# Free Anodizing! **URL:** \ **Category:** Yo-Yo Mods and Maintenance\ **Created:** [February 8, 2014, 2:00am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/free-anodizing/63630 "2014-02-08T02:00:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![jupdyke](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/jupdyke/32/1416_2.png) [@jupdyke](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/jupdyke)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2014, 2:00am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/free-anodizing/63630/1 "2014-02-08T02:00:39Z")
Hello all, Some of you might remember me from some of the work I did powder coating, laser etching and doing some leather keychains. Well all the money that I earned doing that, and some of my tax return just purchased a really nice anodizing set up. If you are interested in my set up you can check it out here: [http://www.caswellplating.com/electroplating-anodizing/anodizing-products/anodizing-kits.html](http://www.caswellplating.com/electroplating-anodizing/anodizing-products/anodizing-kits.html) So here is the deal. I would like some yoyos to practice on and use as demonstration of my work. This is the same deal I did with the powder coating and most people were really happy with my results. If you mail me a yoyo and pay for the shipping to mail it back I will anodize it for FREE. Yes I know I must be crazy! As always there are some catches: 1. You have to mail me the yoyo and pay for shipping to mail it back to you. (I can’t lose money on this) 2. Your yoyo must be raw. This means it can’t have any paint, anodizing, friction pads, o-rings, plating or anything else. You can look up how to strip a yoyo and do it yourself. 3. I am already ordered ‘Fast Blue’ dye from Caswell. So if you want that color you are in luck. But if you want another color you will have to supply that dye. You can either order the dye from Caswell or any other anodizing supplier and mail it to me. Or you can go to any walmart and pick up a pack of RIT fabric dye and put that in the box when you mail the yoyo. I have used the RIT dye method in the past and it works okay. But the colors are not always the same on aluminum as they are on fabric. 4. I am only doing solid colors right now. I want to get that down first, then I will try some splashes. 5. I will update this post with what colors people send me. So if one person sends me a color you want, you can use the same dye. 6. This is the most important requirement. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU ARE UNHAPPY. So far I have never had a problem with the people on this forum, you guys are all really cool. But I am doing this for free to practice and get some examples of my work. I will document everything take pictures before and after anodizing. But sometimes this go wrong. I am like you guys and love my throws, and I take pride in my work. This means that I will do everything I can to get you great results. But I can’t guarantee anything. If you are interested send me a message and mail me your throws. Josh ---
**Author:** ![Totalartist](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/totalartist/32/1054_2.png) [@Totalartist](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Totalartist)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2014, 10:39am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/free-anodizing/63630/2 "2014-02-08T10:39:43Z")
Just as an alternative, you might also ask people to donate a beater, so you can strip it and test out your equipment. Maybe offer them a discount on a job later, when you have everything down to a science. Give them a gift certificate for donating a throw. That way it will pay off later. Even though you gave a disclaimer, and spelled it out, I just feel like there is always at least one who just won’t get it. The donations will allow you to mess up with no pressure at all. No running back and forth to the post office, and no one dissatisfied. Then, you can just focus on learning the equipment. You can sell the anodized beaters on Ebay as a cheap lot, and use the proceeds to buy more dye. It’s another way that everyone wins. ---
**Author:** ![jupdyke](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/jupdyke/32/1416_2.png) [@jupdyke](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/jupdyke)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2014, 4:18pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/free-anodizing/63630/3 "2014-02-08T16:18:39Z")
Yeah that is another good way. But I am pretty confident in that they will come out good. I built my own anodizing set up a few years ago out of cheap supplies. I was a poor college student and just wanted to try it out. It actually worked pretty well. I got really solid colors. But because I had built it all from I couldn’t do anything but small parts and it was slow and messy. When I moved and got a grown up job I decided I would buy a much nicer set up. I believe good quality tools pay off. So once I get it I am gonna do some test pieces on scrap aluminum and post the photos. Once I can do scrap pieces, I want to do some yoyos to show off. So I’m pretty confident that the yoyos will be fine. Plus I like seeing the reactions of people when I mail them back stuff. Can’t wait for the kit to arrive. Josh ---
**Author:** ![yomagic](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/yomagic/32/131_2.png) [@yomagic](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/yomagic)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2014, 6:07pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/free-anodizing/63630/4 "2014-02-08T18:07:58Z")
If I had any raw yoyos is send you some but I don’t haha 😕 I know you can do solid work so if anyone is iffy Josh is the real deal. ---
