clad plates

[rivera1212]

hi all,

can anybody tell me if there is an advantage for using clad plates over the electroplate plated ones?

i thought i read there was but I’m not sure. and if there is does anybody sell them or how can i make mine

thanks

[Mike Robinson]

Hi All,

I do offer clad plates for sale. I’ve been using them for my own work for eleven years now. Clad plates have thicker silver than electroplating which allows for more re-use. The silver is also much softer which I believe results in a more traditional image tone. However, this requires a different polishing methodology than the jeweller’s wheel motor that many of you are familiar with. The cost is comparable to electroplated when you consider that you don’t have to prep copper to send to a plater. The total thickness is only .020 inch (similar to 19th century) which will save on weight when you take your hundred or so plates out for a days shooting.

The main disadvantage is that the rolling mills, annealing ovens and flattening machines today limit the maximum width to 4.25 inches.

Prices are in US dollars and do not include shipping

1/6 th plate $25.00

1/4 plate $45.00

4 X 5 plate $60.00

1/2 plate $65.00

If you want to make your own, I suggest you do it the way the French did.

all the best,

Mike Robinson

[phuphuphnik]

There would seem to be an economy in getting a 1/4 plate, and if one had the facilities, cutting it into 2 1/6th, well, slightly undersized 1/6th. it this correct?

Otherwise, yes, this is a *very* good price for clad plates. It sure beats buffing the images off all those old dags you got at the last flea market. (ducks and runs for cover)

chriso

[Mike Robinson]

The above post is incorrect in that you can’t get two slightly undersized sixth plates from a quarter plate. You would get two plates that are more than a half inch less in width than a sixth plate.

For clarification

1/6th plate is 3.25 X 2.75 inches,

1/4 plate is 4.25 X 3.25 inches

1/2 plate is 5.50 X 4.25 inches

4 X 5 is 5 X 4

[phuphuphnik]

Thanks for the clarification, my chart was off. As I said, this is a *very* good price for the plates.

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