Nancy Fratti wrote:

> I'd like to set up a dedicated workspace with the necessary vats of
> 'chemicals', but am totally unfamiliar with what those chemicals would
> be or how to use them or where to get them.

It has probably been too long since college chemistry etc. but as I
recall, the plating process is basically simple, electric direct current,
proper chemical solutions, buffing and polishing pre-steps, and perhaps
copper plating under the nickel.  The major problem is that the chemicals
are toxic, some are acids, safety concerns are significant, and there are
environmental impact problems with disposal of the chemicals.

You *certainly* don't want to have any of this stuff with children around
(and incautious, uninformed adults -- "Keepen der gepokin fingern AUS!").
In some plating solutions, cyanide compounds are used -- 'nuff said!

I'd personally send it out to a professional shop.

Harvey Chao