**Author:** ![oops](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/oops/32/683976_2.png) [@oops](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/oops)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2014, 6:11pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/free-anodizing/63630/5 "2014-02-08T18:11:57Z")
Wish I had a beat yoyo, I’d happily strip it and send it your way ---
**Author:** ![TTTYo](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/tttyo/32/1280_2.png) [@TTTYo](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/TTTYo)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2014, 7:00pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/free-anodizing/63630/6 "2014-02-08T19:00:23Z")
I have a stripped majesty. I could send it your way if you promise that it won’t get ruined :wink: ---
**Author:** ![bobashek](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/bobashek/32/990_2.png) [@bobashek](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/bobashek)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2014, 8:21am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/free-anodizing/63630/7 "2014-02-09T08:21:09Z")
Thanks for doing this, I may just take you up on this offer! One thing though, would you be able to do a clear anodize on a soda blasted yoyo (no ano)? ---
**Author:** ![SaltySalvador](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/saltysalvador/32/1187_2.png) [@SaltySalvador](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/SaltySalvador)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2014, 10:16am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/free-anodizing/63630/8 "2014-02-09T10:16:22Z")
Cool. Can’t wait for this to be in full run. Way better alternative to getting some yoyo work done 😃 ---
**Author:** ![jupdyke](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/jupdyke/32/1416_2.png) [@jupdyke](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/jupdyke)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2014, 1:42am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/free-anodizing/63630/9 "2014-02-10T01:42:45Z")
Hi everyone, So far I got a few people sending me some throws and two people might be sending me some more colors. So expect some photos coming soon. bobashek: I can do a clear anodizing. You basically just skip the dying step and seal it after the anodizing. It is still anodized, but not dyed. I should get my gear next week, so photos coming soon. Josh ---
**Author:** ![jupdyke](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/jupdyke/32/1416_2.png) [@jupdyke](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/jupdyke)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2014, 5:19am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/free-anodizing/63630/10 "2014-02-13T05:19:05Z")
I got the shipping details and the kit should get here on Friday. So I can set it up and hopefully do my first test pieces on Saturday. Hopefully I will have some awesome pictures to show off then. Josh p.s. Can you tell I am excited? ---
**Author:** ![oops](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/oops/32/683976_2.png) [@oops](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/oops)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2014, 12:51pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/free-anodizing/63630/11 "2014-02-13T12:51:17Z")
> [@jupdyke](#): > > p.s. Can you tell I am excited? I doubt I speak for everyone, but I’m sure I speak for a lot of us when I say I’m excited to see how your anodizing skills progress! ---
**Author:** ![Gambit](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/gambit/32/1358_2.png) [@Gambit](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Gambit)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2014, 1:02pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/free-anodizing/63630/12 "2014-02-13T13:02:51Z")
> [@oops](#): > > I doubt I speak for everyone, but I’m sure I speak for a lot of us when I say I’m excited to see how your anodizing skills progress! I agree. There’s been a large Jason-Wong shaped hole that needs to be filled. This could be the start of something beautiful. ---
**Author:** ![mullicabob](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/mullicabob/32/1108_2.png) [@mullicabob](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/mullicabob)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2014, 5:07pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/free-anodizing/63630/13 "2014-02-13T17:07:07Z")
> [@Gambit](#): > > I agree. There’s been a large Jason-Wong shaped hole that needs to be filled. This could be the start of something beautiful. Safe to say Jason’s presence is sorely missed and will be hard pressed to be filled even a little. Will be nice to have another entry into the discipline though. ---
**Author:** ![Navythrow](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/navythrow/32/1228_2.png) [@Navythrow](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Navythrow)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2014, 5:16pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/free-anodizing/63630/14 "2014-02-13T17:16:18Z")
> [@mullicabob](#): > > Safe to say Jason’s presence is sorely missed and will be hard pressed to be filled even a little. > > Will be nice to have another entry into the discipline though. There are a few of us who are getting rigs together and will be giving ano a shot soon…whoops, did I say that out loud! :wink: ---
