic enhancements may or may not increase resale value. I bet there are some cool area's on the Ninja to anodize.
Where on the LT are you considering anodizing?

[nearmisses]

Great article Joe! Thanks for posting it. I never knew it was that simple to color aluminum. I have some understanding of the Industrial Black and Green type but always wondered how they were doing the fancy colors you see here in this article. My buddy used to work in a gold refinery and he's always telling me it isn't that hard but he gets to technical. this simplifies things. I think I just found a new sideline. I always wanted more gold parts on my Duc, now I know how to do it! Just think of the possibilities, Shocking Pink side cases and cylinder heads on Harley's for the ladies! Thanks again Joe! Sure wish you were coming to Daytona for Bikeweek! We could go fool'in around on that new K1200GT!!! I'll be thinkin' about ya.

[messenger13]

Where on the LT are you considering anodizing?Nothing on the LT.

[dshealey]

I did some plain clear anodizing at home about 35 years ago. Easy as pie, using readily available items. Never set up for it though, as I rarely had anything I wanted to do. More recently I just took parts to local anodizers and had them do it since I have been dealing with anodizers in my job anyway. Not expensive at all if you want colors they are already running batches for. I have had small parts done free if they were already running the color I wanted.

If you think you will do a few parts over a reasonable time, it is kinda fun, and worth the small outlay. Not something one would do for a part or two on rare occasion though. Kinda messy to set-up, take down, and store the chemicals.

[bemmerbiker]

Having worked in the metal finishing business, keep one thing in mind all of those chemicals become waste when you are finished. Disposing of them can become a problem. That can cost as much or more the the cost to do the project.

Do your home work before you invest your money.
It may be cheaper to pay the finisher, in town, to do the job.

Just my 2cents.