In depletion guilding, is it critical that one uses Sparex when
quenching? Could one get the same results using a citric acid
solution to quench. What is taking place in the quenching action
that would be affected by the solution used? I am assuming that
the copper in the alloy is systematically being removed from the
metal’s surface. Will other solutions work for this?
I have been experimenting with the use of anhydrous granular
citric acid as a pickle. It has worked well for removing flux,
but will it work for depletion guilding? In depletion guilding,
does the temperature of the solution make any difference?
Because, the citric acid is most effective when used quite hot
(high on my crock pot).
Laura
I have been experimenting with the use of anhydrous granular
citric acid as a pickle. It has worked well for removing flux,
but will it work for depletion guilding? In depletion guilding,
does the temperature of the solution make any difference?
Really? Sounds super. Where can I get some? Yes the quench
depletes the surface of copper oxides which you generate by
heating the work to get the blackish colouring.
Temperature? I assume the hot works best. The Pre-Columbians had
all day. (waits for ten replies to point out that they would’ve
waite m0nths). Is this whare I put a 
Brian
B r i a n �� A d a m
j e w e l l e r
a n d �� e y e w e a r �� m a k e r
s i n c e ��1 9 8 1
http://crash.ihug.co.nz/~adam/
Why do you use anhydrous granular citric acid instead of sparex?
Where do you get it? How much is it and does it have a brand
name?
Marilyn Smith
Brian and Marilyn,
Sorry it took me so long to respond to your question. Had a
little computer crash.
I get my anhydrous granular citric acid (food grade, though this
is not at all essential) from a little chemical company that does
mostly pool chemical supplies. I am not certain why they carry
it. They must serve the a niche in the food industry. It comes
in 50 lb. bags and costs $1.50 per pound. They don’t carry it in
smaller quantities. However, I believe you can get it at some
pharmacies. I asked what a lesser grade would cost, and the
price they quoted was actually more than the food grade. You
probably can get your chemical company to order it for you. It
is produced by Haarmann & Reimer Corp. out of Elkhart, IN. I buy
the bag, split it up and sell it to friends at cost. Makes it
less of an investment for all of us. There is no problem with
storing (just needs to be kept from moisture) it if you wish to
have a lifetime supply.
It takes about 2 to 3 cups per half crockpot (medium size
crockpot). It is very safe to use, which is why I am using it,
and it seems to last a long time. I don’t worry about the
splatters when I quench in it, and I don’t worry about breathing
it. I wouldn’t go out of my way to inhale it, but I don’t get so
up tight about the fumes, fan, corrosion . . .
Good luck finding some, and Brian, thanks for the depletion
Laura