**Author:** ![mullicabob](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/mullicabob/32/1108_2.png) [@mullicabob](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/mullicabob)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2014, 8:48pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/free-anodizing/63630/15 "2014-02-13T20:48:49Z")
> [@Navythrow](#): > > There are a few of us who are getting rigs together and will be giving ano a shot soon…whoops, did I say that out loud! :wink: I think my mind is slowly take a turn towards the “forgetful” side. It would not be my place to say you may be setting up a set of your own anyway but I did actually forget. Double trouble!! ---
**Author:** ![jupdyke](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/jupdyke/32/1416_2.png) [@jupdyke](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/jupdyke)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2014, 11:21pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/free-anodizing/63630/16 "2014-02-15T23:21:55Z")
Whenever I read forum posts I always want to see pictures. So when the two huge boxes arrived today I took some pictures of all the equipment that arrived. I also went out and got 22 gallons of distilled water and 6 quarts of battery acid. I am hoping to try anodizing my first part tonight. But it depends on how long the set up time takes. [http://www.joshupdyke.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Gear-1024x768.jpg](http://www.joshupdyke.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Gear-1024x768.jpg) [http://www.joshupdyke.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Water-1024x768.jpg](http://www.joshupdyke.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Water-1024x768.jpg) [http://www.joshupdyke.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Acid-1024x768.jpg](http://www.joshupdyke.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Acid-1024x768.jpg) And I also picked up some fabric dye to experiment with. Personally I think the actual anodizing dye is going to be much better. But I have seen some decent results with the fabric dye. So I thought for a few dollars it would be a good experiment. [http://www.joshupdyke.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Dye-1024x768.jpg](http://www.joshupdyke.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Dye-1024x768.jpg) Josh ---
**Author:** ![Logi](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/logi/32/7932_2.png) [@Logi](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Logi)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2014, 11:25pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/free-anodizing/63630/17 "2014-02-15T23:25:52Z")
Can you do a clear coat? ---
**Author:** ![jupdyke](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/jupdyke/32/1416_2.png) [@jupdyke](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/jupdyke)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2014, 1:50am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/free-anodizing/63630/18 "2014-02-16T01:50:48Z")
Here is a little update. I got all the tanks set up and mixed all the chemicals. I am not super impressed with Caswell’s directions. One page will say mix with 4.5 gallons water, the next page will say mix with 4 gallons water. I noticed that almost all the packages have slightly different amounts to mix than the instruction book that they sent. My guess is that it is probably not super critical. None the less, it is annoying. [http://www.joshupdyke.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Set-Up.jpg](http://www.joshupdyke.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Set-Up.jpg) > [@Logi](#): > > Can you do a clear coat? Yes. A clear coat would just be skipping the dying step. So it is actually less work. But you should keep in mind that whatever the surface looked like the anodizing will not hide it. Even with dye it does not hide much. So if you wanted a clear coat I would suggest polishing the yoyo first. ---
**Author:** ![Logi](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/logi/32/7932_2.png) [@Logi](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Logi)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2014, 2:22am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/free-anodizing/63630/19 "2014-02-16T02:22:16Z")
> [@jupdyke](#): > > Here is a little update. I got all the tanks set up and mixed all the chemicals. I am not super impressed with Caswell’s directions. One page will say mix with 4.5 gallons water, the next page will say mix with 4 gallons water. I noticed that almost all the packages have slightly different amounts to mix than the instruction book that they sent. My guess is that it is probably not super critical. None the less, it is annoying. > > [http://www.joshupdyke.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Set-Up.jpg](http://www.joshupdyke.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Set-Up.jpg) > > Yes. A clear coat would just be skipping the dying step. So it is actually less work. But you should keep in mind that whatever the surface looked like the anodizing will not hide it. Even with dye it does not hide much. So if you wanted a clear coat I would suggest polishing the yoyo first. I would mostlikly beadblast it. ---
**Author:** ![FoolsGoldDigger](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/foolsgolddigger/32/7928_2.png) [@FoolsGoldDigger](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/FoolsGoldDigger)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2014, 2:37am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/free-anodizing/63630/20 "2014-02-16T02:37:39Z")
Hi can you anodize in white? Not necessarily clear but dyed the ano white like the original Levi peak color white without the blue mountains. [Next page](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/free-anodizing/63630.md?page=2)